Recreate Starbucks’ Famous Brownies at Home

The Ultimate Copycat Starbucks Brownie Recipe: Achieve Rich, Fudgy Perfection at Home

Craving that intensely rich, perfectly fudgy brownie from Starbucks? Look no further! This Copycat Starbucks Brownie Recipe lets you recreate the magic of those decadent treats right in your own kitchen. Prepare yourself for the best rich and fudgy brownies you’ve ever tasted, all while saving a significant amount of money. Enjoy these homemade delights that not only rival but often surpass the original in flavor and freshness.

Close up photo of Starbucks brownies with a deep, rich chocolate color and shiny crust.

Why Make Your Own Copycat Starbucks Brownies?

If you’re a fan of ordering a brownie during your Starbucks run, you already know the joy of that dense, chocolatey square. But what if you could enjoy that same indulgent experience anytime you wanted, without the premium price tag? This easy-to-follow recipe is a game-changer. The entire process is incredibly simple, and the savings, especially if you have a family of brownie lovers, will quickly add up.

Once you try this recipe for Copycat Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownies, you’ll understand why it’s quickly become one of our absolute favorite copycat creations, right alongside our beloved Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. The satisfaction of pulling a warm, aromatic batch of these brownies from your oven is unmatched.

These truly decadent brownies are a versatile treat. Pair them with a steaming hot cup of coffee for an ideal afternoon pick-me-up, or enjoy them with a cold glass of milk for a classic comfort experience. It’s a combination that hits all the right notes, making it one of my favorite ways to splurge without breaking the bank.

For another incredibly simple brownie solution, you might also want to check out our One Bowl Brownie Recipe.

The Cost-Benefit of Homemade Starbucks Brownies

Let’s talk numbers. A single brownie at Starbucks typically costs around $3.25. If you’re buying them for yourself, a partner, or even just a couple of children, that cost can escalate quickly. Imagine making an entire batch of these incredibly delicious brownies at home for a fraction of that price! This homemade version not only saves you money but also guarantees a fresh, warm brownie every single time you desire one. There’s no comparison to a brownie that’s just come out of the oven.

Not only do these homemade brownies taste remarkably similar to the ones you purchase, but many people find them even better due to their superior freshness. Making this recipe at home ensures you’re getting a top-quality, moist, and flavorful brownie without any question of how long it’s been sitting on a display.

Ready to dive in? Let’s make this simple brownie recipe. You might be surprised by how effortless it is to achieve such a rich, luxurious dessert with just a few basic ingredients. The results are truly amazing and will quickly become a go-to for special occasions or just a regular Tuesday.

Ingredients for Starbucks brownies laid out on a counter: butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, cocoa, salt, chocolate chips.

Essential Ingredients for Fudgy Perfection

Achieving that signature Starbucks brownie taste and texture relies on a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is vital:

  • Unsalted Butter, melted & cooled to room temperature: Using melted butter is crucial for the fudgy texture, as it adds richness and moisture without incorporating too much air, which can lead to a cakey brownie. Cooling it prevents the eggs from scrambling when added.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that desirable crackly crust on top of your brownies.
  • Large Eggs: Act as a binder, adding structure and moisture, contributing to the chewiness and richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that complements and deepens the chocolate notes. Don’t skip it!
  • All Purpose Flour: Provides structure. Be careful not to overmix, as too much gluten development can make brownies tough.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The primary source of intense chocolate flavor. High-quality cocoa powder makes a noticeable difference.
  • Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, especially the chocolate.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Divided: These chips melt into pockets of extra chocolate goodness, boosting the “double chocolate” aspect. Using semi-sweet helps to prevent the brownies from becoming excessively sweet, allowing the deep cocoa flavor to shine. Dividing them ensures some are mixed in and some are sprinkled on top for visual appeal and varied texture.
Process photos of making brownie batter, including mixing ingredients and pouring into a baking pan.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Starbucks Brownies

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of incredibly rich and fudgy brownies:

  • Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Begin by setting your oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This parchment sling will make it incredibly easy to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan for clean cuts.
  • Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter (ensure it’s cooled to room temperature), granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir these together until well combined. Then, add the large eggs and whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and slightly lighter in color.
  • Incorporate the cocoa powder: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder to the wet mixture. Stir until it is fully combined, ensuring no dry streaks of cocoa powder remain. The batter will be thick and dark.
  • Mix in dry ingredients: Gently stir in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until *just* combined. This step is crucial: be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
  • Fold in chocolate chips: Carefully fold in 1 ½ cups of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
  • Pour batter into the prepared pan: Pour the thick brownie batter into your lined 8×8 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Gently tap the baking dish on the counter a few times to help level the batter and release any air bubbles.
  • Top with extra chocolate: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the top of the brownie batter. Gently press them down slightly into the batter to ensure they adhere during baking.
  • Bake the brownies: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges appear set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. However, a crucial tip: make sure the toothpick isn’t inserted into a melted chocolate chunk! Due to the generous amount of chocolate in this recipe, you might need to test several spots to get an accurate reading. The center should still look slightly moist, indicating a fudgy interior.
  • Allow to cool completely: This step is arguably as important as baking! Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and cool them on a wire rack for at least 2 hours, or until completely cool. Resist the urge to cut them early; attempting to slice warm brownies will result in messy, crumbly cuts. Patience will reward you with beautifully set, neat slices.

Jump to recipe card below for a quick reference.

Close up photo of Starbucks brownies on a cooling rack.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Proper storage ensures your delicious brownies stay fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible. Although, if your family is anything like mine, they won’t last long!

  • How to store: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Placing a piece of parchment paper directly on top of the brownies before sealing the container can help maintain their moisture. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry out brownies and make them less fudgy.
  • Can you freeze Starbucks brownies? Absolutely! These brownies freeze beautifully for up to 1 to 2 months. To freeze, first allow them to cool completely. Then, cut them into individual squares. Place them in a freezer-safe airtight container. For best results, I highly recommend placing a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between layers of brownies. This simple trick will prevent them from sticking together, making it incredibly easy to grab just one or two brownies as needed without thawing the entire batch. For more detailed tips on freezing, see Can you freeze brownies?
Overhead shot of a full batch of Starbucks brownies.

Pro Tips for Perfect Double Chocolate Brownies

While this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your homemade Starbucks brownies from great to truly exceptional:

  • Cocoa Powder Quality: Always ensure you are using a smooth, unsweetened cocoa powder. If your cocoa powder appears lumpy, a quick sift through a fine-mesh strainer before adding it to the batter will prevent lumps and ensure a uniform texture in your brownies. Dutch-processed cocoa powder can offer an even darker color and milder chocolate flavor.
  • Melted Butter is Key: The melted butter is fundamental to achieving that dense, fudgy, and slightly chewy texture characteristic of Starbucks brownies. Do not substitute it for oil, as oil will result in a different, often more cake-like, texture.
  • Chocolate Chunks vs. Chips: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended, feel free to substitute them with chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks if you prefer. Chunks can create larger pockets of melted chocolate, adding another layer of indulgence. Just ensure they are of good quality.
  • Mindful Mixing of Brownie Batter: As emphasized in the instructions, resist the urge to overmix the batter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients only until they are just incorporated. The batter will be thick, but this is completely normal and contributes to the fudgy outcome. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a dry, cakey brownie.
  • Don’t Overbake: This is perhaps the most critical tip for fudgy brownies. An overbaked brownie quickly turns dry and crumbly. Keep a close eye on the baking time, and remember that brownies continue to cook slightly from residual heat after being removed from the oven.
  • Cool Completely: We can’t stress this enough. Cooling brownies fully allows them to set properly, intensify their flavor, and makes them easier to cut into neat squares. Warm brownies will be soft and crumble when sliced.
Close up photo of Starbucks brownies with a deep, rich chocolate color and shiny crust.

We Love This Easy Starbucks Brownie Recipe!

This copycat recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a fabulous treat that our entire family eagerly anticipates and thoroughly enjoys. Even if you’re not a regular at Starbucks, this brownie recipe is an absolute must-try. The simplicity of the steps combined with the exceptional, rich, and fudgy results make it a standout recipe that you’ll want to revisit again and again. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a go – the outcome is truly exceptional.

Once you’ve had the chance to bake these delightful brownies, please take a moment to leave a comment below. I would genuinely love to hear about your experience and the delicious results you achieved!

Close up photo of Starbucks brownies cut into squares.

Print this Starbucks Brownie Recipe below:

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Starbucks Brownies

4.86 from 27 votes
Make this Copycat Starbucks Brownie Recipe for the best rich and fudgy brownies. Enjoy these at home for a fraction of the price and they taste so amazing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cool 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings 12
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 345
Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter melted & cooled to room temperature
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Divided
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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line an 8X8 baking dish with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla extract.
  • Then add in the cocoa powder and stir until it’s fully combined.
  • Then stir in the flour and salt and stir until just combined. Be careful to not over mix.
  • Then fold in 1 ½ cups of the chocolate chips.
  • Pour the batter into the baking dish. Gently tap the baking dish on the counter to level the batter in the pan.
  • Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly on top and gently press them down into the batter.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (make sure it’s not inserted into a chocolate chip).
  • Cool the brownies on a wire rack for 2 hours before cutting them and serving them.

Recipe Notes

Store the leftover brownies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 345kcal, Carbohydrates 39g, Protein 4g, Fat 20g, Saturated Fat 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 6g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 49mg, Sodium 64mg, Potassium 244mg, Fiber 4g, Sugar 28g, Vitamin A 291IU, Calcium 31mg, Iron 3mg

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Starbucks brownies cut into squares with a hint of their fudgy texture.

Explore More Copycat Starbucks Recipes!

If you loved making these copycat Starbucks brownies, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of other beloved Starbucks recipes that you can recreate from the comfort of your home. Expand your homemade café menu with these delicious options:

  • Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe: Bright, zesty, and incredibly moist.
  • Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Recipe: Perfect for fall, with warm spices and a delightful glaze.
  • Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe: A comforting and fragrant loaf, ideal for breakfast or a snack.
  • Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pops: Fun, bite-sized chocolate treats.
  • Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe: The classic vanilla version for any celebration.
  • Starbucks Lemon Cake Pop Recipe: A tangy and sweet twist on the popular cake pop.