Once you try these decadent Easy Homemade Brownies, you’ll never go back to a box mix again! With crispy edges, crackly tops and intensely fudgy centers, they’re the most satisfying chocolate square you’ll ever meet! You can even stock your pantry with homemade brownie mix for later!
Craving brownies tonight? I’ve got you covered with an EASY Homemade Brownie Mix Recipe! Once you try these dreamy, decadent brownies, you’ll never go back to store-bought mixes again!
They’re the sweetest, drool-worthy treat and can be made in your favorite baking dish or cast iron skillet!
Joey writes: "These brownies are so delicious. Will NOT be buying box mix anymore! Made these in my cast iron skillet, best brownies I have ever made."
When it comes to brownies, I’ll admit… I’m a bit obsessed to say the least. From those crispy chocolatey edges to those soft and fudgy centers, there’s just something about a good brownie that makes the whole day better!
That’s why this best Homemade Brownie Mix Recipe is a staple in my pantry!
Let’s face it… some days you’re just craving a brownie, but don’t have any box mixes in the pantry, right? Talk about sad!
Well thanks to this 4-Ingredient EASY Homemade Brownie Mix Recipe from scratch, you’ll never have to face those tragic moments again!
Plus, when you make brownies from scratch, you know exactly what ingredients are going into your delicious, drool-worthy treat! Trust me… they’re the perfect ending to any day!
And if you’re feeling wild… go all the way when you top your fudgy brownies with this luscious Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe!
Then… have even more fun baking in the kitchen when you make up a batch of these dreamy Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cupcakes!
So are you ready to learn how to stock your pantry with your own chocolate fudge homemade brownie mix?
Treat yourself tonight with your favorite luscious dessert… you won’t believe how quick & easy these are to make!
You’ll just need these 4 ingredients to make your Homemade Brownie Mix with Cocoa Powder…
Related: How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half (35 Brilliant Tips)
What Makes Brownies Fudgy?
The secret to fudgy brownies is… chocolate chips!
Trust me… folding chocolate chips into your batter will INSTANTLY take your brownies to the next level of fudginess!
Ingredients
One of the best parts of making your own brownies is knowing exactly what ingredients go into your dessert!
When it comes to brownie mix, there really are just 4 dry ingredients that go into the mix.
For the Brownie Mix:
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Use Whole Foods 365 Organic, Ghirardelli, or 100% Hershey’s Cocoa for the best flavor!
- All Purpose Flour – Unbleached Organic All Purpose Flour can be substituted.
- Granulated Sugar – just your ordinary white sugar.
- Sea Salt – to bring out the flavors!
For the Brownies:
Then to bake up your brownies, you’ll also need…
- Dry Brownie Mix Ingredients – listed above
- Eggs – to add moisture and bind all the ingredients together.
- Neutral Cooking Oil – Like Vegetable Oil or Avocado Oil.
- Vanilla Extract – to enhance the flavor.
- Optional Mix-Ins – see list below.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – use Ghirardelli, Trader Joe’s, or Nestlé Toll House for best flavor!
How Do You Make Brownie Mix From Scratch?
So if you’ve been wondering… how do you make brownies from scratch? You won’t believe how quick and easy it is!
You’ll just add your cocoa, flour, sugar and salt to a large bowl, whisk them all together until they’re well combined, and you’re done! Talk about easy, right?
And guess what… this brownie mix even makes the cutest homemade Gift in a Jar!
Just transfer it to a mason jar, tie a little bow around the lid, add the baking instructions to a tag, and you’ve got yourself a gift everyone will LOVE to receive! It’s the perfect little Gift Idea for neighbors, foodie friends, teachers, and new moms!
Because honestly… who wouldn’t LOVE to receive brownies, right?
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
How to Store Brownie Mix
Once you’ve made up your brownie mix, you can store the mixture in your pantry in mason jars or labeled ziploc bags.
The length of time you’ll be able to store your mix for optimal freshness will depend on the expiration dates of your flour and use by dates of your cocoa.
What Can You Add to Brownie Batter?
Want to change up the flavor a bit? Go for it!
These easy brownie variations are for YOU!
If you’re feeling wild, there are several fun things you can add to your brownie batter when it’s time to bake!
When it comes to brownie mix hacks, consider mixing in any one thing from the list below…
Brownie Mix-Ins: (Pick ONE)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (3/4 cup) – this is the classic standard for a reason… simple, delicious, and ridiculously fudgy! Use Ghirardelli, Trader Joe’s, or Nestlé Toll House for best flavor!
- Andes Mint Baking Chips (1/2 cup) – If you can’t find the baking chips, just chop up Andes Mint Candies. Add 1/4 cup to batter and bake. Remove brownies from oven 3 minutes early, sprinkle the top with remaining 1/4 cup, bake for 3 more minutes, or until done.
- Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips (1/2 cup) – If you can’t find the baking chips, just chop up Andes Peppermint Crunch Candies. Add 1/4 cup to batter and bake. Remove brownies from oven 3 minutes early, sprinkle the top with remaining 1/4 cup, bake for 3 more minutes, or until done.
- Reese’s Brownies: (2/3 cup Peanut Butter Baking Chips) – Do NOT mix in, but instead remove brownies from oven 3 minutes early, sprinkle the top with 2/3 cup Peanut Butter Baking Chips, bake for 3 more minutes, or until done.
Or just top them with this dreamy Homemade Chocolate Frosting once they’ve cooled!
What is the Best Pan for Brownies?
When it comes to baking brownies, there are several pan options you can use for baking!
After testing these brownies again, again… and again, here’s what I’ve noticed…
8×8 or 9×9 Aluminum or Aluminized Steel Metal Pan – my TOP choice for baking brownies! As opposed to a 9×13 pan, a square pan will give you perfectly thick and fudgy brownies. Aluminum and aluminized steel pans also conduct heat exceptionally well, ensuring evenly baked brownies.
10″ Cast Iron Skillet – radiates heat well, and will give your brownie extra crunchy edges and a soft lava-like center. You can either slice and serve pizza style, or serve straight from the skillet with scoops of ice cream in the center.
8×8 or 9×9 Glass Baking Dish – glass pans will work in a pinch, however they conduct heat more slowly than metal pans. Brownies will take longer to bake in a glass pan, and the edges have a tendency to become overdone while waiting for the middle to finish baking. That’s why I always opt for metal pans or cast iron skillets first, when baking brownies.
How to Cut Brownies Cleanly
Want to know my favorite trick for cutting brownies cleanly? Simply swap your regular knife for a plastic knife. The plastic knife cuts them SO clean and smooth!
Here are some more fun tricks to try…
Cookie Cutter Brownies: After brownies have cooled completely, cut into shapes with a plastic cookie cutter.
- Pumpkin Brownies: Use a pumpkin cookie cutter, Orange Frosting, and Green Icing to draw on the stem.
- Football Brownies: Use a football cookie cutter, Chocolate Frosting, and White Icing to draw on the laces.
Allea writes: “In our house, we’ve started lining brownie pans with parchment paper. Once the brownies are cool, you can simply lift them all out of the pan and cut them on a cutting board. So much easier than trying to cut neat squares in the pan.”
Mary writes: “After the brownies are slightly cooled, I put them in the freezer for about 10 – 15 minutes and then cut them.”
Anna writes: “This past weekend I tried making my brownies in a cup cake pan. They came out perfect and I didnt have to mess with the mess of cutting them. They were all the same size. I also put a treat inside of them. Then I put a little batter in the bottom of the pan, put a York peppermint patty in, then put more batter on top. I didn’t use liners, just sprayed the pan with non-stick cooking spray. Gonna try peanut butter cups next!!”
Storage Tips
After you’ve baked your brownies, the hardest part will not be eating them all in one night!
If there actually happen to be any leftover, store at room temperature in an airtight container, and enjoy within 3 days. There’s no need to store them in the refrigerator.
How to Freeze Brownies
Did you know you can freeze brownies?
Whether you’re prepping ahead, or just want to save some for later, they freeze well!
You can either freeze the entire slab, or slice and freeze individual brownies.
- After baking, let brownies cool and remove from pan.
- Wrap in plastic wrap, then wrap again in foil, and place in freezer bag.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
Thawing Instructions: When ready to enjoy, thaw in refrigerator overnight, and then bring to room temperature prior to serving.
Homemade Brownies Reviews
Here’s what your friends are saying about these easy Brownies with Homemade Mix…
Cindy writes: “I made these and will not buy box brownie mix again! Thanks for sharing!”
Laurynn writes: “Easy to make. I like how few ingredients it needed!”
Casey writes: “These have the best texture.”
Rana writes: ‘Soft, chewy and fudgy on the inside. Totally loved it ”
Dawn writes: “This is such a great homemade food gift!!”
Sonya writes: “We did a head to head comparison with Ghiradelli’s Brownies and a pan of this. It was unanimous that this recipe is as good as, if not better than Ghiradelli’s. Thank you, finally a scratch Brownie recipe I love.”
Sara writes: “This is my go-to for chocolate cravings!!”
Lilla writes: “These are officially my favorite brownies!!! 😋 I added M&M’s to my brownie batter. THEY WERE DELICIOUS”
Vanessa writes: “2nd time we’ve made them! So easy and so good.”
Brook writes: “So good – third time making them”
Pat writes: “Love this recipe!!”
Tiffany writes: “I added mint chocolate chips to ours and it was great!”
Stacey writes: “My kids and I made these last night. We added chocolate chips and added the extra egg yolk for fudgier brownies. They were SO good and I was happy I knew exactly what ingredients were in them!!”
Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!
Easy Homemade Brownies
Doubling Recipe Tip
If doubling or tripling recipe with buttons below, ingredient notes found after comma will not adjust. Increase ingredients as needed.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Mix
- 1 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder, (Use Whole Foods 365 Organic, Ghirardelli, or 100% Hershey's Cocoa for the best flavor!)
- 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
Ingredients for Baking
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Neutral Cooking Oil , (like Vegetable Oil or Avocado Oil)
- 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 3/4 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, (Use Ghirardelli, Trader Joe's, or Nestlé Toll House for best flavor!)
Instructions
- Whisk together Sugar, Flour, Cocoa and Salt in large bowl.
- Transfer mixture to mason jar or ziploc bag until you're ready to use it.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees for 8x8 or 9x9 pan, or 325 degrees for Cast Iron Skillet
- Pour mixture into large bowl, and add Eggs, Oil, and Vanilla.
- Stir well with large spoon until all combined... about 50 vigorous strokes.
- Pour in chocolate chips (or alternative mix-in), and stir again a few times until well combined.
- Line 8x8 or 9x9 metal pan (aluminum or aluminized steel are my top choices) with parchment paper. (Note: If using Glass Pan or 10" Cast Iron Skillet, grease pan by spreading a thin layer of butter using a paper towel, to bottom and sides of pan or skillet.)
- Transfer brownie batter to your baking dish.
- Bake on middle oven rack for 25 - 35 minutes for 8x8 or 9x9 pan, or 40 - 50 minutes in Cast Iron Skillet. Brownies are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. (baking time will vary based upon your oven, the type of pan you're using, and your elevation)
- Allow brownies to cool after baking, slice with a plastic knife to cut brownies cleanly, and ENJOY!
Notes
- Freezing / Prep Ahead Instructions: After baking, let brownies cool and remove from pan. Then, you can either freeze the entire slab, or slice and freeze individual brownies. Wrap in plastic wrap, then wrap again in foil, and place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature prior to serving.
- Variations / Alternative Mix-Ins: (Pick ONE)
- If skipping the chocolate chips, you can choose ONE other mix in below:
- Andes Mint Brownies: (1/2 cup Andes Mint Baking Chips) - If you can't find the baking chips, just chop up Andes Mint Candies. Add 1/4 cup to batter and bake. Remove brownies from oven 3 minutes early, sprinkle the top with remaining 1/4 cup, bake for 3 more minutes, or until done.
- Peppermint Crunch Brownies: (1/2 cup Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips) - If you can't find the baking chips, just chop up Andes Peppermint Crunch Candies. Add 1/4 cup to batter and bake. Remove brownies from oven 3 minutes early, sprinkle the top with remaining 1/4 cup, bake for 3 more minutes, or until done.
- Reese's Brownies: (2/3 cup Peanut Butter Baking Chips) Do NOT mix in, but instead simply remove brownies from oven 3 minutes early, sprinkle the top with 2/3 cup Peanut Butter Baking Chips, bake for 3 more minutes, or until done.
- FAQ's: For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
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So have you tried these easy homemade brownies yet?
Leave a comment & share!
Fun idea to make brownie mix so you can quickly mix up a batch whenever the craving hits. Thanks!
You’re very welcome, John… and I agree, it really is so nice to always have some mix on hand! 🙂
This is right down my alley! Love how easy this is to throw together and brownies are my all time favorite. I might be in danger. 🙂 Pinning!!
Aww… thanks, Kim! Being that these are so easy to make, I agree… they’re definitely dangerous! 🙂
Hi Heidi,
First of all thank you o much for stopping by my blog…
My husband is a huge fan of brownies, and your recipe looks amazingly simple and yet so delicious…thanks for sharing it.
Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe!
Aww ~ thanks, Juliana… they really are so quick and easy to make! Enjoy your weekend! 🙂
These are going to come in so hand, Heidi! I can’t wait to try this recipe. It’s been hard to find our standard mix in the store as of late but I don’t think we need it now 🙂 Thank you!
You’re very welcome, CoCo… you will love having this diy mix on hand! 🙂
These brownies look way better than store bought mixes, thanks for sharing!
You’re very welcome… you’ll never need a store bought mix again! 🙂
These are such a delicious and simple recipe! I am actually making some brownies tonight!
Thanks, Rosemary… and brownies tonight sounds like a fabulous idea to me! Enjoy your dessert! 🙂
Oh how I love brownies! They’re always my sweet tooth craving, over cookies. I am loving how easy this recipe is Heidi!!
I never thought about it, but I reach for brownies first too, Katherine! 🙂
They look quite tempting Heidi! I love the fact they take only 4 ingredients to prepare.
Thanks, Denise… and yes, this mix is so quick and easy to make!
Oh my goodness these sound so good! And I’ve actually got all these ingredients in my cabinet. The frosting sounds really good, too. I know what I’m having for dessert.. 🙂
That’s so great you’ve already got all of the ingredients on hand, Michelle! Have fun baking tonight! 🙂
These brownies look so soft and fudgy! I’m always looking for a good recipe for brownies. Thank you so much for sharing and happy monday!
Thanks, Christie… you will love them! Hope you have a wonderful week! 🙂