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Vanilla Brownies Top 9 Variations to Sweeten Your Day

Vanilla Brownies

Chef Ellie
Enjoy the perfect sweet treat with these easy vanilla brownies! Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor—a simple recipe for all brownie lovers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 slices
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

Basic Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted: This provides the rich, moist texture that makes brownies so irresistible.
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! The sugar balances out the richness of the butter.
  • 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together giving your brownies that soft, chewy texture.
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: The star of the show! A high-quality vanilla extract brings out that lovely vanilla flavor in every bite.
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the structure of your brownies providing the perfect base.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness and flavor of the vanilla.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This will give your brownies a slight rise creating the perfect texture.

Optional Add-ins (for a fun twist!):

  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: For extra sweetness and a creamy texture.
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds: Adds a satisfying crunch and nuttiness.
  • 1/4 cup sprinkles: For a festive touch especially for birthdays or celebrations.
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut: If you love coconut it adds a nice chewy texture.
  • These ingredients are simple but essential for creating a delicious base for your vanilla brownies. You can experiment with different add-ins depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you prefer. Want to make them a bit more decadent? Add a swirl of caramel sauce or a dollop of cream cheese for a rich tangy contrast to the sweetness.

Instructions
 

Preheat & Prepare the Pan

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat up completely
  • Line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.

Melt & Mix the Wet Ingredients

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 20-second intervals until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth and glossy.
  • Add the eggs and egg yolk, whisking well to create a creamy, thick batter.
  • Add the vanilla extract—this is where the magic begins!

Combine the Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
  • Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula—mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Add-Ins & Final Touches

  • If using mix-ins like white chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel swirls, gently fold them into the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake to Perfection

  • Place the pan in the center rack of your oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • If you prefer extra gooey brownies, bake on the lower end of the time range. For firmer brownies, bake a few minutes longer.

Cool & Slice

  • Let the brownies cool completely in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes—this helps them set for clean slicing.
  • Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board.
  • Slice into squares or bars and enjoy!
  • Now that your buttery, vanilla-scented brownies are fresh out of the oven, let’s explore some creative ways to serve them!

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Protein: 2g