Brownies

Fudgy chocolate brownies loaded with chocolate chips and a hint of caramel, with a soft center and perfectly chewy edges.

This recipe started as a simple test to get that perfectly fudgy texture. I kept tweaking small things; more moisture, better chocolate flavor, and that dense, rich bite. Recently, I tried adding a little caramel syrup into the batter, and it completely took these brownies to the next level. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth that makes them even more irresistible. These are the kind of brownies that disappear fast in my house!

Cost Breakdown:

These prices reflect what I paid for the full ingredients at the store. While the recipe may only use part of some items, the cost reflects buying the full ingredient since you can’t realistically purchase just a portion at the store.

• Butter $3.78

• Sugar $2.48

• Eggs $2.47

• Vanilla Extract $2.47

• Canola Oil $1.75

• Cocoa Powder $3.68

• Flour $1.32

• Cornstarch $2.44

• Chocolate Chips $3.58

• Vegetable Shortening $3.24

  Total: $30.24

* Prices based on grocery stores in Central Texas - March 2026.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup Melted Butter

• 1 ¼ cup Sugar

• 2 Eggs

• 1 Egg White

• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

• 1/3 cup Canola Oil

• ¾ cup Cocoa Powder

• ½ cup All Purpose Flour

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp Cornstarch

• 1 cup Chocolate Chips

• 3 tbsp Caramel Syrup (optional)

• 3 tbsp Vegetable Shortening (for greasing pan)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325F

• In a bowl add melted butter, sugar, eggs, egg white, vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.

• Add oil and whisk until fully incorporated.

• Sift in cocoa powder and mix slowly to avoid clumps (and to keep it from flying everywhere).

• Add flour, salt, and cornstarch. Mix until just combined.

• (Optional) Stir in caramel syrup.

• Fold in chocolate chips.

• Grease pan lightly with about 3 tbsp of vegetable shortening, making sure to coat the bottom and sides well so the brownies don’t stick.

• Pour batter into your prepared pan.

• For a brownie pan bake for 35 minutes at 325F

• For individual brownie cavity pan bake for 25 minutes at 325F

Tips:

• Using vegetable shortening instead of spray or butter helps the brownies slide out easily without adding any extra flavor.

• Don’t overmix after adding the dry ingredients, stop once everything is just combined then gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Recipe Summary:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 25-35 minutes