Best Brownies Recipe (with Video)

Best Brownies Recipe (with Video)

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Original Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

  • For the brownies:
    • cup butter
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • cup all-purpose flour
    • teaspoon salt
    • teaspoon baking powder
  • For the frosting:
    • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
    • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and grease and flour an 8-inch square pan.

Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt cup butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the white sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Beat in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is dry and the edges have begun to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Step 5: Let the brownies cool slightly before adding the frosting.

For the Chocolate Frosting:

Step 6: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, cocoa powder, honey, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Frost the brownies while they are still warm, spreading the chocolate frosting evenly over the top.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 184
Total Fat 9g (11%)
Saturated Fat 5g (26%)
Cholesterol 44mg (15%)
Sodium 113mg (5%)
Total Carbohydrates 25g (9%)
Dietary Fiber 1g (2%)
Total Sugars 20g
Protein 2g (4%)
Calcium 11mg (1%)
Iron 1mg (7%)
Potassium 17mg (0%)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Best Brownies

Origin and History

The brownie is a beloved American dessert that first appeared in the late 19th century. Although its exact origin is a subject of debate, the most popular story dates back to 1893, when a chef at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago accidentally created the first batch. The chef, unable to prepare a traditional cake for a fair, crafted a dense, fudgy cake-like bar that would later be called the brownie. Its rich flavor and easy preparation made it an instant hit, and soon, brownies became a staple in American households.

Regional Variations

In the United States, brownies are often associated with regional baking styles. For instance, in the Southern states, brownies are typically made with pecans or walnuts, adding a crunchy texture to contrast the dense chocolate. On the East Coast, brownies are sometimes made with cream cheese swirls for a tangy twist. Across the country, the classic "fudgy vs. cakey" debate persists, with many regions favoring one over the other depending on personal preference. The recipe here offers a delightful balance between a moist, cakey exterior and a fudgy interior that satisfies both brownie lovers.

Differences from Similar Desserts

While brownies share similarities with other baked goods like cake or chocolate bars, they are distinctly different in texture and flavor. Brownies are denser and more fudgy than cake, which is typically lighter and fluffier due to the inclusion of more leavening agents. Unlike chocolate cake, which is often layered and frosted, brownies are typically baked in a single pan and served in squares or rectangles. This makes them a more convenient and portable dessert option. Additionally, brownies often feature a more concentrated chocolate flavor, with cocoa being a primary ingredient, while cakes may incorporate a wider variety of flavors and fillings.

Where Brownies Are Typically Served

Brownies are versatile and can be served at any occasion. They are particularly popular at casual gatherings like picnics, birthday parties, and bake sales. Many people enjoy brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, especially when served warm. Brownies are also a frequent offering at coffee shops and cafes, where they pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. In some cases, brownies are used as a base for more elaborate desserts, such as brownie sundaes or layered trifle desserts.

Fun Facts About Brownies

  • The world record for the largest brownie ever baked was set in 2001, when a massive brownie weighing over 5,000 pounds was created in Georgia, USA.
  • Brownies are sometimes referred to as "blondies" when they are made without cocoa and feature vanilla and brown sugar as the main flavor profile.
  • One of the most famous brownie variations is the "brookie," which combines brownie batter and cookie dough for a two-in-one dessert.
  • In 1996, a company called "Brownie Points" began selling gourmet brownies online, helping to popularize the trend of artisanal brownies.

FAQ about Best Brownies Recipe (with Video)

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour, but be aware that the texture and taste may differ slightly.

Yes, you can skip the frosting if you prefer a less sweet treat. The brownies are still delicious on their own without it.

If your brownies are overbaked, they may become dry. You can try adding a little extra frosting or a scoop of ice cream to help balance the dryness.

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just be sure to use a larger pan (such as a 9x13-inch pan) and adjust the baking time accordingly. It may take a little longer to bake.

Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can make the brownies cakier. Also, do not overbake them. The brownies are done when the top is dry, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Yes, you can freeze the brownies. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

You can add ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), or even a teaspoon of coffee extract to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg.

To make the brownies more fudgy, reduce the flour by a couple of tablespoons and make sure not to overbake them. You can also add an extra egg for added richness.

Comments

Laura Collins

09/29/2023 10:25:17 AM

These brownies are absolutely delicious even without the frosting. Just be careful not to overbake or overmix them. When doubling the recipe, omit one egg, maintain the salt at 1/4 tsp, and bake for 30-35 minutes. The result will be a brownie that is cakey on the outside and fudgy in the middle. Simply delightful!

Catherine Gomez

06/12/2023 09:40:07 AM

This brownie is absolutely fantastic! It's perfectly balanced - not too thick, not too thin. The preparation is quick, taking less than 5 minutes to mix everything together and pop it in the oven. I decided to add an extra tablespoon of cocoa for a richer flavor. Simply mix all the ingredients in the same pan where you melted the butter, about 50 strokes until well combined. The frosting turns out shiny and velvety if you melt the butter first and mix in a tablespoon each of corn syrup and half and half. Surprisingly, using a plastic knife, even a disposable one, makes cutting these brownies a breeze. They slice cleanly without a single crumb sticking to the knife. I couldn't resist trying three pieces as soon as they were cool – just to triple-check how delicious they were.

Elizabeth Garcia

10/18/2022 06:02:41 AM

A while back, I had the opportunity to work in a Duncan Hines test kitchen, where I would whip up to 20 batches of brownies daily. Let me tell you, this recipe for homemade brownies is a gem - easy to make and packed with delicious chocolatey flavor. Here are a couple of tips based on my experience: 1) Before adding the eggs to the rest of the ingredients, lightly whisk them with a fork to ensure they are evenly mixed. 2) Prior to incorporating them into the mixture, whisk together the dry ingredients - flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder. There's no need to use a mixer; simply use a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients until everything is incorporated. I also tried the frosting recipe provided, which turned out to be wonderfully fudgy and thick. I added a tiny bit of water to slightly thin it out, making it easier to spread on the brownies.

Ronald Martin

02/21/2025 10:52:19 PM

Definitely give it a shot - this recipe is simple and results in better-than-average brownies. Follow the instructions closely, especially the part about not overcooking. Depending on your oven, 25 minutes should suffice. Even if they seem undercooked when you take them out, they will firm up as they cool. I found that I needed to add an egg to the frosting to avoid a powdery texture - blending with an electric mixer still didn't cut it. Some reviewers suggested adding a tablespoon of milk to the frosting, which sounds like a good solution as well.

Jonathan Ramirez

02/12/2024 04:30:29 AM

For those who found this brownie recipe to be either too cake-like or too fudgy, there are easy adjustments you can make to tailor it to your preferences. To make the brownies more chewy, try adding extra sugar as it can create a denser texture. For a less fudgy consistency, include an additional egg and reduce the amount of fat used by a quarter. For a fudgier outcome, simply decrease the flour by removing about 3 tablespoons. It's important to determine the type of brownie you desire before baking, whether it's fudgy, chewy, crisp, or cake-like. This recipe is perfect for indulging in a rich chocolate treat, but it's not your typical boxed brownie mix, so be prepared for a homemade touch.

Justin Lopez

04/19/2025 12:58:29 AM

MMmmmm, all I can say is wow! After my first bite, I was blown away. These brownies taste more like fudge, and the frosting is the secret ingredient that takes them to the next level. Initially, the frosting was a bit crumbly, but after mixing it with a fork for 3 minutes, it turned into a beautifully creamy texture. I also discovered that frosting the brownies while they were still warm created a perfect finish. Delicious!

Emily Carter

11/29/2024 11:40:11 PM

Rewritten review: These brownies are absolutely amazing! I had never tried making homemade brownies before, but these turned out to be a perfect delight! They are wonderfully fudgy and delicious, and the icing is just divine. Taking the tip from another reviewer, I heated the icing and it was a game-changer! I baked them for a 4th of July gathering and they were a massive hit - disappearing within 15 minutes. Everyone raved about them and requested the recipe. I decided to double the recipe to fit a 9x13" pan, and they turned out fantastic! Even if you're not the best in the kitchen, these brownies are foolproof and scrumptious. I highly recommend them to all brownie lovers out there! Say goodbye to boxed brownies - homemade is the way to go!

Eric Thomas

02/26/2023 12:15:39 PM

These brownies are amazing! We skip the frosting because they are delicious on their own. Some reviewers have mentioned they turn out too cake-like, but that's more about how you mix the ingredients rather than the recipe itself. The key to fudgy brownies is to mix the batter minimally, as over-mixing can lead to a fluffy, cakey texture. What I love most about this recipe is that cleanup is a breeze - just one pot and a wooden spoon to wash!

Karen Taylor

12/06/2023 10:01:22 AM

Sure, here is a rewritten version of your review: Listen up! I have found the perfect way to elevate this recipe. Simply double the quantities and bake it in a 13x9 rectangular pan. This little change makes the brownies slightly thicker and perfectly hits the spot. I've been making these brownies for years now and appreciate that the recipe uses ingredients I usually have at home. Plus, I love that I can use cold butter straight from the fridge without having to wait for it to soften. Personally, I skip the frosting, and it turns out just delicious.

Michael Sanchez

08/12/2024 08:04:18 PM

I tried this recipe and poured the batter into a glass pan lined with parchment paper, sprinkled a few chocolate chips on top, and baked it at 350F. In a convection oven, it only took about 20 minutes for the toothpick to come out clean. These brownies turned out to be the fudgiest I've ever had, and they were so delicious that I didn't even need frosting! This recipe is perfect!

Amy Cruz

04/22/2023 05:02:28 AM

I decided to make a larger batch of this recipe and included See's Chocolate Drops (chocolate chips). I baked it at 350 degrees in an 8x11 pan for 45 minutes, and the texture turned out just right! The edges were beautifully flakey and chewy, while the center was delightfully gooey. The brownies were thicker, but not overly so. Since not everyone enjoys frosting, I served it on the side. I switched out the honey for milk in the frosting for a lighter flavor. For those who prefer a thicker frosting without honey, corn syrup can be used as a substitute. I'm rating this a 4, only because I made some modifications. It's more like a 4.5 in my book, but that's not an option! Everyone absolutely loved these brownies! I will definitely be baking them again!

John Clark

04/10/2024 07:02:51 PM

Simple and tasty

Dorothy Edwards

09/21/2022 08:40:39 PM

This turned out amazing! Everyone absolutely loved it! 😊👌

Mark Parker

05/29/2024 02:42:00 AM

These are hands down the best brownies I've ever baked! The only changes I made to the recipe were incorporating 1 tsp of coffee extract along with the vanilla, and adding 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chunks. The result? A wonderfully fudgy, gooey, and utterly delicious treat. This is now my ultimate brownie recipe!

Samantha King

01/07/2025 04:18:24 PM

The only extra thing I included was nuts, along with some leftover homemade coconut frosting that I had. Absolutely delicious!

Melissa Miller

01/31/2023 04:32:30 AM

I have made these brownies twice already and I'm about to make another batch! This recipe is fantastic, simple to follow, cleanup is easy, and the brownies come out wonderfully fudgy and delicious!

Carolyn Martinez

10/01/2024 12:17:04 PM

First time attempting to bake brownies, and they turned out to be a delightful success! I'm grateful for this recipe, as it was easy to follow, resulting in a moist and delicious brownie. I personalized it by adding some raisins, which made it even more comforting and homey. Thank you!

Tyler Baker

02/20/2023 01:46:03 AM

Super delicious brownies! They were a big hit with my family, and I can't wait to make them again. Definitely worth the effort - five stars! 👍👍👍👍👍

Barbara Carter

11/07/2024 06:30:30 PM

Great recipe! I decided to enhance it by incorporating a cup of zucchini for extra fiber and nutrients, but I have also prepared it without zucchini and it still turned out delicious. The cake is incredibly rich and the frosting is wonderfully creamy.

Kenneth Phillips

04/20/2023 07:40:15 AM

I have been using this recipe for years. Despite experimenting with other brownie recipes, I always return to this one because it is my family's top choice. This recipe never fails me!