Better than box mix brownie recipe! These easy one-bowl cocoa powder brownies are as easy as boxed mix brownies, but they taste so much better!
![Better Than Box Mix Brownies A row of cut baked brownies on parchment paper.](https://www.ihearteating.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/better-than-box-mix-brownies-1200.jpg)
Box brownie mix is the star of the box mix section. Mix brownies are one dessert that homemade brownies always try to copy.
Even though the flavor can be a little lacking, box mix brownies have that amazing chewy/fudgy texture and perfect, shiny brownie crust that make them so incredible.
These scratch brownies take that amazing chewy/fudgy texture and add rich chocolate flavor. They’re so tasty that you’ll never want to make box brownies again!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Butter: I use salted butter. If you’re using unsalted butter, increase the salt by 1/4 teaspoon. You can melt the butter my placing it in a large, microwave-safe bowl and microwaving for about 40 seconds. Stir until completely melted.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will work.
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Large eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: I’ve only used unsweetened cocoa powder and haven’t tried using Dutch-process cocoa powder in this recipe.
- Salt
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: You can substitute another type of chocolate chip. Please don’t skip the chocolate chips, through, because they help the brownies to form the crust on top.
How to make better than box mix brownies
If you aren’t familiar with baking brownies, check out my how to make brownies post for tons of tips and info that will help you make the best brownies.
![Sugar and butter in a silver bowl for cocoa powder brownies](https://www.ihearteating.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/box-mix-brownie-process-1.jpg)
Step 1: Whisk the butter, sugars, and vanilla together until well-combined.
Step 2: Whisk in the eggs one at a time until combined.
![box mix brownie batter in a baking pan](https://www.ihearteating.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/box-mix-brownie-process.jpg)
Step 3: Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the butter and sugar mixture. Whisk just until combined. There’s no need to beat the batter – whisking it just until the ingredients are incorporated is sufficient. The batter should be thick and smooth.
Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips, and pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
![Baked uncut brownies on a piece of parchment paper.](https://www.ihearteating.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/better-than-box-mix-brownies-11-1200.jpg)
Step 5: Bake until a toothpick in the center comes out with fudgy crumbs attached. Wet batter means that the brownies aren’t done cooking. No crumbs means the brownies are over-baked. Just a few fudgy crumbs is perfect.
Step 6: Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting and serving.
![Better than Box Mix Brownie Recipe Two rows of cut brownies on parchment paper.](https://www.ihearteating.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/better-than-box-mix-brownies-3-1200.jpg)
What should brownies look like when baked?
These brownies will have a thin, shiny crust on top. They’ll be set at the edges and still look a little fudgy in the middle.
When a wooden toothpick is inserted in the center, it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Recipe FAQs
These brownies fall somewhere between chewy and fudgy. They have a thin, shiny crust like box mix brownies, but they also have rich chocolate flavor.
You don’t! The vanilla helps to enhance the chocolate flavor, but you can reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon if you prefer.
Sure! Feel free to add chopped pecans or walnuts along with the chocolate chips.
![Cocoa Powder Brownie Recipe Cut brownies at an angle on brown and white parchment paper.](https://www.ihearteating.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/better-than-box-mix-brownies-4-1200.jpg)
Storage
I like to store brownies in an airtight container in the fridge because it helps to make them chewier and fudgier. It also makes them last a little longer.
If stored in the fridge, the brownies will keep for up to 4 or 5 days. If stored, covered, at room temperature, the brownies will keep 2-3 days.
More brownie recipes!
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![A row of cut baked brownies on parchment paper.](https://www.ihearteating.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/better-than-box-mix-brownies-1200-360x360.jpg)
Better Than Box Mix Brownie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter melted
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour weighed or properly measured1
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Set aside.
- Stir together the butter, sugars, and vanilla in a large bowl until well-combined.
- Stir in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each, until thoroughly blended.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in until just incorporated.
- Mix in the chocolate morsels.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake 20-35 minutes. The edges should look dry and set, but there should still have fudgy crumbs but not wet batter when a toothpick is inserted in the middle.
- Cool in the pan to room temperature before cutting.
Video
Notes
- To avoid packing in the flour (and ending up with dry brownies), sift or stir the flour. Then lightly spoon it into the measuring cup. Avoid tamping it down or packing it in. Level the flour off with a butter knife.
- Nutrition values are estimates.
Nutrition
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Originally published 8/26/16.
Reader Interactions
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Comments & Reviews
Sharon says
Seriously this is the best brownie recipe ever. Everyone agreed it was better than the ones I normally bake (box mix, doctored). Perfect texture and taste!
Kate says
Thank you!
Sharon says
I made these for a Memorial Day gathering. Everybody said “these don’t taste like your regular brownies…” (that’s because I “used to” use a box mix, but never again! They were perfect! I made them exactly per your directions but did put a chocolate icing on mine just because that’s how my family likes them but they were great without it. This is my new go to brownie!
Kate says
Yay! I’m so glad to hear that!
Erica says
My husband is celiac so I made these with gluten free flour and they turned out amazing!!
Kate says
Thank you! I’m glad to hear that it worked well with the gf flour!
Mandi says
These brownies are absolutely amazing! I tend to make recipes and then modify the second time. These are perfection and need no changes. In an event with 5 different brownies…a group of 20 kids unanimously voted these the best!
Kate says
Thank you! I’m so glad that they were a hit!
Kim says
I made these but the top didn’t crackle, what did I do wrong?
Kate says
Hi! Did you make any changes or substitutions?
Amy says
Mine normally do that if I mix it too much
Jo says
How thick would you say these brownies are when baked? I tried another 9 x13 brownie recipe and they were super thin. Like less than 1/2”. I am now having to make another batch for my party.
Kate says
They’re about an inch thick. I also have a one bowl brownie recipe that makes brownies that are slightly thicker.
Gail says
One of the best recipes we have tried! Thank you!
Kate says
Thank you so much!!
Lisa says
Why is there no baking powder or baking soda?
Kate says
There is traditionally no leavening (baking powder or baking soda) in brownie recipes. Leavening agents tend to produce a cakier brownie, so most fudge or chewy brownie recipes don’t include any.
Allie says
These are some bomb brownies! I’m never using a mix again!
Kate says
Yay! I’m so glad that you liked them. Thanks for commenting! =)
Denice says
I’m stumped…I used to use a brownie recipe of yours from your site and I can’t find it. They were THE BEST BROWNIES. I’m thinking maybe these are them, but you renamed them? I just don’t remember the original recipe calling for chocolate morsels. They were very fudgy
Kate says
I took the recipe down, but I still have it. I’ve received so many requests lately that I think I need to put it back up! In the mean time, I can email it to you if you would like. =)
Denice says
Yes…..pretty please. It’s our favorite and I always make them for my family for Valentines Day.
Melanie says
Me too please
Kate says
Hi! I reposted the recipe. You can find it here.
Caroline says
You’re right- these are way better than box brownies!
Kate says
Thank you!