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How to Make Brownies from Scratch
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the brownies out after they’ve cooled. You can also grease and flour the pan if you prefer. This step ensures that your brownies come out of the pan easily without sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or until completely melted. Let it cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until fully combined and smooth. The sugar should dissolve into the butter, creating a thick, glossy mixture. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until well combined. Sifting the cocoa powder helps to eliminate any lumps and ensures a smoother brownie batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—overmixing can lead to cakier brownies, and we want fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth brownies!
If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage. They will melt slightly while baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate in each bite.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). For extra fudgy brownies, check them a bit earlier—around 28 minutes—and remove them when the toothpick is still slightly sticky.
If you like your brownies with a more cake-like texture, bake them a bit longer, but keep in mind that they may lose some of their signature fudgy quality.
Step 6: Let Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting them into squares. The cooling process allows the brownies to set properly, making them easier to slice.
For clean, perfect slices, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water between cuts, wiping it dry before slicing again. This prevents the brownies from sticking to the knife.
Tips for Perfect Brownies from Scratch
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air and result in cake-like brownies instead of fudgy ones.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: The cocoa powder is one of the main flavors in brownies, so using a good quality, unsweetened cocoa powder can make a big difference.
- Watch the Baking Time: Brownies can quickly go from perfect to overdone. Start checking for doneness around 28 minutes, and remember they’ll continue to cook in the pan even after you take them out of the oven.
- Cool Before Cutting: Let the brownies cool before cutting them. If you cut them too soon, they may fall apart or be too gooey. A little patience goes a long way.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Want to take your brownies to the next level? Add in some walnuts, peanut butter swirls, or caramel bits for extra flavor and texture. You can also add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Brownies
These brownies from scratch are the perfect balance of fudgy, rich, and decadent. Here’s why they’re bound to become your new go-to recipe:
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips creates an intensely chocolatey taste that’s irresistible.
- Fudgy Texture: These brownies have the ideal texture—dense and moist in the middle with crispy edges.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins or adjust the level of sweetness to your taste. They’re versatile enough for endless variations!
- Quick and Easy: Despite the deep, homemade flavor, these brownies come together quickly and with minimal effort, making them the perfect last-minute treat for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
Making brownies from scratch might seem like a big effort, but the results are totally worth it. With a rich chocolate flavor, a fudgy texture, and the freedom to add your favorite mix-ins, these brownies are sure to satisfy any chocolate craving. Plus, they’ll be so much better than anything you can get from a store-bought mix.
So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistibly delicious brownies. Whether you enjoy them plain or loaded with extra chocolatey goodness, these brownies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser—and, most importantly, a treat you can enjoy every time you want something sweet and comforting!
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