There’s something about the smell of freshly baked brownies that instantly brings back childhood memories. Whether it’s sneaking a warm corner piece before it cools or licking the batter off the spoon, brownies hold a special place in many of our hearts.
The Story Behind This Recipe
I first learned to make brownies with my grandmother in her cozy kitchen. She had a knack for turning simple ingredients into magic, and her brownie recipe was no exception. Over the years, I’ve tweaked her recipe slightly to get the perfect balance of chewiness, fudginess, and that delightful crackly top. Today, I’m sharing this tried-and-true recipe with you so you can bring a little bit of that magic into your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Brownies
- Fudgy and Chewy Texture – If you love your brownies rich and gooey, this recipe is for you.
- Easy to Make – No fancy equipment required, just a bowl, a whisk, and an oven.
- Perfect Crackly Top – Achieved with a simple trick I’ll share below!
- Endless Customization – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of peanut butter for your own twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious brownies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. For easier removal, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. This step is key to getting that signature crackly top—whisking well allows the sugar to dissolve slightly and create a crisp crust when baked.
Next, add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures even mixing. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the brownies tough.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional but Delicious!)
For an extra indulgent touch, stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips. You can also add chopped nuts, white chocolate chunks, or even caramel swirls at this stage.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared 9×13-inch pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Pro Tip: If you like your brownies extra fudgy, err on the side of underbaking them slightly!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice.
How to Store Brownies
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
- In the Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!
Fun Variations to Try
- Salted Caramel Brownies – Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies – Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter into the batter and swirl with a knife.
- Mint Chocolate Brownies – Add a few drops of peppermint extract and mix in dark chocolate chunks.
- Espresso Brownies – Stir in 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s no wrong way to enjoy a brownie—whether warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or straight from the pan. This classic recipe is one you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. So, grab your mixing bowl and get baking!
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear how they turned out for you.