Tessa’s Recipe Rundown
Taste: The perfect balance of chocolate sweetness.
Texture: CHEWY, of course 🙂
Ease: Super easy. One bowl, no electric mixer needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This Brownie Recipe is WAY better than a box mix and almost as easy. It’s my go-to recipe!
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These Chewy Brownies are my go-to recipe when I need a quick, easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve made it over 200 times. It’s truly the best!
There’s even a secret ingredient that helps to mimic that box-mix texture (but with way better flavor!).
These brownies are my everyday go-to recipe. Check out just one of the 1,000+ 5-star reviews for these best homemade brownies:
Reader Love
I have been using this recipe for about a year now! It is the easiest recipe I have ever used, I get so many compliments on these brownies!! Thank you thank you thank you!!! ❤️
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The Kitchn tested this recipe, raving about how quick and easy it is! Even Bon Appétit used the recipe as part of their research in their quest to create a perfect chocolate brownie.
Sprinkle of Science
Ingredient Notes for Success
The Cocoa Powder
I recommend using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deeper flavor and fudgier texture. Natural unsweetened cocoa will offer a more nostalgic chocolate flavor and a slightly drier but chewier texture.
My favorite Dutch cocoa powder for brownies is Penzey’s or Guittard. Ghirardelli is also great in a pinch. Learn more about how Natural and Dutch-process cocoas affect your baking here.
The Chocolate Chips
I prefer semisweet chocolate chips, but you can use any kind you like. They strengthen the chocolate flavor, thicken the texture, and help develop that shiny, crinkly crust on top.
You can also add 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans in addition to the chocolate chips.
Learn my top FOUR methods for achieving a shiny thin brownie crust here.
The Fat
- Melted butter plus vegetable oil provides the best taste and texture.
- You can use avocado oil or any other neutral-flavored oil instead of vegetable oil.
- Make sure your oil is fresh to avoid any off flavors.
- Check out my side-by-side baking experiments with Butter vs Oil here.
The Sugar
Don’t reduce the sugar in this Brownie Recipe, as this will cause dry, crumbly brownies that will stale faster. Learn more about sugar’s functions in brownies here.
The Eggs
These Chewy Brownies use two whole eggs plus an additional egg yolk for EXTRA chewiness and richness. Using cold eggs prevents doming and increases moisture.
The Flour
A small amount of all-purpose flour is essential for creating Chewy Brownies — but avoid adding too much, as this can cause dry, cakey brownies. Use a digital kitchen scale to prevent accidental over measuring. If you don’t have a digital scale, use the spoon-and-level method described here.
Secret Ingredient: Cornstarch!
Cornstarch mimics the texture of box mix brownies, creating thicker, chewier brownies with a nice shiny crackly top. Don’t skip it if possible.
The Best Pan for Brownies:
Struggling with gummy, sunken, underbaked (even raw) or dry-edged brownies? Ditch the glass square pan and use a light-colored metal baking pan instead.
Metal conducts heat far more effectively. If all you have is glass or ceramic, add an extra 5-10 minutes baking time. Learn more about the differences between Glass vs. Metal Baking Pans here.
Storing & Freezing Brownies
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge. They are fudgier when they’re chilled!
To freeze, wrap the cooled whole slab or individual slices of brownies in plastic wrap inside an airtight container. Store in freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or for a couple hours at room temperature, before serving.
FAQs
Can I double this brownie recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9 by 13-inch light-colored metal baking pan (don’t use a glass pan!) and add a few minutes to the baking time.
Why is there no baking soda or baking powder?
I prefer no baking soda or baking powder for rich, dense brownies that are not even remotely cakey. If you’re team cakey, don’t even bother with this recipe. It’ll be far too chewy and fudgy for you!
Can I leave out the chocolate chips?
You can, but note that the brownies will be thinner and may not develop that shiny crust on top.
Why use melted butter instead of creamed butter?
Not only does this make the recipe quicker and easier, but it yields denser, chewier, and fudgier brownies.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
I haven’t tested that, but readers have had success with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You may need to add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your GF blend doesn’t have any binders.
Can I make this recipe dairy free?
Yes, replace the butter with an equal amount of a vegan butter block that’s firm at room temperature. Use dairy-free chocolate chips. Or, try my Coconut Oil Brownies with dairy free chocolate instead.
Can I make this recipe egg free?
I have not found a suitable replacement for the eggs in brownies yet. Feel free to experiment!
How to tell when brownies are done baking?
A cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached. For me, 30 minutes yields my perfect brownie that’s just ever-so-slightly gooey in the center. If you prefer a drier consistency, bake for 33-35 minutes.
What’s the best way to cut clean brownie slices?
Surprisingly, the best tool is a plastic knife! Yes, like the ones you buy for a picnic or BBQ. If you don’t have one, use a large sharp knife and run under hot water and wipe off after each slice.
Best Ever Chewy Brownies
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Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons (71 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups (249 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (74 grams) neutral oil (like vegetable or avocado)
- 3/4 cup (75 grams) cocoa powder*
- 1/2 cup (63 grams) all-purpose flour, measured correctly
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3/4 cup (128 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8 by 8-inch light-colored metal pan** with foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and sugar. Microwave for about 1 minute, or until the butter is melted. Whisk in the eggs and egg yolk, whisking vigorously for 1 minute. Whisk in the vanilla, then stir in the oil and cocoa powder.
- With a rubber spatula, stir in the flour, cornstarch, and salt until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a cake tester inserted into the center has moist crumbs attached. Do not overcook. Let cool completely to solidify before cutting and serving.
- Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Brownies will be gooey when served warm, chewy when served at room temperature, and fudgy when served chilled.
Recipe Notes
More Brownies Recipes You’ll Love:
- Malted Brownies – made with brown butter!
- Toffee Brownies
- Copycat Cosmic Brownies – ultimate nostalgia!
- Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies
- How to Make the Perfect Caramel Sauce
This recipe was originally published in 2017 and has been updated with additional baking tips and new photos. Recipe photos by Joanie Simon and Baking Science photos by Ashley McLaughlin.
This is our favourite brownie! It’s the perfect balance of chewy and fudgy, but not like some recipes that just seem squishy or underbaked, if you know what I mean. I make it with orange zest because I love that combo. Also, all the science in this recipe is great, I learned so much as always with this site.
Love the addition of orange zest, yum!
Best brownies ever! I bring these to events often and once anyone tries them they always ask me for the recipe. In fact, I’ve tried a few different brownies from Handle the Heat and they’ve all been a hit! My son has even requested them as a birthday cake once.
Love hearing that, Jassy! Your brownies look delicious!
These brownies are ah-mazing!!! My family and friends love them. Thank you Tess, please 🙏 come out with more cookbooks.
My friends and family beg me to make these brownies! Chewy, chocolately, fudgy DELICIOUS!
What more can you ask for?
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve baked this recipe! It’s definitely my go-to for when I’m feeling like having some chocolatey goodness. They’re so full of chocolate flavor which is great compared to the ones you can make from the box. Also, love the chewy texture and the shiny crust (;
Hihi! May I check what’s the weight of your large eggs in grams w/o shell? Thanks!
Hi Trina! A large egg out of shell weighs about 50 grams 🙂
This is my go-to brownie recipe. Its SO easy and unbelievably good. I got my sister hooked on to it as well!
The recipe can be easily doubled. I generally replace the chocolate chips with chocolate chunks 👌
Do you want your recipes to stand out from the rest ? To stop guests in mid conversation to ask”Who made these brownies, sugar cookies, brown sugar chocolate chip cookies? “
If not , quit reading.
But if you want the absolute BETTER recipes, read on.
I was first introduced to Tessa three years ago via an online search. I gave her chewy brownie recipe a try .
After that there was no going back . Every time I baked something I would be asked , “Is this a Tessa recipe isn’t it?”
Make these chewy brownies . Then try the sugar cookies. You’ll experience the Tessa difference! Not the dime a dozen “best” but the stand out BETTER!!
These brownies were delicious and simple to make. My grandsons ask for them frequently. If you haven’t tried the recipe please do. Thanks Tessa for such a great recipe.
Tessa makes the best of everything! I have made these brownies from her cookbook (along with many other recipes in her book) and every single time they turn out fantastic. Everyone requests them and considers me the best baker they know-thanks Tessa. I’ve made so many of her foolproof recipes-pies, cakes,cookies, bagles, pasta, and even the greatest Pretzels-which I don’t like pretzels, but made them for a football party and they MUST be at every football party since then. I can’t express how much she has taught me-and I’m an old and good baker-but who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks! You would not regret getting her cookie book-It makes a great gift. Her recipes are worth checking out.
I am not a huge fan of Brownies but my grandkids are. They loved this recipe and asked for more. I must admit they made me change my attitude toward Brownies. Thanks Tessa!
These are the best brownies. I have made multiple times and they are a favorite. Perfectly chewy!❤️