When the craving strikes for a quick dessert, you reach for a box of brownie mix. You might even know a few tricks to make boxed brownies taste even better like adding a teaspoon of espresso powder or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. But if you want to take your baking projects to the next level, try making your own homemade brownies instead—they're easier than you might think!

These brownie recipes ahead are so simple, you can even whip them up as a fun after-school snack with your kids! Choose from fudgy and chewy brownies or cake-like brownies topped with a generous drizzle of caramel. Of course, there are also plenty of rich and decadent chocolate dessert ideas that would make for a scrumptious Valentine's Day treat. Whichever you choose, there's a brownie recipe on this list that's right for you! You can keep things simple with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Or, you can load up your brownies with fun mix-ins like walnuts, chocolate chips, and M&Ms. You can even add pretty swirls of peanut butter or cheesecake filling. Looking to take your brownies one step further? Try Ree Drummond's mocha brownie ice cream sundae that's drizzled with coffee syrup. Or give your brownies a topping of your favorite chocolate frosting and a colorful decoration of sprinkles. Either way, everyone in the family will be happy with these tasty treats!
Cheesecake Brownies
This show-stopping recipe has a luscious layer of creamy cheesecake filling swirled right into the batter. They're pretty to look at but even better to eat!
Peanut Butter Brownies
These brownies combine smooth peanut butter with rich dark chocolate for the ultimate decadent dessert. If you can find peanut butter chips for the topping, they'll be even better!
Brownie in a Mug
Brownie for one? Yes, please! This recipe will satisfy all your chocolate cravings in less than 10 minutes.
Peppermint Brownies
Not only are these brownies topped with crushed candy canes, but the batter is also mixed with peppermint extract for that classic holiday flavor.
CAITLIN BENSEL
Walnut Brownie Baked Oatmeal
If you're the kind of person who can eat brownies at any time of day, this recipe is for you! It's a healthy-ish breakfast that has all the flavors of a fudgy brownie!
Skillet Mocha Brownie Sundae
Making brownies in a cast iron skillet means you'll get those crispy, crackly edges you know and love. Plus, you can serve it right out of the warm pan! With ice cream on top, of course.
Brookies
What's a brookie you might ask? It's a mash up of half brownie and half cookie—and it's perfect with a tall glass of cold milk.
Guinness Brownies
Using a dark Irish beer in these chocolate treats adds a much appreciated hint of richness. It's delicious on St. Paddy's Day and beyond.
Chocolate Mint Brownie Bites
Ree loves these tiny treats so much, they even made an appearance in her candy-coated Christmas movie. They're minty, sweet, and so lovely.
Dark Chocolate Brownies
For these ultra-decadent brownies, Ree uses three types of chocolate—unsweetened chocolate bars, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips!
Graduation Brownie Bites
Here's a fun idea for a graduation party: top these tasty homemade brownie bites with a chocolate square, mini candy-coated chocolate, and a sour candy belt in your school colors.
Cosmic Brownies
You might be thinking, what exactly are cosmic brownies, anyway? Well, they're fudgy brownies topped with chocolate frosting and rainbow sprinkles that have a welcome crunch—and they're utterly groovy!
Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
The beautiful red and white colors in these brownies makes them stand out from your typical brown variety. But they still have plenty of cocoa flavor.
Fudge Brownie Pie
Can't decide between brownies and pie? Now you don't have to! This fudgy brownie pie is loaded with walnuts (for crunch) and chocolate chips (which helps to make the shiny, crinkly top).