From Scratch Brownies

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Nothing compares to the satisfaction of biting into a rich, fudgy brownie made entirely from scratch. These brownies boast a crackly top, intense chocolate flavor, and a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture that box mixes simply can’t replicate. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a midweek chocolate fix, this recipe guarantees a batch of brownies that will disappear in minutes.

With layers of flavor from cocoa powder and real chocolate chunks, these homemade brownies strike the perfect balance between chewy edges and a soft, decadent center. They’re customizable, too—you can fold in nuts, swirl in peanut butter, or top them with marshmallows for your own twist on a timeless classic.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

The magic in these brownies lies in using both unsweetened cocoa powder and chopped dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Cocoa provides deep flavor while the chunks create melty pockets of chocolate in every bite. Choose high-quality chocolate for best results—it makes all the difference.

Ingredients for the From Scratch Brownies

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and gives that tender, chewy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and creating that glossy top crust.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens flavor and increases moistness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help create the fudgy interior.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to hold the brownies together without making them cakey.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Chopped Chocolate or Chocolate Chips: Melts into gooey bites and boosts chocolate intensity.

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How To Make the From Scratch Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Melt and Mix

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar. Let it cool slightly before adding the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate

Gently fold in the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips. The batter will be thick and glossy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don’t overbake!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares. Wipe your knife between cuts for clean edges.

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Serving and Storing These Brownies

These brownies are incredible slightly warm with melty centers, but they also firm up beautifully after a few hours. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them for a firmer texture or freeze for longer storage—they thaw like a dream.

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What to Serve With From Scratch Brownies?

A Scoop of Ice Cream

Classic vanilla, espresso, or salted caramel ice cream adds contrast and creamy indulgence.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries bring a refreshing tartness that balances the richness.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream is all you need for an elegant presentation.

Espresso or Coffee

The bitterness of a hot espresso pairs flawlessly with the sweetness of these brownies.

Chocolate Ganache

Want to go ultra-decadent? Drizzle warm ganache over the top.

Peanut Butter Sauce

The nutty saltiness plays beautifully with the dense chocolate flavor.

Crushed Peppermints

A festive winter topping that adds crunch and a pop of mint.

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Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If these brownies hit the spot, don’t miss these other chocolatey or comforting treats:

• Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie for a fruity, silky contrast.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a rich no-bake treat.
• Lemon Churro Cookies for a zesty sweet twist.
• Twix Cookie Cups if you’re after caramel-filled crunch.
• Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for nostalgic, crumbly joy.

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Let me know in the comments how you made them your own. Did you add nuts? Swirl in caramel? Bake them into a brownie sundae?

I love hearing your creative takes. Ask questions anytime—we’re all here to help each other bake better.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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