Better Than Box Mix Brownies

A close up of a batch of brownies cut into squares showing slight separation between some of the squares.

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5 from 8 votes

Better Than Box Mix Brownies

The easiest and fudgiest chocolate brownies.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: brownies

Calories: 256kcal

Author: Liz Pollio

Equipment

saucepan or microwave-safe mixing bowl
9x13 baking pan

Ingredients

½ cup milk
1 stick butter 8 tablespoons
¾ cup cocoa powder heaping
½ cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
3 cups sugar
1 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt Diamond Crystal
1 tablespoon espresso powder
1 cup chocolate chips

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper.
Heat milk and butter in a large saucepan or microwaveable-safe mixing bowl until the butter is melted and the milk is hot.
½ cup milk, 1 stick butter
Add cocoa powder and oil to the hot milk and melted butter and stir till well combined.
¾ cup cocoa powder, ½ cup vegetable oil
Mix in eggs and egg yolks.
2 eggs, 2 egg yolks
Stir in sugar.
3 cups sugar
Add in flour, salt, and espresso powder until combined.
1 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon espresso powder
If using chocolate chips, stir in now.
1 cup chocolate chips
Pour the mixture into the lined pan and bake for 30 minutes, until the edges are fully baked. They may seem underdone.
Let cool completely (overnight if possible) and cut into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

If the mixture is still hot, be sure to let it cool before adding the eggs. We don't want to add eggs to a hot mixture.

Baking brownies in a metal pan will ensure they bake evenly.

The brownies may seem underbaked when they come out of the oven. Be sure to leave them in the pan to cool completely. Cooling them overnight is ideal. Because they are so fudgy, this cooling time allows them to fully set.

This recipe can be made in two 8x8 pans instead of one 9x13 pan.

To cut clean squares, consider refrigerating the brownies before slicing and wipe the knife clean between each slice.

The espresso powder is added to enhance the chocolate flavor, we do not add enough to give these brownies a coffee flavor, but it can be skipped if preferred.

Any mix-ins that excite you can be used in place of some or all of the chocolate chips. Things like m&ms, chopped chocolate bars, or nuts could all add delicious twists.

Nutrition