Nothing beats the taste of homemade brownies—rich, fudgy, and perfectly chocolatey. Whether you love them chewy, gooey, or cakey, making homemade brownies from scratch is easy and rewarding. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of decadent brownies that are far better than any store-bought mix.
In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make the best homemade brownies with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder.
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Better than Boxed Brownies – Richer flavor and a better texture.
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Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel for extra deliciousness.
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Easy to Make – No fancy equipment needed—just a bowl, a whisk, and an oven!
Timing
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients for Homemade Brownies
Dry Ingredients
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon baking powder (optional, for a slightly cakier texture)
Wet Ingredients
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½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar (for extra chewiness)
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
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½ cup chocolate chips (for extra fudginess)
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½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
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A pinch of espresso powder (to enhance the chocolate flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
Step 4: Mix the Batter
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or whisk. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything is combined. If using, fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool & Slice
Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before cutting into squares. This helps them set properly.
Tips for the Best Homemade Brownies
How to Get Fudgy Brownies
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Use more butter and less flour for a denser, fudgier texture.
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Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaking brownies keeps them gooey in the center.
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Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness.
How to Make Cakey Brownies
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Add an extra egg for more structure.
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Use a bit more flour and baking powder to create a lighter texture.
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Whisk the eggs and sugar until fluffy before mixing in the other ingredients.
How to Get Shiny, Crackly Tops
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Whisk the eggs and sugar well before adding the other ingredients.
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Melt the butter completely before mixing.
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Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top before baking.
Brownie Variations & Customizations
Chocolate Lovers’ Brownies
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Stir in chopped dark chocolate or use Dutch-process cocoa for an intense chocolate flavor.
Nutty Brownies
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Add walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
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Swirl in 2–3 tablespoons of peanut butter before baking for a delicious twist.
Salted Caramel Brownies
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Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
Gluten-Free Brownies
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Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
What to Serve with Brownies
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The ultimate combo!
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Whipped cream and fresh berries – Adds a light and fruity touch.
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A glass of cold milk – Because brownies and milk are a classic match.
Storage & Freezing Tips
Storing Brownies
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At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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In the Fridge: Keeps fresh for up to a week (but they’ll firm up).
Freezing Brownies
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Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
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Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Thaw at room temperature or warm up in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
Conclusion
Making homemade brownies from scratch is super easy, and the results are rich, fudgy, and incredibly delicious. Whether you love them gooey or cakey, this simple brownie recipe is perfect for any occasion.