Brownies from Scratch

Brownies from Scratch is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 230 calories per serving. Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $18.48 total, $1.54 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, melted over medium‑low heat)
  • 1.25 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 0.5 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (high‑quality, unsweetened)
  • 3 tablespoons Pecans (chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons Almonds (chopped)
  • 0.75 cup Extra Dark Chocolate Chips (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

  1. Melt the Butter

    Place the butter cubes in a saucepan over medium‑low heat. Stir constantly until fully melted.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cool the Butter

    Transfer the melted butter to a mixing bowl and let it sit until it reaches room temperature (about 5 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients

    Whisk the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the cooled butter until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

    Sift the flour and cocoa powder together, then gently fold them into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Add Nuts and Chocolate

    Fold in the chopped pecans, chopped almonds, and 0.75 cup of extra‑dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven

    Line the 9×13‑inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy lift‑out. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Transfer Batter and Top

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips (about 0.25 cup) over the top.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Bake the Brownies

    Place the pan in the middle rack and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Cool and Serve

    Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
230
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Tree nuts, Gluten

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Brownies from Scratch

Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN

These fudgy, chocolate‑rich brownies are a homemade take on Ben & Jerry's Old School ice‑cream flavor. With a mix of extra‑dark chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and almonds, they’re dense, moist, and perfect for any chocolate lover.

EasyAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
40m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.48
Total cost
$1.54
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Melt butter over low heat without browning.
  • Let melted butter cool before adding eggs.
  • Do not overmix after adding flour and cocoa.
  • Fold nuts and chocolate chips gently.
  • Check doneness with a toothpick; brownies should be fudgy, not dry.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot butter can cause severe burns; handle with care.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot baking pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies inspired by Ben & Jerry's Old School in American dessert cuisine?

A

Ben & Jerry's Old School ice‑cream flavor, introduced in the 1990s, combined chocolate ice cream with fudge swirls and almond pieces. Home cooks have adapted it into brownies to capture the same indulgent texture and nutty‑chocolate profile, making it a nostalgic treat in American comfort‑food culture.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chocolate brownies in the United States?

A

Across the U.S., brownies range from cakey (often found in the Northeast) to fudgy (popular in the Midwest). Some regions add nuts, caramel, or swirl in peanut butter, while others keep them plain. This recipe leans toward the fudgy style with added nuts and dark chocolate, echoing the Old School flavor.

cultural
Q

How is Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies traditionally served in American households?

A

They are usually cut into square or rectangular pieces and served at room temperature. Many families pair them with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra decadence.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Brownies are a staple at casual gatherings such as birthday parties, potlucks, and holiday cookie swaps. Their handheld size makes them perfect for school lunches and office snack breaks as well.

cultural
Q

What other American desserts pair well with Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies?

A

Serve them alongside vanilla or caramel ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of fresh berries. They also complement a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

cultural
Q

What makes Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies special or unique in American brownie tradition?

A

The inclusion of both pecans and almonds plus a generous amount of extra‑dark chocolate chips mirrors the texture of Ben & Jerry's Old School ice cream, giving the brownies a crunchy‑nutty contrast and a deep chocolate intensity not found in classic recipes.

cultural
Q

How has the Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies recipe evolved over time in American home cooking?

A

Originally, brownies were simple chocolate cakes. Over the decades, bakers have experimented with mix‑ins like nuts, caramel, and specialty chocolates. This modern take reflects the trend of borrowing flavors from popular ice‑cream brands to create richer, more textured brownies.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies at home?

A

Common errors include over‑baking (which dries them out), over‑mixing the batter (which makes them cakey), and adding chocolate chips before the butter has cooled (which can cause the chips to melt). Follow the critical steps for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies recipe use melted butter instead of softened butter?

A

Melted butter creates a denser, more fudgy crumb by coating the flour particles more evenly. Softened butter would trap air and lead to a lighter, cake‑like texture, which is not desired for this fudgy brownie.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN focuses on easy‑to‑follow, home‑cooked recipes that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists, often highlighting quick techniques and ingredient substitutions for busy cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN's approach to American dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

COOKING WITH SHEREEN emphasizes step‑by‑step visual cues, clear timing, and practical tips like cooling butter before adding eggs, which helps home cooks avoid common pitfalls. The channel also frequently incorporates popular brand flavors, like Ben & Jerry's, to make familiar treats more accessible.

channel

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