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Homemade Chocolate Chip Brownies

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These Homemade Chocolate Chip Brownies will change your life. Skip the box mix because this chocolate brownie recipe is so fudgy and delicious. My family asks for these easy homemade brownies all the time!!!

Three homemade chocolate chip brownies stacked on top of each other on a cutting board

Homemade Brownies with Chocolate Chips

What is your baking style?  Do you like plain desserts or jazzed up desserts? I’m team jazz all the way!!!  

A cutting board with squares of homemade brownies sprinkled with powdered sugar on it

I like to embellish these chocolate chip brownies with extra candy and toppings. But my family asks for “plain” brownies or chocolate chip cookies all the time.

Did you know you can find old church cookbooks at Goodwill?  They are full of great ideas when you get in a baking slump.    

I was flipping through one of these books the other night, and I came across a recipe for homemade fudgy brownies.

Most of the time I am more of a baking mix kind of a baker.  I enjoy taking pre-packaged mixes and using baking magic to transform them into a semi-homemade dessert with flair. But this fudgy brownie recipe had me intrigued.

Overhead picture of a cutting board with squares of homemade brownies topped with powdered sugar

I went ahead and followed the directions exactly for the homemade brownies from scratch because I wanted to see if I liked them, or if the recipe needed some extra love.  They tasted great, but they did not have that rich dark chocolate color that I was looking for.

For the second batch I tried the easy chocolate brownie recipe with dark cocoa powder instead of baking chocolate. The end result was a chewy brownie texture and the dark chocolate color that I had in mind. Trust me, you will want to make these ASAP!

Recipe Ingredients

  • Butter – Gives the moisture and fat needed for brownies. Melting the butter before adding it to the sugar stops air bubbles from forming when you beat them together. This keeps the brownies from rising too much and baking fluffy.
  • Dark Cocoa Powder – Gives these brownies the rich dark chocolate color.
  • Eggs – The protein in eggs brings the brownies together as it bakes and adds richness and tenderness.
  • Sugar – Sweetens the brownies, and also makes the brownies light and tender.
  • Vanilla Extract and Salt – Adds flavor and balances out the sweetness.
  • Flour – Adds structure to the brownie recipe. We want the brownies to be dense and fudgy, so you will not use a lot.
  • Baking Powder – Just a little bit gives the lift you need in these fudgy brownies.
Three homemade brownies with chocolate chips stacked on top of each other on a cutting board and sprinkled with powdered sugar

How to make Homemade Chocolate Chip Brownies

We have had this brownie recipe on repeat for years now. All you need are a few basic pantry ingredients and a mixing bowl.

  1. Line a pan with foil or parchment. This makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan later.
  2. Melt the butter and whisk in the cocoa powder. Let it cool slightly.
  3. Beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and frothy.  
  4. Pour the cooled butter and cocoa mixture into the eggs and beat it again.
  5. Stir together the dry ingredients and slowly mix them into the batter.
  6. Stir in the chocolate chips or any other mix in you like. 
  7. The chocolate chip brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with some sticky crumbs on it.  Let the chocolate chip brownies cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into them.

Other Brownie Mix-ins

Chewy, chocolate brownies are delicious, but try changing them up with some of the extra ingredients.

  • Chocolate Chips – white, milk, dark
  • Nuts – walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts
  • Toffee Bits
  • Candy – M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, Peanut Butter Cups
  • Cookies – Oreos, Nutter Butters
Three homemade brownies with chocolate chips stacked on a cutting board

Recipe Questions:

How do you cut brownies cleanly?

  • Let them cool completely. Warm brownies fall apart easily.
  • Use a warm knife and clean it in between cuts.
  • Chill the pan of brownies in the refrigerator before cutting them.

What makes the top of homemade brownies flaky?

Beating the eggs and white sugar longer results in a flaky crackly brownie top when it comes out of the oven. This increases the top layer which is actually just a meringue.

A cutting board with three homemade chocolate chip brownies stacked up and sprinkled with powdered sugar

More brownie recipes:

Other easy dessert recipes:

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Homemade Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe

Homemade Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe

Yield: 9 brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes

A pan of these Homemade Chocolate Chip Brownies will satisfy any and all chocolate craving you may encounter. This fudgy homemade brownie recipe is easy to make and tastes great.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • powdered sugar, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 baking pan with foil and then spray with nonstick baking spray. (the foil is optional)
  2. Whisk together the melted butter and cocoa powder and set aside.
  3. Beat the eggs until light in color. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat again.
  4. Add the chocolate butter mixture into the eggs and beat until mixed in.
  5. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder and slowly add to the egg mixture. Do not over beat.
  6. Stir in the mini chocolate chips by hand.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  8. Let cool completely before cutting into 9 squares. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 339Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 150mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 1gSugar: 41gProtein: 3g

Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

© Jocelyn @ Inside BruCrew Life
Cuisine: American / Category: Brownies & Bars
Two pictures of Homemade Chocolate Chip Brownies collaged together with a white text box

*The post for Homemade Chocolate Chip Brownies was first published on September 29, 2013. The photos were re-edited and republished on March 16, 2021.

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Comments

    • Jocelyn says

      We usually keep a tightly covered pan of brownies on the counter for 3-4 days. If you are going to refrigerate them, make sure the container or bag is tightly sealed, so they don’t dry out. This way they should last for 4-5 days. You can pop a square in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up and get that “fresh from the oven” taste. I hope that helps and you enjoy the brownies!

      Reply

  2. Kim says

    Oh. My. Gosh. I made these for my husband’s 60th birthday. I was hesitant to try a new recipe on his special day, but no more. I used chocolate chips and added chopped walnuts. I sprinkled with a light dusting of powdered sugar just for a little flair. Pretty much the only thing I did differently was that I baked the brownies in an individual square “cupcakes” pan in paper cups. Next time I will use my silicon cupcake holders as they don’t stick at all to the cakes. What made this a good idea is that the individual cakes give that little crispness on the edges. They are “to die for!” 😀

    Reply

  3. Soridalys Cruz Torres says

    Hi- how long for your tool to bake? He recipe said 25-30 minutes but we honestly had ours over 40 minutes and they kept coming out undercooked in the middle. We used same type of pan. Unsure why they took so long.

    Reply

    • Jocelyn says

      Brownies will continue to bake and set up after you take them out of the oven. What size pan did you use and also what type…glass or metal? I have used this recipe in both types of pans and have never bake them longer than 28-30 minutes. Did you try them after they had cooled all the way?

      Reply

  4. Dre says

    Is there a way to make them more chewy? I feel I did all the steps correctly but the brownies came out more like cake. Thank you. <3

    Reply

    • Jocelyn says

      How long did you bake them? We honestly make these brownies all the time, and I’ve never had them be cakey. In fact, they are always soft, chewy, and fudgy. I’m wondering if your oven runs just a little hotter than mine, so you might need to pull them out a little sooner. Also, what type of pan did you use? Glass or metal? Sometimes different pans can make brownies bake differently. Although, for this recipe, I have used both types and not seen a huge difference in texture.

      Reply

  5. Ryan says

    Made these yesterday but change it so much it’s essentially just ratios and measurements that I used.

    What I changed for fun was

    Almond instead of vanilla flavoring + doubled amount.
    Used dark brown sugar instead of white. Whipped that with the cocoa and butter plus 1/8c milk Then two eggs and whipped til as near as could to peaks forming then added the flour and whipped again until light and fluffy.
    Then I folded In a handful plus a few milk chocolate chips and an equal to slightly lesser amount of espresso chips and topped with walnuts then baked according to this recipe.

    Obviously my changes gave it more of a cake texture. It’s a very dense looking texture but melts in your mouth. I’m also about 98% sure I omitted the backing powder by accident.

    Reply

  8. Lilian-Anne Gutierrez says

    Made these tonight. Oh my, they were decadent!!! Added choc chips ontop of mine after they were cooked as well as in the batter, so good!!

    Reply

  10. Leia says

    Hi! Great receipt! This was my first “from scratch” batch of brownies, not made with the box. I used Ghiridelli cocoa & chips & these are by far the best I’ve ever had! I’ll be trying more of your recipes!

    Reply

  11. Loren says

    I’ve made MANY many brownie recipes of all varieties, and this is one of the best cocoa-based brownie recipes I’ve ever tried! Delicious! Thanks for posting!

    Reply

    • John Osborn says

      This might be a good recipe but it is quite possibly the worst website and instructions I have ever fought through. Most of this page is basically nonsense, to include the directions before the ingredients. I hope to never have to come back to this page again.

      Reply

      • Jocelyn says

        I guess you missed the big JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the page??? One click and it takes you right to the printable recipe card. I don’t know how much easier I can make it for you…

        Reply

  13. Josefina says

    Hi! I just wanted to thank you for sharing this amazing recipe, this was my first time making brownies from scratch and these are by far the best i’ve ever tasted… ever!!!

    A hug from Chile

    Josefina.

    Reply

  15. Pamila says

    Going to make these hoping doubling the recipe works. I am very excited. I work with a group called piecemakers we make quilts for cancer patient to bring them God’s word and comfort while they are dealing with chemo and all the other trials of fighting the beast.

    Reply

  16. Always Nesting says

    My favorite words – easy and chocolate. Can’t wait to make these and I love it that the ingredients are pantry friendly.

    Reply

  17. Linda White says

    Been putting chocolate chips in my brownie recipe for years and we love the that way! I put 1 cup of regular size chips in mine though! My recipe calls for 3 eggs.

    Reply

  18. Ala says

    I’m just dying over these, I can’t wait to get my chocolate on again this week! I bet you’re feeling the same way, aren’t you glad you went the plain (but absolutely decadent) route this time? 😀 I know I am!

    Reply

  19. Audrey says

    The recipe says add 1/4 cup hot chocolate to eggs. Is this 1/4 cup of the mini chocolate chips melted??
    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      Sorry that wasn’t clear…you are going to add some of the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs to temper them. I changed the directions to say that better. I hope you enjoy the brownies!

      Reply

  20. Sandy says

    I have made these twice now and with fantastic results. I did make a substitution though. I used half brown sugar and half white. Amazing brownies. I will NOT use a boxed mix again. Thank you!!!!

    Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      Woo hoo! I am so glad to hear that! These brownies have converted me from box mixes too! Great substitution using half and half sugar…I usually do that in most of my baking too, but not in these. I will have to try it 🙂

      Reply

  21. Rachel says

    I just made these tonight! They made my kitchen smell amazing.

    Cant wait to try them!

    Thanks! 🙂

    -your faithful reader in Taipei, Taiwan

    Reply

  22. Courtney says

    I just made these I skipped the chocolate chips and added crushed candy canes to fit the holiday season. I am so excited I have never actually made brownies from scratch before. I make everything else from scratch so I am very excited!! 5 minutes left on the timer!

    Reply

  23. Ariel says

    I am confused, the directions say to mix in hot chocolate but it isn’t listed in the ingredients? Am I reading this wrong? Can you elaborate for me? Thanks- these look delicious and I am anxious to make them!

    Reply

  26. Renee @ Awesome on $20 says

    I think you showed great restraint in the plain department. 😉 I’m interested to try this recipe. My favorite brownies are made with melted chocolate, but cocoa powder is usually cheaper, so I’m always on the hunt for a good cocoa brownie.

    Reply

  30. Jelli says

    I love both box mix brownies and homemade. The only brownie I don’t like is the type that’s way too cakey and not chocolatey enough. I do have a problem with your recipe: an 8×8″ pan of brownies is just never enough!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Jocelyn. I like to look through those old cookbooks too. My mother has quite a few at her house.

    Reply

  31. Emily says

    Jocelyn these look divine! I’m a huge brownie fan and I suffer from the same problem of overloading my goodies when all my hubby wants is simple 🙂

    Reply

  36. Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says

    Whenever I visit my parents they always ask for just plain chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or “yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting”. They love my other inventions, but classics are always fun too! I love these brownies: I am constantly on the hunt for the best brownie recipe. I’ll have to add this to the list of contenders! 😀

    Reply

  42. Tieghan says

    HA, I am just like you and your family sound just like mine. They are always asking for chocolate chip cookies and simple brownies and cakes. I am into over the top and they are more simple. LOL!

    Love these brownies! I always add chocolate chips to mine too!

    Reply

  43. Marcie says

    These “plain” brownies are gorgeous, moist and chocolatey. There’s really nothing plain about them! I can tell just by looking at them that they’re perfect without any candy embellishments!

    Reply

  48. Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life says

    My family asks for plain things too … what is this? My baking list is SOOOO long now, too (thanks to PInterest:) And I love our boxed brownie mix and “updating it” to be blogworthy. 🙂 Its a problem. But seriously, these look perfect. Fudgy, full of chocolate chips, sprinkled with powdered sugar – ready to take on any chocolate craving!

    Reply

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