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Home » Brownies and Bars

Sep 28, 2021 by Stephanie Rutherford · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

Better Than Boxed Brownies

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These better than boxed brownies are dark chocolate fudgy brownies loaded with three types of chocolate chips. They have the perfect crinkle brownie top and are super easy to make.

While boxed brownies are SO good, these are even better! They remind me of the Ghirardelli triple chocolate boxed brownie mix, but these homemade brownies are way fudgier.

Close up of better than boxed brownies.
three brownies pulling away from stack.

There are not many brownies that can compare to a boxed mix brownies. It is simply magic in a box. These better than boxed mix brownies are even better than that!

They are incredibly fudgy brownies with three types of chocolate chips. These brownies also have that classic crinkle top.

They are the best brownies hands down!

If you are looking for more chocolate recipes, try chocolate peanut butter stuffed cookies, chocolate cookie brownie cake, and small batch brownies

Jump to:
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • Expert Baking Tips
  • FAQ
  • Storing and Freezing
  • 📖 Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

  • Easy to make- These brownies require a mixer to beat the eggs and sugar, but they take less than 10 minutes to make.
  • Cocoa powder + chocolate chips- This recipe uses both. No melted chocolate, just cocoa powder! There are also three types of chocolate chips.
  • Fudgy texture- These brownies have an incredibly fudgy texture. No cakey brownies here!
  • Crinkly top- These delicious brownies have a crinkle top!
Cut brownies on a parchment paper.

Ingredient Notes

  • Egg yolk- The extra egg yolk helps to give the brownies an extra fudgy texture.
  • Unsalted Butter- The butter needs to be melted and slightly cooled. Too warm and the butter will cook the eggs.
  • Oil- Canola oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil is perfect for this recipe.
  • Dutch process cocoa powder- Use dutch process for a deeper and rich chocolate flavor. I used this one.
  • Cornstarch- The cornstarch breaks down the gluten and provides a more fudgy texture and a more chewier brownie.
  • Chocolate chips- I used semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and mini chocolate chips. You can just use regular chocolate chips.
Top view of brownies.

Step By Step Instructions

Here are the steps to make and bake these brownies.

STEP 1: Spray a 9X9 pan. Spray the pan with non-stick baking spray. For easy removal of the brownies, place parchment paper on the bottom and sides of the pan.

STEP 2: Mix the dry ingredients. Use a sifter to make sure all the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder lumps are gone.

Mix the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl.

STEP 3: Beat eggs and sugar. Next, use a mixer with a whisk attachment. Whip the large eggs and granulated sugar for 5 straight minutes. Just the let the mixer run!

This adds air to the eggs and creates the crackle top.

STEP 4: Add in wet ingredients. Then, add in the melted butter, oil, and vanilla. Mix on low to not deflate the air in the eggs.

STEP 5: Add in dry ingredients. Mix in the dry ingredients on low. Make sure it is completely combined. Then, fold in chocolate chips.

Whipped sugar in a glass bowl.
Mixing in the dry ingredients.
Brownie batter with chocolate chips.

STEP 6: Bake the brownies. Pour the batter into the square pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes. Bake until the edges are set and the middle is slightly under baked.

STEP 7: Cool the brownies. For the best results, the brownies need to cool completely before cutting into them. They still cook as they cool down.

Spreading the brownie batter in the pan.
Brownies baked in the pan.

Expert Baking Tips

When you are baking these brownies, you need to be careful when adding in the rest of the ingredients after the eggs are beaten.

If they are added in too fast, the eggs' air will deflate and you won't get as much of a rise from the brownies.

Make sure to spray the pan with baking non-stick spray, so the brownies don't stick to the pan. It is also a good idea to place parchment paper on the bottom of the tray as well.

These brownies are also best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Stack of better than boxed brownies.

FAQ

Why did my brownies sink?

This means that the brownies were too under done. You will probably have extremely fudgy brownies. Bake the brownies again for another 15-20 minutes to cook them more.

My brownies are very hard.

This means the brownies are over baked. Make sure when you bake these, the center is slightly under done.

Can I make these brownies with no eggs?

I have not recipe tested this. If you make these with an egg substitute, let me know.

Can I make these in an 8X8 pan?

Yes you can. It will just make thick brownies.

Can I make these in a 9X13 pan?

Yes you can. Just double the recipe.

Side shot of better than boxed brownies.

Storing and Freezing

Store these better than boxed brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last up to 3-4 days. They are best slightly warm.

Freezing

Store these brownies in the freezer in an airtight container. They will last up to 30 days in the freezer. Thaw for 1 hour before enjoying.

Other Brownie Recipes To Try

  • Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
  • Fudgy Biscoff Brownies
  • Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Make sure to leave me a star review below!

Make sure to tag me on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats. I hope you loved it! To get more ideas follow me on Pinterest.

📖 Recipe

Close up of better than boxed brownies.

Better Than Boxed Fudge Brownies

Stephanie Rutherford
These better than boxed brownies are super fudgy and full of chocolate chips. They taste just like the Triple chocolate Ghirardelli brownie mix.
5 from 20 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 48 mins
Total Time 1 hr 3 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 brownies
Calories 231 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cup White granulated sugar
  • 3 Large eggs
  • 1 Large egg yolk
  • ½ cup Unsalted butter melted
  • 2 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup Oil canola or vegetable
  • ¾ cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder dutch process
  • 1 ½ tablespoon Cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup Milk chocolate
  • ⅓ cup Mini chocolate chips
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325F. Spray a 9X9 pan with a non-stick spray.
  • In a small bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and cornstarch. Set aside
    ¾ cup All-purpose flour, 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon Salt, 1 ½ tablespoon Cornstarch
  • Using a mixer, combine sugar, eggs, and egg yolk. Turn the mixer to high and beat for 5 minutes. It will become light and fluffy. While mixing, melt butter in the microwave and let it sit for a few minutes to cool down slightly.
    2 cup White granulated sugar, 3 Large eggs, 1 Large egg yolk, ½ cup Unsalted butter
  • Add in butter, oil, and vanilla. Mix on low until combined. Take bowl off mixer. Add in the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to very slowly fold in the dry ingredients. Pour in semi-sweet, milk, and mini chocolate chips and fold in.
    2 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract, ½ cup Oil, ½ cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup Milk chocolate, ⅓ cup Mini chocolate chips
  • Pour batter into pan. Using a rubber spatula, make sure it is even through out pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes. The brownies are done when edges are done but the middle isn't set yet. Brownies should appear underdone. They cook more when sitting out. Let sit on counter until top is room temperature.
  • Right before serving, cut brownies into 16 squares. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top.
    Powdered sugar for dusting

Notes

Flour- Make sure flour is spooned and leveled or use a kitchen scale. Compacted flour can make the brownies cakey.
High altitude baking- Add an extra tablespoon of flour.

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 76mgPotassium: 118mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 112IUCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
Keyword better than box mixed, chocolate brownies, chocolate chip brownies, fudge brownies
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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About Stephanie Rutherford

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janca says

    April 06, 2022 at 9:52 am

    5 stars
    Made these guys to cure the Monday blues - HUGE success and they're super delicious. Hubby and I couldn't wait for them to cool down and they did not last very long. Really easy to make as well - 100% recommend!

    Reply
  2. Doris says

    February 22, 2022 at 6:24 pm

    I was wondering if you can omit all chocolate chips
    It seems to much of them
    It really looks good and I sometimes frost mine

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rutherford says

      February 23, 2022 at 10:44 am

      You can omit the chocolate chip if you want too.

      Reply
  3. Lana says

    February 14, 2022 at 4:12 pm

    5 stars
    These brownies are so good. I make them all the time!

    Reply
  4. Lilly says

    February 11, 2022 at 7:39 am

    5 stars
    These brownies are my go to!

    Reply
  5. Bianca says

    January 14, 2022 at 1:27 pm

    5 stars
    Making these brownies for the second time. My best friend said “when I want a brownie, this is the brownie I want.” They are absolutely delicious, fudgy, and perfect. Love that the steps in the recipe include the ingredients so you don’t have to scroll back up!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rutherford says

      January 14, 2022 at 5:09 pm

      You just made my day. I am so happy you love these brownies!!

      Reply
  6. Hannah says

    December 23, 2021 at 4:50 am

    5 stars
    Best brownie recipe! I only use this recipe now when I want to make brownies.

    Reply
  7. Lynda Creighton-Wong says

    October 11, 2021 at 9:50 pm

    I am confused because the recipe printed here says to make an 8 by 8 pan, But then I see in one of your comments, that you have adjusted down the ingredients for an 8x8 pan. Is this supposed to be made in a 9x13 pan?? I don't want to try it without being clear how I'm supposed to make it

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rutherford says

      October 12, 2021 at 8:42 am

      Hello!
      That was an error on my part. It is supposed to be baked in an 9X9 pan. It is updated now. You can bake in an 8X8 pan by scaling down the ingredients or keeping them the same for a very thick brownie. If you bake in an 9X13, double the recipe.

      Reply
  8. Mo says

    August 29, 2021 at 11:45 pm

    I was wondering what you mean by milk chocolate? Do you mean chocolate milk? I wanted to clarify before trying to make.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rutherford says

      August 30, 2021 at 12:18 pm

      Use milk chocolate chips. You can use extra semi-sweet chocolate chips instead.

      Reply
  9. Alex says

    August 13, 2021 at 4:29 pm

    Hey! So I've used this recipe multiple times and just used it the other week...the amounts have all changed?!?! It used to be 2 cups sugar and 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 vegetables oil and 1.5 tbsp of corn starch 1 full cup dutch cocoa etc....why are they now different? Was this an accident?

    Reply
  10. Alex says

    August 13, 2021 at 4:12 pm

    Hey! So I've used this recipe multiple times and just used it the other week...the amounts have all changed?!?! It used to be 2 cups sugar and 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 vegetables oil and 1.5 tbsp of corn starch....why are they now different? Was this an accident?

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rutherford says

      August 13, 2021 at 4:18 pm

      Hello!
      The recipe updating was an accident. I was trying to update a different recipe and apparently this one got updated too. I just went and changed it to the right measurements.
      Try looking again!

      Reply
      • Alex says

        August 15, 2021 at 5:42 am

        Thank you so much!!? This is hands down the best brownie recipe ever so thank you for fixing it!!!

        Reply
  11. Heather says

    July 21, 2021 at 8:19 pm

    5 stars
    So perfect. And so easy!

    Reply
  12. Chad says

    July 21, 2021 at 7:43 pm

    5 stars
    Loved it!!!

    Reply
  13. Steven says

    July 19, 2021 at 7:27 pm

    5 stars
    These are the perfect brownies! My whole family loves them! I can't recommend them enough

    Reply
  14. Sheba says

    April 10, 2021 at 1:13 am

    Hi Stephanie! I really want to make this recipie but I only have an 8x8 pan. What adjustments would I need to make? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rutherford says

      April 10, 2021 at 9:45 am

      Here is the ingredients list for 8X8 pan!

      1 1/3 cups White granulated sugar
      2 Large eggs
      1 Large egg yolk
      5 TBSP Unsalted butter melted
      1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
      1/3 cup Oil canola or vegetable
      1/2 cup All-purpose flour
      3/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder dutch process
      1 TBSP Cornstarch
      1/4 tsp Salt
      1/2 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
      1/2 cup Milk Chocolate
      1/8 cup Mini Chocolate chip

      Reply

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