Better Than Box Mix Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter (Unsalted butter also works.)
• 2 cups granulated white sugar
• 4 large eggs (At room temperature.)
• 1.25 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Black cocoa powder may be used for a darker chocolate flavor.)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (Pure vanilla extract is recommended; not imitation.)
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (All-purpose white flour.)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (Optional mix-in; the author uses Ghirardelli baking chips.)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. 2

   Line a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the edges. Spray the parchment with nonstick spray and set the pan aside.

3. 3

   Melt the butter in a small pot over medium-low heat.

4. 4

   Once the butter is completely melted, add the sugar and stir to combine.

5. 5

   Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sugar has dissolved. Do not let the mixture boil.

6. 6

   Pour the butter-and-sugar mixture into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.

7. 7

   While the butter mixture cools, put the eggs, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and vanilla in a separate mixing bowl.

8. 8

   Beat the egg mixture with a hand mixer on medium speed until fully incorporated, about 1 minute.

9. 9

   Pour the egg mixture into the butter mixture and stir to combine.

10. 10

    Stir in the flour and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

11. 11

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.

12. 12

    Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack.

13. 13

    Once cool, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares.

14. 14

    Store the brownies in an airtight container.

Notes

The chocolate chips are described as an optional mix-in, though the author recommends them. Serve plain or as a brownie sundae with vanilla ice cream and homemade hot fudge. To freeze, wrap brownies individually in plastic wrap or foil, place them in a freezer bag with the air pressed out, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• American
• baked
• chocolate
• vegetarian