How to Make Brownies from Scratch: The Ultimate Recipe for Fudgy, Delicious Brownies

When it comes to desserts that everyone loves, brownies are a classic. Their rich, chocolatey flavor, chewy texture, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness make them a go-to treat for any occasion. While boxed brownie mixes are convenient, there’s something extra special about making brownies from scratch. Homemade brownies not only taste better but also offer the freedom to customize them just the way you like.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make the perfect batch of brownies from scratch—whether you prefer them fudgy, cakey, or somewhere in between. Plus, we’ll share tips for getting that perfect texture and flavor, and give you ideas for how to customize your brownies to make them even more delicious.

Why Make Brownies from Scratch?

While a box of brownie mix is convenient, brownies from scratch are superior in flavor and texture. Here’s why you should give them a try:

Better Flavor: Homemade brownies have a depth of flavor that boxed mixes can’t replicate. You get the richness of pure chocolate, real butter, and vanilla.
Control Over Ingredients: When you make brownies from scratch, you can control the quality of ingredients. You’re using real butter, fresh eggs, and high-quality chocolate—no preservatives or artificial flavorings.
Customizable: Whether you want them extra fudgy, with swirls of caramel, or packed with nuts, homemade brownies give you full control to tweak the recipe to your liking.
Freshness: Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked brownies right out of the oven. The warm, gooey center and slightly crispy edges are a treat that will make your kitchen smell like heaven.

Ingredients for Brownies from Scratch

Here’s what you’ll need to make brownies from scratch:

For the Brownies:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed for a smoother, richer flavor)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder (optional for a lighter texture)
1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional for extra chocolatey goodness)

Optional Add-ins:

1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds are popular choices)
1/4 cup swirl of peanut butter or caramel sauce for extra indulgence
A pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast

How to Make Brownies from Scratch

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

2. Melt the Butter and Mix with Sugar

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or over low heat on the stove. Once melted, stir in granulated sugar until well combined. This is the foundation for your brownie batter, giving it sweetness and richness.

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. This step will add moisture and depth to the batter.

4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder (if using). Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is well combined.

5. Add Optional Ingredients

If you’re adding chocolate chips, nuts, or any other extras, fold them into the batter now. The more chocolate, the better, in our opinion!

6. Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check the brownies around the 20-minute mark.

If you prefer your brownies extra fudgy, take them out closer to 20 minutes for a soft center. If you like them more cake-like, bake a little longer.

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