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    Home » Recipes » Cookies

    How to Make Box Brownies Better (8 Easy Tips)

    Published: Jan 24, 2022 · Modified: Oct 25, 2023 by Katelyn Theofanis · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · #sponsoredpost · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    What makes these box brownies better than the rest? It starts with a few notable additions, like brewed coffee, instant espresso, and melted butter. These brownies taste rich, fudgy, and utterly delicious. They are the BEST brownies. You would never know that they started with a boxed brownie mix!

    A stack of brownies made from box brownie mix.

    Sometimes, brownie mix is the simplest way to satisfy your brownie cravings quickly. But how do you improve box brownies? I have eight simple brownie mix hacks to make your next tray of boxed brownies better. These tips result in rich, fudgy brownies that you would never know came from a box of mix. Thanks to the premade mix, this recipe is made in one bowl. No need to fill your sink with dirty dishes!

    This simple recipe results in fudgy, indulgent brownies. Choose your favorite brownie mix and follow the easy instructions in this recipe for the BEST boxed brownies. You can make brownie cookies with box mix, too!

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Highlights
    • How to Make Box Brownie Mix Better
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Suggested Equipment
    • Variations
    • Storing and Freezing
    • Delicious Brownie Recipes
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Recipe Highlights

    • Starts with a Box of Brownie Mix - Make a batch of brownies with box mix that taste just as good as homemade with less hassle.
    • Few Dishes - This box brownie recipe is made in one bowl, saving time and effort. 
    • Rich and Fudgy Brownies - These boxed brownies are indulgent and deliciously fudgy, thanks to melted butter, coffee, and egg yolks.

    How to Make Box Brownie Mix Better

    How do you enhance box brownies? I can help you! Follow these eight simple tips to make the best {and easiest} fudgy brownies.

    1. Start with a good brownie mix. My favorite brand is Ghirardelli. Other delicious box mixes include King Arthur Baking Company and Simple Mills (a good gluten-free option). 
    2. Use egg yolks instead of whole egg(s). The yolks are the fattiest part of the egg. Using only the rich yolk versus eggs makes the brownies fudgier.
    3. Substitute brewed coffee instead of water. Coffee and chocolate have similar flavor profiles; therefore, they play very well off each other. Switching out the water for coffee results in a darker, richer flavor. You can also use whole milk or heavy cream instead of water.
    4. Add instant espresso (or instant coffee). Like the brewed coffee, instant espresso also bumps the chocolate flavor.
    5. Include extra chocolate. Add semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks for the ultimate chocolate experience.
    6. Amp up the flavor with pure vanilla extract. I know it's pricy, but use the good stuff. It adds to the overall flavor of the brownies. A little does go a long way. 
    7. Use melted butter instead of oil. If butter is an option, I will always use it. Melted butter provides a luscious, rich flavor and mouthfeel to these brownies. Make sure to use unsalted butter. And make sure you are using melted butter, not softened.
    8. Bake the brownies at a low heat. Baking the brownies at 325 degrees F results in even cooking throughout the tray of brownies. Thanks to all the fat in this recipe, the brownies cook evenly while preserving their fudgy texture.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients you need for this recipe.
    • Brownie Mix - You will need a 20 oz package for this recipe. I always use Ghirardelli Brownie Mix when I start with a box mix. Beginning with Triple Chocolate Ghirardelli Mix, cut the added semi-sweet chocolate chips back by half or omit them entirely. (It already has chocolate chips inside the mix.)
    • Egg Yolks
    • Brewed Coffee (cooled)
    • Instant Espresso Powder (or coffee)
    • Pure Vanilla Extract
    • Melted Butter -If desired, use a neutral flavored oil (like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil) in the same amount. 
    • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Chunks - As stated above, if using a mix that already has chocolate chips in it, reduce the amount of added chocolate chips or omit them altogether.

    See the recipe card for the ingredient quantities.

    Instructions

    Step 1 (PREP ) - Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

    The wet ingredients in a clear bowl with a large whisk.

    Step 2 (MIX) - Mix the brewed coffee, melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until combined. Whisk in the instant espresso or coffee until dissolved.

    Box brownie mix poured into a clear bowl with the wet ingredients.

    Step 3 (FOLD) - Fold the brownie mix into the liquid ingredients using a rubber spatula. Fold in the chocolate chips.

    *Why do we fold in the brownie mix instead of whisking it in? The more you mix, the more gluten develops. To keep these brownies soft and fudgy, we must keep the mixing to a minimum. Therefore, we fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until everything is combined.

    A clear bowl with brownie batter and chocolate chips in it.

    Step 4 (BAKE) - Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Smooth it into an even layer. Bake the brownies for 40-45 minutes or until the brownies are set. (These brownies are very fudgy, so a toothpick inserted into the center may not come out clean.)

    Brownie batter spread into a baking pan dotted with chocolate chips.

    Step 5 (COOL)  - Cool the brownies before slicing. For the cleanest slices, chill brownies for an hour before cutting.

    Suggested Equipment

    • 8-inch Square Baking Pan - This USA Pan Bakeware 8-inch Square Bake Pan is the pan that I have. It has excellent quality and holds up well. (I use it frequently!) It is nonstick and quick-release.
    • Mixing Bowls - I love a good nesting bowl set. They often include the ideal bowl sizes for baking recipes like this one. I love this Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl Set. 
    • Large Whisk - This is the OXO Balloon Whisk that I have. It has a comfortable handle for easy gripping when mixing. This handle is convenient when making something that involves plentiful mixing, like meringue. 
    • Rubber Spatula - You'll need a rubber spatula for scraping the bowl and folding in the dry ingredients. 
    • Parchment Paper Sheets - Parchment sheets, versus the roll, are a game changer when lining a baking pan. You will need to trim them slightly, but the flat shape makes the pan-lining process ten times easier!

    Variations

    • Chopped Nuts: Nuts add a beautiful textural element to brownies and an added nutty flavor. Use walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, or almonds. Make sure they are chopped for easier eating.
    • Flaky Sea Salt: The salty-sweet flavor combination applies to brownies, too. After baking, sprinkle flakey sea salt or fleur de sel over the top of the brownies while they are still warm.
    • Chocolate Chips: Swap the semi-sweet chips for white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or peanut butter chips. 

    Storing and Freezing

    • STORE - Store brownies in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store at room temperature for up to five days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
    • FREEZE - Transfer cooled brownies to a freezer-safe zip-top—separate layers with a sheet of wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months.

    Delicious Brownie Recipes

    • Rocky Road Brownies
    • Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
    • Fudgy Double Chocolate Walnut Brownies
    • Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting
    • Nutella Brownies
    A selection of sliced brownies on parchment paper.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you make brownies fudgy?

    The more fat in the brownie batter, the fudgier the brownies will be. For this reason, this recipe uses egg yolks and lots of melted butter.

    What is the best way to serve box brownies?

    Brownies are best when served at room temperature or warm. While you can eat them cold, your tongue tastes the flavors significantly more if the brownies are at room temperature. Not to mention, the soft and/or melty chocolate chips are a bonus. Or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. To Heat: Microwave one brownie for 15-20 seconds. 

    Can I use a mixer to mix brownie batter?

    Mixing brownie batter by hand is best, especially if you are looking for fudgy brownies. The more the batter is mixed, the more gluten is developed.

    Can you use butter instead of oil in brownies?

    Butter is delicious in brownies.  Make sure the butter is melted (like in this recipe). You often see brownie recipes specifying to melt the butter and chocolate together.

    If you make the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #sugarylogic, and share them with me on Instagram or Facebook. 

    📖 Recipe

    A stack of three fudgy brownies.

    How to Make Box Brownies Better

    Katelyn Theofanis
    What makes these box brownies better than the rest? It starts with a few notable additions, like brewed coffee, instant espresso, and melted butter. These brownies taste rich, fudgy, and utterly delicious. They are the BEST brownies. You would never know that they started with a boxed brownie mix.
    4.84 from 31 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 brownies
    Calories 332 kcal

    Equipment

    • 8-by-8-inch Baking Pan
    • Large Whisk
    • Rubber Spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 (20 oz) box brownie mix
    • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
    • 2 large egg yolks
    • ⅓ cup warm brewed coffee
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 tablespoon instant espresso or instant coffee
    • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate chunks

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 325° F. Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
    • Mix the brewed coffee, melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until combined. Whisk in the instant espresso or coffee until dissolved.
    • Using a rubber spatula, fold the brownie mix into the liquid ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chips. Reserve a few extra chips to sprinkle on the batter once it is in the pan.
    • Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Smooth it into an even layer.
    • Bake the brownies for 40-45 minutes or until the brownies are set. (These brownies are very fudgy, so a toothpick inserted into the center may not come out clean.)
    • Allow the brownies to cool before slicing.

    Notes

    • TO STORE - Store brownies in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store at room temperature for up to five days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
    • TO FREEZE - Transfer cooled brownies to a freezer-safe zip-top —separate layers with a sheet of wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months.
    • FOR THE CLEANEST SLICES - Refrigerate the brownies for one hour before cutting. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 3gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 141mgPotassium: 67mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 281IUCalcium: 11mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag your photo #sugarylogic or @sugarylogic ANY QUESTIONS? Please leave a comment below!

    Did you make this? Leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!

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    I am the recipe developer, content creator, and photographer behind Sugary Logic. Sugary Logic's recipes are clear, simple, and easy to learn. These are all recipes I enjoy regularly (yes, the sweets too.) I'm so happy you're here, and I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I do. Read More…

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      4.84 from 31 votes (31 ratings without comment)

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    1. Cookie

      March 18, 2023 at 10:15 am

      You can also add a can of cherry pie filling to the brownie mix.

      Reply
      • Katelyn Theofanis

        March 22, 2023 at 1:27 pm

        That sounds like a delicious addition to the brownie mix!

        Reply

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    author

    Hi, welcome to Sugary Logic! I'm Katelyn. I am an experienced chef and home cook publishing simple and easy recipes here on my food blog, Sugary Logic. Sugary Logic's recipes will save you time and allow you to create fast and easy meals as sophisticated as any restaurant meal.

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