There are few desserts that evoke the comfort and nostalgia of a gooey, fudgy tray of Easy Homemade Brownies. Whether you’re baking for an impromptu get-together, a weeknight sweet tooth fix, or just a cozy night in, these brownies hit all the right notes: rich with dark chocolate, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and boasting irresistible crispy edges. You won’t need fancy equipment or elusive ingredients, just the basics you probably already have in your pantry. This is the kind of recipe you’ll return to time and again—trust me, there’s real magic in baking up these Easy Homemade Brownies fresh from your own oven!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Easy Homemade Brownies truly legendary is how basic, honest ingredients come together to make something extraordinary. Each component pulls its weight, creating that classic flavor and texture we all crave in a homemade brownie.
- Butter (½ cup, melted and cooled): Butter gives these brownies their rich, buttery backbone and helps create those sumptuous, chewy edges.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sugar not only sweetens but also balances the cocoa flavor and adds to the signature shiny, crackly top.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp.): Don’t skip the vanilla—it adds warmth, depth, and rounds out the chocolate notes beautifully.
- Eggs (2): Eggs add structure, moisture, and just enough lift for a fudgy middle that isn’t too cakey.
- Baking Soda (¼ tsp.): A touch of baking soda ensures your brownies are just the right height with a delicate crumb.
- Salt (¼ tsp.): Salt sharpens the chocolate flavors and keeps the brownies from tasting flat or cloyingly sweet.
- All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): Just enough flour to bind things—too much, and you lose that dense, decadent bite.
- Cocoa Powder (½ cup): Go for unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolatey punch and rich color.
- Chocolate Chips (1½ cups): Dark chocolate chips, like Hershey’s Dark, dotted throughout guarantee little lava pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Easy Homemade Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a 9×9-inch metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making sure to leave an overhang so it’s easy to lift the brownies out later. This simple step saves cleanup and guarantees your brownies will come out perfectly, without sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Melt and Cool the Butter
Gently melt your butter (microwave or stovetop works!) and set it aside to cool for a few minutes. Using melted and cooled butter gives your Easy Homemade Brownies that signature fudgy center with a chewy crust—essential brownie bliss!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until glossy and smooth. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until each is fully incorporated. This step builds the base for those crave-worthy, dense brownies you’re after.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the baking soda, salt, flour, and cocoa powder directly to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! The batter will be thick and rich, which is exactly what you want for homemade brownies with serious depth.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Pour in those chocolate chips and use a spatula to fold them into the batter, distributing them as evenly as possible. These will melt into luscious chocolate pockets as the brownies bake, creating an irresistible texture in every bite.
Step 6: Bake
Spread the thick, chocolatey batter evenly in your prepared pan. Slide it into the oven and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. If using a glass or ceramic pan, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and bake a couple minutes longer. The top should look glossy and feel just set—a cake tester with a few moist crumbs is perfect.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This is the hardest part but absolutely worth it; it makes cutting easier and helps the brownies set up for those photo-worthy, clean-edged squares!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Brownies
Garnishes
The beauty of Easy Homemade Brownies is that you can keep it classic or get fancy. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before serving for an extra hit of flavor and sparkle.
Side Dishes
You can never go wrong with a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside a warm brownie, but these also pair beautifully with fresh berries, a spoonful of whipped cream, or even some tangy Greek yogurt for a contrasting bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, cut brownies into bite-sized squares and stack them on a tiered tray. Or, serve them sundae-style: nestle a brownie in a bowl, top with ice cream, hot fudge, and a cherry. For a lunchbox surprise, wrap individual squares in parchment for easy grab-and-go treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, tuck your leftover Easy Homemade Brownies into an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and fudgy for up to 4 days, making them perfect for lunchboxes or late-night cravings.
Freezing
Want brownies on demand? Cut the fully cooled slab into individual squares, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight on the counter, and they taste blissfully fresh!
Reheating
To recreate that just-baked gooeyness, pop a brownie square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate chips melt again and the brownie turns irresistibly fudgy—serve it warm with ice cream for a truly decadent treat.
FAQs
Can I use a glass or ceramic pan instead of metal?
Absolutely! Just remember to reduce your oven temperature to 325°F and add an extra 2 to 3 minutes to the bake time. Glass and ceramic pans retain heat differently, so these tweaks help prevent overbaking.
Is it possible to make these Easy Homemade Brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix. The brownies will still bake up fudgy and decadent, with barely a difference in texture or flavor.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Go for it! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of dried fruit stir in beautifully. Aim for about half a cup of add-ins, so the classic brownie texture is preserved.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The best way is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center—look for a few moist crumbs clinging (not raw batter). If you prefer gooier brownies, pull them out on the earlier side. For a cakier texture, let them bake an extra couple of minutes.
What’s the secret to shiny, crackly tops on brownies?
Beating the eggs and sugar well before adding dry ingredients is key! This step dissolves the sugar and incorporates air, resulting in those signature glossy tops that make Easy Homemade Brownies so gorgeous.
Final Thoughts
So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of Easy Homemade Brownies! Whether you love them for dessert, as a midnight snack, or just because, these brownies promise unforgettable flavor with every bite. Once you bake them, don’t be surprised when they become your go-to chocolate fix—enjoy every delicious crumb!
PrintEasy Homemade Brownies Recipe
Indulge in the rich and chocolatey goodness of these easy homemade brownies. Made with a perfect blend of butter, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate chips, these brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup Butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 2 Eggs
Dry Ingredients:
- ¼ tsp. Baking Soda
- ¼ tsp. Salt
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Cocoa Powder
- 1 ½ cup Chocolate Chips*
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9”X9” square metal baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Melt butter and set aside to cool.
- Prepare batter: Whisk together butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Whisk in eggs until fully incorporated. Add dry ingredients (baking soda, salt, flour, and cocoa powder) to wet ingredients. Stir until combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Batter will be thick.
- Bake: Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes before cutting.
Notes
- A metal baking pan is recommended for best results.
- For glass or ceramic pans: Reduce heat to 325°F. Cooking time will increase by 2-3 minutes. A double batch in a 9X13 glass pan takes approximately 45 minutes.
- Chocolate Chips: Recommend using Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips. The chocolate chips used should still be slightly sweet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 199 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 97mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 39mg
