Brownies from Scratch
Brownies from Scratch
Updated 1/2024
This post is about making brownies from scratch. Do you depend on mixes for cakes, cookies, and brownies? Me too….most of the time)))
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Today I thought I would try making some scratch brownies for my grandchildren’s Valentine happy. Brownie bites….this is what I was thinking. And even though my grandchildren are all grown up….they still love tasty treats))
I haven’t made brownies from scratch in a very long time, so I got my 1950 Betty Crocker cookbook. My mother had one of these cookbooks and used it often.
I used it too mostly to look at the color pictures and occasionally make sugar cookies, brownies, or snickerdoodles))) She always welcomed us in the kitchen and usually never minded if I wanted to make something….most of the time))
Betty Crocker’s brownie recipe called for squares of chocolate and I didn’t have any….so rather than make a trip to the store I decided I would try chocolate chips and cocoa. So, this was a trial that turned out pretty good!
Ingredients
Just a few ingredients
The Mixture
Melt the chocolate chips and butter and let it cool, but not so much that it starts to harden again. Cream the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cocoa together. If you add melted chocolate and butter to the eggs while it’s too hot, it might cook the eggs.
Sift the flour and baking powder, and add the salt. Add to the egg mixture and stir in the melted chocolate and butter.
The batter will be stiff. Spread the batter in a prepared square pan. I like to use parchment paper and also cooking spray even if the pan is non-stick.
Dip a big spoon into water and use the back to help smooth out the batter. If you feel it is just absolutely too thick, add a tablespoon of water or milk.
Bake at about 350° or a little less. My oven is hot so I usually set it at 325°. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done.
It’s very easy to overcook brownies and they will be hard if overdone.
Allow them to cool for cutting. I sliced my in small 1″ x 1″ bites. Sometimes right in the center, the brownies won’t slice as cleanly as they do around the edge. So wipe off your knife with each cut and that will help.
Suzy Q Chocolate Snack Cake
Here’s another recipe that I’ve made in the past that was a real hit. It takes a little more time to put together, but the kids loved it.
Brownies from Scratch for Valentine’s Day
Here’s how my brownies turned out. I think they will be a hit)))
I got these cute little Valentine containers at the Dollar Tree and they were perfect to hold my “brownie bites.” Just tuck some parchment paper and fill it with your goodies.
Sometimes I make chocolate-dipped strawberries for the kiddos, but this year….brownie bites))
What kind of treats do you make for your grown grandchildren? Leave me a comment! I love hearing from readers and am always looking for new ideas))
Brownies from Scratch
Equipment
- 9" Square Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 3 T butter
- 2 T cocoa
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla flavoring
- 1 cup plain flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° (Ovens are different, I use 325°)Melt the chocolate chips and butter and let it cool, but not so much that it starts to harden again. Cream the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cocoa together. If you add melted chocolate and butter to the eggs while it’s too hot, it might cook the eggs.Sift the flour and baking powder, and add the salt. Add to the egg mixture and stir in the melted chocolate and butter.The batter will be stiff. Spread the batter in a prepared square pan. I like to use parchment paper and also cooking spray even if the pan is non-stick.Bake for 20-25 minutes. Start checking for doneness at 20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean it's done. Cool and cut into desired size pieces. I made brownie bites 1" x 1" Store in a covered container.
Can you use butter crisp as well plain
Criso shortening
I haven’t used the Crisco butter flavored, but I would probably try it. Thanks for visiting my blog!
These from scratch brownies look so good Jeannie! What an awesome treat for your g.kids with the cute containers! I am always hungry. Happy Valentine’s Day!
I need to make another batch! One grandson was out of state playing golf and won’t be back until tomorrow….so I need to fix something for him. Of course he’s 21 now…but still)))