Easy Homemade Brownies From Scratch Recipe
The best brownies from scratch recipe. There is nothing wrong with brownie box mix. However, I love to be able to whip up a batch of delicious brownies made from scratch whenever I have a sweet tooth. I have been playing with this recipe for quite a while and have consistently nailed it. These things go like “hotcakes.” And it tickles me to share this recipe with you. Goodness me! There are some complicated brownie recipes out there, but for this busy mama season, simple is the best way.
Jump to Homemade Brownie Recipe CardDarling, Always Measure Chocolate Chips with Your Heart.
Simple Ingredients Breakdown for Homemade Brownies from Scratch Recipe
- Softened Butter. Here is what I discovered. Melted butter creates a fudgy texture, and softened butter at room temperature gives the brownies more rise. I prefer the latter. That’s why I add chocolate chips. Please don’t skimp on the butter, or the result will be dry brownies.
- Granulated Sugar. I have tried to limit the amount of sugar. One measuring cup full of white sugar seems to be the sweet spot. If I add less than 3/4 cup of sugar, the texture and taste suffer.
- Vanilla Extract. Because we love all things cozy.
- Eggs. Eggs give our baked goods their structure.
- Baking Soda. Today’s science lesson in the kitchen. 🙂
- Salt. Enhances all the flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour. This one beats me. Something about protein.
- Cocoa Powder. I use Hershey’s natural cocoa powder. I am always open to suggestions. Hershey’s is always available and stocked at my local grocery stores, and it’s easy to keep the pantry stocked. It’s a pantry staple in our household.
- Chocolate Chips. Use your favorite. I recommend using good quality chocolate. My favorite is dark chocolate chips, but my family’s favorite is milk chocolate chips.
How to Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen?
It’s back-to-school season again. The kitchen is the perfect place to bond after a busy day or to practice problem-solving, sequencing, and math skills. Any excuse to make brownies, right?
Here is a list of tasks for kids in the kitchen while making these chocolate brownies from scratch:
- Follow one-step instructions from the written recipe
- Gather ingredients
- Prepare the baking dish
- Measure ingredients using measuring spoons and measuring cups
- Learn to work with kitchen gadgets such as a hand or electric mixer*
- Combine ingredients together
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish
- Set timer
- Serve Family
- Properly clean up kitchen
* Supervise and consider age appropriateness for the task. Always supervise kids in the kitchen. You know your children the best.
How to Make the Best Chocolate Brownies from Scratch?
Equipment
- large bowl (or bowl of stand mixer)
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Baking dish (9×9 square pan)
Ingredient List
- 1/2 cup softened butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips all work lovely)
Step-By-Step Detailed Instructions for Brownies from Scratch Recipe
- First, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 9×9 square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Next, combine softened butter with sugar. Using your whisk attachment on the electric mixer, beat on medium speed for approx 2 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined. As needed, use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl.
- Then, add flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder to the batter. Mix until combined.
- Next, fold in the chocolate chips and spread the batter into the prepared pan. Note the brownie batter will be thick. Bake at 350ºF for 25-30 minutes (I begin checking at 20 minutes). Cool on a wire rack & ENJOY!
Tips for Making Homemade Brownies
How does butter change the texture of brownies?
Hot melted butter creates a fudge texture and a dense batter. Softened butter at room temperature gives the brownies more rise. I prefer the latter. That’s why I add chocolate chips. But don’t skimp on the butter, or you will have dry brownies. The sugar-to-butter ratio is just right. Too little butter will make for dry brownies.
How do I store homemade brownies?
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
What if I bake Brownies in a different size pan?
If you bake brownies in a different size metal pan, watch the brownies closely. A different size pan will change the thickness of the batter, and it will vary the bake time.
How do I tell if the brownies are done?
To tell when the brownies are done baking, look at the edges. The edges should pull away from the sides of the pan. The top of the brownies should be set and not jigging when you move the pan. You can also use the toothpick test. Simply insert a toothpick in the center; the toothpick should not be covered in batter. This might be hard to tell because of the melted chocolate.
Do I need to mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl?
No, there is no need to mix the dry ingredients in a separate medium bowl for this brownies from scratch recipe. After combining all the wet ingredients, add the dry ingredients on top and mix until incorporated.
Other Deliciously Easy Kid-Friendly Recipes
Best Starbucks Blueberry Muffins Recipe
Get the Recipe HERE.
Protein Energy Bites: No Bake
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Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Get the Recipe HERE.
Thanks for Stopping By!
Lastly, I want to thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share your favorite brownie topping. My favorite is always a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you make these deliciously easy brownies from scratch, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I hope you make time to enjoy some good cooking with your friends and family today. Maybe even a cup of tea and this delicious easy brownie recipe.
– With Great Joy, Katie
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Easy Homemade Brownies From Scratch Recipe
Equipment
- large bowl (or bowl of electric mixer)
- electric mixer (or whisk)
- baking dish 9×9 square pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips use your favorite, we use milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Next, combine softened butter with sugar. Using your whisk attachment on the electric mixer, beat on medium speed for at least 2 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined. As needed, use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl.
- Then, add flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder to the batter. Mix until combined.
- Next, fold in the chocolate chips and spread the batter into the prepared pan. Note the brownie batter will be thick. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes (I start checking mine at 20 minutes).