Homemade Recipe for Brownies

This easy recipe for brownies is my favorite! It’s a homemade recipe for brownies that is easy enough that I justify whipping these up over the boxed variety.

If you usually make boxed brownies these are going to blow you away. They’re just a little more rich and indulgent. They are definitely something that I like to make from scratch.

The great thing about making brownies from scratch is that you can control the ingredients which is important if you have allergies to worry about or if you just like to keep away from added preservatives and such.

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If you are looking for a homemade recipe for brownies that is still easy like a boxed mix you are in the right place. This version is quick and easy. The teens like to mix these up themselves and younger kids could definitely help with large parts of this recipe.

When the holidays roll around or when I know we just need a special treat to share this is a great recipe to pull out. Everyone loves them and I never have to worry about leftovers!

Are these gluten free homemade brownies?

As written these are not gluten free homemade brownies but you could easily swap out the all purpose flour for an all purpose gluten free blend. It’s a simple swap that should work pretty well. Everything else in the recipe should be naturally gluten free.

If you are worried about sneaky gluten just be sure to keep an eye on your labels and you will be all set. Most of the all purpose gluten free blends work really well to swap out the regular flour. I am partial to the King Arthur blend and the Bob’s Red Mill blend though if you are looking for suggestions!

What do I need to make brownies from scratch?

This recipe uses flour kosher salt, unsweetened cocoa powder, butter, white granulated sugar, eggs, and pure vanilla extract. 

For the supplies portion you will need a mixer, spatula, mixing bowls, an 8×8 glass baking dish, non-stick spray, and some parchment paper or foil to line the pan! 

As always you can find the full amounts and ingredients list in the bottom of the post within the printable recipe card! It’s a great resource that also has nutritional information, shopping links, etc.

How to make a homemade recipe for brownies:

Preheat the oven to 325. 

Grease, spray with non-stick cooking spray or butter your 8 x 8 baking dish and set aside. If you prefer to line your dish with parchment paper or foil, that is fine too. Set aside.

Into a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and cocoa powder, and set aside. 

In a large bowl, cream the butter for approximately 3 minutes. Then add in the white granulated sugar and continue creaming together for an additional two minutes. 

Add in one egg at a time and mix thoroughly after each egg. Then add in the pure vanilla extract. 

Turn the mixer off and add in half of the dry ingredients. Turn the mixer back on low and combine the ingredients. Turn the mixer back off and add in the remaining ingredients and turn it back on low and continue combining, being sure not to over mix. 

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out making sure it’s level. 

How long do brownies take to bake?

Place into the oven and set the timer for 30 minutes. At the 30-minute mark, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If nothing comes out on the toothpick, then they are done. 

Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes. Then remove the brownies from the pan, cut, serve, and enjoy.

Tips for the best possible brownies:

I have found that by lining my baking dish with foil, it’s much easier to remove the brownies when they have cooled. I just pick up the edges of the foil and lift up the whole thing from the pan. Then I can cut them easily and there is no pan to wash. I do lightly spray the foil though, so the brownies do not stick.

When measuring your flour, make sure to use the scoop with a spoon and level with a knife method so that you get an accurate measurement. 

If you are using salted butter, omit the salt in the recipe. 

When using salt in your recipes, make sure that you use either kosher or sea. Table salt (iodized salt) is for seasoning your dish at the table. 

How to cool brownies fast:

You can always remove them from the pan after 5 or 10 minutes with the foil or parchment lining and place them on a cooling rack. This is a great way to cool brownies fast!

I usually don’t like to throw them into the fridge because it can heat up the fridge and make the brownies a little harder so I avoid that method if at all possible!

Baking brownies in a 9×13 instead of an 8×8:

If you are baking brownies in a 9×13 instead of an 8×8 pan you will maybe want to consider doubling the recipe. They will come out a bit thicker and bake more evenly if that is the only pan you have available.

You can also fashion your foil into the size of a 9×8 pan instead as well to keep them in more of a square shape!

Looking for more brownie recipes?

If you enjoyed making these tasty homemade brownies, our homemade mint brownies recipe is another great recipe! We also have spooky brownies for Halloween, but those use a boxed mix.

If you like making desserts from scratch, these dark chocolate cupcakes with Oreos are luscious and a real treat!

Printable Homemade Recipe For Brownies: