Hello, homemaker!

Lately, I have been preparing more dry mixes to keep in my kitchen. Depending on what I plan to make for my boy during the week, I might have a jar of make-ahead cornbread mix waiting in the pantry, or perhaps a batch of my homemade dry cake mix.

Having these mixes prepared ahead of time makes homemade baking feel so much easier. I can still make something from scratch for my family without having to pull out and measure every ingredient whenever we want a little treat.

This week, I wanted to create a good homemade brownie for my boy—something rich and chocolatey, with a chewy center and those slightly crisp edges that we love. So, here I am adding another useful dry mix to my pantry: homemade brownie mix!

I do not buy cakes and other baked treats from the store anymore. Many store-bought cakes and boxed mixes contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and other ingredients that I would not normally use in my own kitchen. These days, my boy usually gets to enjoy cake, brownies, or cookies when I make them myself.

That does not mean homemade brownies are a health food—they are still a sweet treat made with sugar and butter. However, making them at home allows me to choose the ingredients, avoid unnecessary additives, and know exactly what my family is eating.

And with this homemade brownie mix already prepared, baking a fresh batch is nearly as convenient as opening a boxed mix from the store.

Why Make Your Own Brownie Mix?

Making homemade dry mixes is one of those simple homemaking habits that can save a surprising amount of time.

When the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and other dry ingredients are already measured, you only need to add a few wet ingredients before your brownies are ready for the oven.

Here are a few reasons I love keeping this homemade brownie mix in my pantry:

It Uses Simple Ingredients

This mix is made with familiar pantry staples such as flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and baking powder. There are no artificial flavors or hard-to-recognize ingredients.

It Makes Baking More Convenient

Preparing the mix ahead of time eliminates most of the measuring and cleanup on baking day. Simply empty the mix into a bowl, add the wet ingredients, and bake.

It Is More Affordable

Homemade dry mixes are often less expensive than repeatedly buying specialty boxed mixes, especially when you purchase baking ingredients in larger quantities.

You Can Customize It

Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a little instant coffee powder to create different brownie flavors.

It Makes a Thoughtful Homemade Gift

Pour the ingredients into a pretty glass jar, tie a ribbon around the lid, and attach the baking instructions. It makes a simple and useful gift for teachers, neighbors, friends, or fellow homemakers.

What Makes These Brownies Chewy?

I wanted this recipe to produce brownies that are chewy rather than light and cakey.

The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar helps create a moist, chewy texture. Butter adds flavor and encourages the edges to become slightly crisp, while a small amount of oil keeps the center soft.

This recipe does not use any baking powder. Baking powder can make brownies rise like cake or pancake. And I want these brownies to be dense.

For the best results, avoid adding extra flour and do not bake the brownies for too long. They will continue to set as they cool.

Homemade Dry Brownie Mix Recipe

This recipe makes enough dry mix for one 8-inch square pan of brownies.

Ingredients for the Dry Mix

¾ cup regular sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips, optional

To Bake the Brownies

You will also need:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted and allowed to cool slightly
¼ cup neutral oil, such as avocado or vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Prepare the Dry Brownie Mix

I like using one-liter or 800-ml mason jars. I simply pour the ingredients into a jar and shake it to mix the ingredients.

Don't forget to label the container with the name of the mix, the date it was prepared, and the baking instructions.

How to Bake the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C.

Lightly grease an 8-inch square metal baking pan, or line it with parchment paper. Leaving a little parchment hanging over the sides will make it easier to lift the brownies out later.

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add the entire jar of dry brownie mix.

Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and no large streaks of flour remain. The batter will be thick.

For a shinier top, stir the batter firmly for another 30 to 40 seconds after the ingredients have been combined. Do not continue mixing for several minutes, as too much mixing can make the brownies tough.

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan.

Bake for approximately 22 to 27 minutes. Begin checking the brownies around the 22-minute mark.

A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. It should not be covered in wet batter, but it also should not come out completely clean.

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

For the cleanest slices, let them cool completely.

Tips for Chewy Brownies With Crisp Edges

Use a Metal Baking Pan

A light-colored metal pan conducts heat well and helps the brownies develop crisp edges. Glass and ceramic pans may require a longer baking time and can produce softer edges.

Measure the Flour Carefully

Adding too much flour can make brownies dry or cakey.

Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it with the back of a knife rather than scooping it directly from the bag.

Do Not Overbake Them

The center may still appear slightly soft when the brownies are ready to come out of the oven. As long as a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter, they are done.

Overbaking is one of the most common reasons homemade brownies turn out dry.

Let the Brownies Cool

It can be tempting to slice into warm brownies right away, but allowing them to cool gives the center time to set and become chewier.

Use Both Butter and Oil

Butter provides a rich homemade flavor and helps create crisp edges. The small amount of oil helps the brownies remain soft and chewy in the center.

Do Not Skip the Brown Sugar

Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and contributes to the brownies’ chewy texture.

How Long Does Homemade Brownie Mix Last?

Store your dry brownie mix in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry pantry.

For the best quality, use it within two months.

The brown sugar may begin to form small clumps during storage. This does not necessarily mean the mix has spoiled. Simply break the clumps apart before using it.

For longer storage, leave the brown sugar out of the jar and add a note reminding yourself to mix in ½ cup of brown sugar on baking day.

Always make sure the jar, measuring tools, and ingredients are completely dry. Moisture can cause the mix to spoil.

Do not taste the unbaked brownie batter because it contains raw eggs and uncooked flour.

Brownie Mix Add-In Ideas

One of the benefits of making your own brownie mix is that you can customize each batch.

Try adding one or two of the following:

Semisweet or dark chocolate chips
White chocolate chips
Chopped walnuts or pecans
Peanut butter chips
Crushed peppermint candies
Shredded coconut
A teaspoon of instant espresso powder
A sprinkle of flaky salt on top
Small pieces of caramel
Chopped dried cherries

You can place the add-ins directly in the jar or store them in a small separate bag so you can decide whether to use them on baking day.

Making Several Brownie Mixes at Once

If you already have all the ingredients on the counter, consider preparing two or three jars at the same time.

Measure each batch into a separate bowl before transferring it to a jar. This helps ensure every jar contains the correct amount of each ingredient.

Keep one jar in your pantry and save the others for busy weeks, unexpected visitors, or days when your family wants a homemade chocolate treat.

A prepared mix also makes it easier for older children to help with baking. They can add the wet ingredients, stir the batter, and help spread it into the pan with less measuring and less mess.

Homemade Brownie Mix Gift Instructions

To turn this recipe into a homemade gift, layer the dry ingredients in a clean glass jar.

Place the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder near the bottom. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar next, followed by the chocolate chips.

Press each layer gently before adding the next one so everything fits.

Attach a tag with these instructions:

To make the brownies:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the contents of the jar with ½ cup melted butter, ¼ cup neutral oil,, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spread in a greased or parchment-lined 8-inch square pan. Bake for 22 to 27 minutes.

Looking for More Homemade Ideas?

Feel free to browse around and get inspired!