Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about these brownies? They are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The dark chocolate chips add a delightful richness, while the combination of granulated and powdered sugar creates the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. They come out chewy on the inside with slightly crispy edges, making each bite irresistible. You can customize them by adding nuts, extra chocolate chips, or other toppings if you wish. Plus, this recipe is incredibly forgiving — even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll end up with a treat that will impress everyone!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
3/4 teaspoons sea salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup canola oil or extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and sea salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil, water, and vanilla extract together until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
Fold in the dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 12-16 brownies, depending on how large you cut them.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
Double chocolate: Stir in an extra 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for an ultra-chocolatey treat.
Marbled brownies: Swirl in some cream cheese or peanut butter to make marbled brownies.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Mint brownies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract to the batter for a minty twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you’d like to save them for later, brownies freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, warm a brownie in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make my brownies more fudgy?

To achieve a fudgier texture, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. The brownies will set as they cool, giving you that moist and gooey center. You can also use less flour or add a little more chocolate to the batter.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes! You can substitute canola oil with other neutral oils like vegetable oil or even coconut oil for a unique flavor. For a more robust flavor, try extra-virgin olive oil.

Can I make these brownies without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes) or a store-bought egg replacer.

Why do I need to sift the cocoa powder and powdered sugar?

Sifting the cocoa powder and powdered sugar helps eliminate any lumps, ensuring a smoother brownie batter and preventing any graininess in the texture.

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate chips?

Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter, milder flavor, you can use milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate. The sweetness will be a little more pronounced, so adjust the sugar if you’d like.

Can I add other mix-ins to these brownies?

Yes! You can add ingredients like crushed Oreos, toffee bits, or dried fruit. Just be sure not to overload the batter with too many add-ins to maintain the perfect texture.

Why are my brownies dry?

Brownies can become dry if they are overbaked or if there’s too much flour in the batter. Be sure to check the brownies a few minutes before the baking time is up and test them with a toothpick. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I make these brownies in a larger pan?

Yes, if you use a larger pan, the brownies will be thinner. Make sure to adjust the baking time slightly and keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Test the brownies by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done. If it comes out with wet batter, they need a few more minutes in the oven.

Can I frost these brownies?

While these brownies are rich on their own, you can absolutely frost them if you like! A simple chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even a dusting of powdered sugar would pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

These homemade brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make, deliciously chewy, and highly customizable, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply on their own, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your chocolate cravings!

Best Homemade Brownies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Julia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12-16 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These homemade brownies are rich, chewy, and irresistibly indulgent. Made with cocoa powder, dark chocolate chips, and a touch of vanilla, they’re perfectly balanced with a fudgy texture and crispy edges. Customize them with nuts or extra chocolate chips for even more decadence.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and sea salt.
In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, oil, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined.
Fold in dark chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

For a fudgier texture, slightly reduce the baking time.
Feel free to add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or more chocolate chips for extra texture.
These brownies can also be made gluten-free by swapping for a gluten-free flour blend.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American