Craving brownies that are rich, fudgy, and full of that irresistible chocolate flavor? Look no further! This homemade brownie recipe, inspired by Michelle’s trick to replicate (or even top!) the boxed mix, is easy, delicious, and guaranteed to become your go-to. No commercial emulsifiers or funky additives—just simple, high-quality ingredients that make all the difference.

Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (good quality, such as Ghirardelli or Enjoy Life)
2 eggs
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Michelle recommends Hershey’s Special Dark Dutch-processed cocoa)
1/2 cup oil (canola oil or olive oil for richness)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, flour, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, oil, and water.
Next, combine the wet and dry ingredients. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet one, folding until just combined. The batter will be thick—that’s completely normal!
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, then pour the brownie batter into the pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter to the edges and smooth the top. Don’t worry if it’s thick; that’s how it’s meant to be.
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs attached. Start checking around 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. It’s worth the wait—trust me!
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to a month.
Best Brownie Recipe Tips
Better chocolate means better brownies, so make sure to use high-quality chocolate chips. Michelle recommends Ghirardelli’s 60% Cacao Bittersweet Baking Chips, but Enjoy Life’s Dark Chocolate Morsels will work just as well.
Remember to not overbake them. Brownies should be gooey, so check them with a toothpick after about 40 minutes. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Patience is key when it comes to cooling your brownies. Let them cool completely before slicing for a fudgier, richer flavor. Plus, they’ll be less likely to crumble.
Enjoy your homemade brownies—better than the boxed mix! 🍫
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