Ever had one of those days when all you need is a rich, chocolaty pick-me-up that feels like a warm hug from the inside? Let me take you on a brownie journey that hits all the right notes of decadence and comfort with every bite.
I enjoy creating the ideal homemade brownies, and my formulation partners unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and dark cocoa to achieve the fudgy texture we all crave. When it comes to the perfect bite, I know the secret: Balance the sweetness with a hint of vanilla and a sprinkle of chocolate chips, and you’re there.
Homemade Brownies 2 Recipe Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture; high in saturated fat.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; primary source of carbohydrates.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients; contain protein and essential nutrients.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor; derived from vanilla beans.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; contains carbohydrates.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor; source of antioxidants.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Enhance sweetness and texture; chocolaty goodness.
Homemade Brownies 2 Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Make this Homemade Brownies 2 Recipe
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal of whatever treats you bake in it.
2. In a medium saucepan set over low heat, melt the butter until it is completely liquid. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the melted butter to cool slightly.
3. Incorporate the granulated sugar into the melted butter together really well.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is incorporated.
5. In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, and beat together until thoroughly mixed.
6. In a slow stream, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix and ensuring the consistency of the brownie batter. Stir until just combined. Overmixing the batter will create brownies that are tough instead of tender.
7. Carefully incorporate the chocolate chips into the batter, using a folding motion, until they are evenly dispersed throughout.
8. Place the brownie batter into the pan that has been prepared for baking. Spread out the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan with a spatula.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
Until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
Come out mostly clean with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
10. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. Now, you can enjoy your delicious, homemade brownies!
Homemade Brownies 2 Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking pan
3. Parchment paper (optional)
4. Medium saucepan
5. Mixing bowls (at least 2)
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Spatula
9. Whisk or spoon for stirring
10. Toothpick
11. Wire rack
FAQ
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?Indeed, to prevent the dish from becoming overly salty, it is advisable to leave out the salt, which in this case amounts to a half teaspoon.
- Can I substitute the sugar with a different type?Using brown sugar will give you a slightly moister brownie, but it will taste a little different.
- What if I don’t have vanilla extract?A dash of almond extract can be used for a unique flavor, but you can leave it out.
- Can I make the brownies without chocolate chips?You may leave out the chocolate chips, but they bring an additional layer of decadence to the dish.
- How do I store these brownies?Store them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to four days, or place in the refrigerator for extended freshness.
- Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?Certainly, using Dutch-processed cocoa is perfectly fine and will yield a chocolate with a much deeper flavor.
- How can I tell if the brownies are done?To determine if the brownies are finished baking, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out not completely clean, but with a few moist crumbs attached, while no wet batter should be present.
Homemade Brownies 2 Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Butter:
Replace with 1 cup of coconut oil or 1 cup of vegetable oil for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Granulated sugar:
Substitute 2 cups of brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
Eggs:
For an egg-free option, use 1 cup of any of the following: unsweetened applesauce, or mashed bananas.
All-purpose flour:
Substituting whole wheat flour gives a nuttier flavor. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Vanilla extract:
Substitute the almond extract with 1 teaspoon of another extract, such as vanilla or hazelnut, to achieve a different aromatic note.
Pro Tips
1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the batter. This will help them incorporate more smoothly into the mixture, resulting in a more uniform and tender texture.
2. Sift the Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder together. This helps to aerate the dry ingredients, resulting in a smoother, lump-free brownie batter and a lighter texture in the finished brownies.
3. Use High-Quality Cocoa: The flavor of the brownies depends heavily on the cocoa powder used. Opt for high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder to ensure a rich, chocolatey flavor.
4. Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the oven during the last few minutes of baking. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Overbaking will lead to dry brownies, so err on the side of slightly underdone for a fudgier texture.
5. Chill Before Cutting: For the cleanest cuts and neat squares, refrigerate the brownies for about 30 minutes after they have cooled to room temperature. This will firm them up slightly, making them easier to cut.
Homemade Brownies 2 Recipe
My favorite Homemade Brownies 2 Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking pan
3. Parchment paper (optional)
4. Medium saucepan
5. Mixing bowls (at least 2)
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Spatula
9. Whisk or spoon for stirring
10. Toothpick
11. Wire rack
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal of whatever treats you bake in it.
2. In a medium saucepan set over low heat, melt the butter until it is completely liquid. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the melted butter to cool slightly.
3. Incorporate the granulated sugar into the melted butter together really well.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is incorporated.
5. In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, and beat together until thoroughly mixed.
6. In a slow stream, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix and ensuring the consistency of the brownie batter. Stir until just combined. Overmixing the batter will create brownies that are tough instead of tender.
7. Carefully incorporate the chocolate chips into the batter, using a folding motion, until they are evenly dispersed throughout.
8. Place the brownie batter into the pan that has been prepared for baking. Spread out the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan with a spatula.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
Until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
Come out mostly clean with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
10. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. Now, you can enjoy your delicious, homemade brownies!