How to make the best brownies

Best Brownie Basics: The Chocolate

The best type of chocolate to use when making the best homemade brownies is unsweetened cocoa powder instead of solid chocolate. Your brownies will come out with a smoother consistency and super fudgy. It's also easier to control the sweetness and texture of the final brownie product.

>>Oreo Brownies with Marshmallows

You can use either Dutch processed or natural cocoa powder, but you should do a simple taste test to determine which you like better. Natural cocoa is typically better suited for brownies because it has a more intense flavor, but if you like a darker-color brownie, then Dutch processed is the way to go.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember, however, natural cocoa is the only option if you're also using baking soda in the recipe. Dutch process can be used with baking powder.

>>Cocoa Brownies

Best Brownie Basics: Cakey v. Fudgy v. Chewy

Whether you like cakey, fudgy, or chewy brownies there is a way to make them.

• To make the best fudgy brownies, use less flour and an added egg yolk will do the trick.
• For the best cakey brownies, use less butter and flour and add baking soda to keep them light.
• For the best chewy brownies, more flour and whole eggs will make them perfect.

>>Brownies with Irish Cream Icing

These are, of course, just general guidelines; feel free to experiment with ingredients to get your perfect, desired texture. You should try to start out with a baseline recipe and add or reduce ingredients as needed.

>>Dark Chocolate Brownies with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

As far as baking to get the perfect texture, keep a close eye because a few minutes too much or too little in the oven can be the difference between the best and worst brownies.

Best Brownie Basics: Extra Flavors

If you are a chocoholic, then you probably will not want to add anything else to your brownies (unless you are adding chocolate chips), but if you need a little something extra, then keep reading.

>>Chocolate Cream Cheese and Marble Brownies

• Nuts are the first go-to ingredient, which add some texture and taste.
• Marshmallows or marshmallow fluff are also great in brownies.
• Peanut butter is one of my favorite add-ins as are toffee or cream cheese.
• Coffee and mint can be something different or even butterscotch and caramel.
• For something even more different, swirl in jam like strawberry, grape, or raspberry flavor for a fruity surprise.

>>Super Easy Chocolate Fudge Brownies

There are so many different options, simply mix in your favorite flavors for a truly unique and delicious brownie.

>>NEXT: Best Brownie Recipes