Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Chunk Brownies: Your Ultimate Fudgy Homemade Recipe

Craving that intensely rich, deeply fudgy, and irresistibly chewy chocolate chunk brownie from Starbucks? You’re in luck! While Starbucks may have discontinued their beloved Double Chocolate Brownie, your favorite café treat is far from gone. This meticulously crafted **Starbucks copycat chocolate chunk brownie recipe** brings all the decadent goodness right to your kitchen. Get ready to bake up a batch of brownies featuring that signature crackly top and luscious, melt-in-your-mouth center, packed with generous chocolate chunks. It’s the perfect indulgence for any chocolate lover and a must-try for fans of homemade desserts.

The news of Starbucks discontinuing their Double Chocolate Brownie was a personal blow – it was, after all, one of my absolute favorites from their menu. This prompted a mission: to create a copycat recipe that not only replicates the original but, dare I say, surpasses it. After extensive testing and a deep dive into what makes those Starbucks brownies so special, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that is incredibly close to the original, if not even better. Prepare to fall head over heels for these rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey delights!

What Makes These Fudgy Chocolate Chunk Brownies So Special?

These isn’t just any brownie recipe. Our **chocolate chunk brownies** are engineered for maximum fudginess and a deep chocolate flavor that will transport you straight to your favorite coffee shop. What sets this recipe apart from other classic homemade brownies is a careful balance of ingredients, creating a uniquely chewy texture and that coveted shiny, crackly crust. My journey to perfecting this recipe began by scrutinizing the ingredients listed on the Starbucks website. The result? A copycat that hits all the right notes, delivering a taste and texture remarkably similar, and arguably superior, to the original. If you’re a devoted fan of Starbucks’ discontinued brownie, prepare to be amazed by this homemade version!

Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need

For the full printable recipe card with exact measurements, be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post!

Creating these divine **fudgy chocolate chunk brownies** requires a few common pantry staples. Opting for quality ingredients will always elevate your baking, resulting in the best possible flavor and texture.

• Butter – Always opt for unsalted butter when baking. This gives you complete control over the salt content in your recipe, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor.
• Milk Chocolate – I specifically chose a bar of milk chocolate for its creamy, sweet notes, mirroring the original Starbucks brownie. However, chocolate chips can also be used for convenience, just ensure they are good quality.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides the essential sweetness and contributes to that desirable crackly crust.
• Eggs – Act as a binder, provide structure, and add richness to the brownies. Large eggs are typically standard in baking.
• Heavy Cream – This is one of the secret ingredients that truly makes these brownies exceptional, adding an unparalleled richness and fudginess that’s hard to achieve with milk or water.
• Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor, adding depth and complexity. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
• All-Purpose Flour – The structural base for our brownies. Proper measurement is key to avoiding dense or dry results.
• Cocoa Powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the intense chocolate flavor. The higher the quality, the richer your brownies will be.
• Salt – A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate notes, making them taste even more pronounced.
• Baking Powder – Just a small amount helps to lift the brownies slightly, preventing them from being too dense, while still maintaining their fudgy texture.
• Chocolate Chunks – The star of the show! Large chocolate chunks melt beautifully, creating pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the brownies.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Chunk Brownies

Making these **fudgy chocolate chunk brownies** is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps closely for bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen.

1. Preparation is Key: Start by preheating your oven to 325ºF (160ºC). Prepare a 9-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This “sling” will make it incredibly easy to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan for clean slicing. Alternatively, you can grease and flour the pan thoroughly.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the butter and milk chocolate. Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds. Remove and stir well. The residual heat will continue to melt the chocolate. If not completely smooth, return to the microwave for another 20-30 seconds, stirring until fully melted and silky smooth. Avoid overheating, which can cause the chocolate to seize. Let this mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes before proceeding, allowing it to come to a more tempered temperature.
3. Beat Wet Ingredients: To the slightly cooled chocolate mixture, add the granulated sugar and eggs. Beat these vigorously until the eggs are completely incorporated and the mixture is well blended and slightly lighter in color. This step is crucial for developing that desirable shiny, crackly top on your brownies. Next, stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until just combined. The heavy cream adds a luxurious richness and moisture to the batter.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until the flour has *just* disappeared. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, cakey brownies instead of fudgy ones. A few streaks of flour are better than an overmixed batter.
5. Bake to Perfection: Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the chocolate chunks generously over the top of the batter. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges are set, but the center still looks slightly soft and a tester (like a toothpick) inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid a completely clean toothpick, as this indicates over-baked brownies.
6. Cool Completely: This step is non-negotiable for fudgy brownies and clean cuts! Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This can take several hours, or even overnight. As they cool, they continue to set and develop their ultimate fudgy texture. Resist the urge to cut them warm, as they will be gooey and difficult to slice cleanly.

Expert Recipe Tips & Tricks for Perfect Brownies Every Time

Achieving the perfect **fudgy chocolate chunk brownies** is an art, but with these simple tips and tricks, you’ll be a brownie master in no time!

• Choose the Right Baking Pan: For truly exceptional brownies, a metal baking dish is your best friend. Metal conducts heat more efficiently and evenly than glass, which results in a consistent bake, a beautifully crispier edge, and a superior crust. If you only have an 8-inch baking pan, that’s perfectly fine! Just note that your brownies will be thicker, and you might need to extend the baking time by a few minutes. Always keep an eye on them towards the end.
• Doubling the Recipe: Hosting a party or just really love brownies? This recipe doubles beautifully! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a larger 13×9 inch pan. The baking time might increase slightly, so start checking for doneness around the 45-50 minute mark.
• The Golden Rule: Don’t Overmix!: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for fudgy brownies. Once you add the flour and cocoa powder mixture, mix *just* until the dry streaks disappear. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense, and cake-like texture, which is the opposite of the fudgy chewiness we’re aiming for. Stop mixing as soon as you can no longer see any dry flour.
• Don’t Over Bake for Fudginess: The secret to truly fudgy brownies is often pulling them from the oven when they are *slightly* underdone. The residual heat in the pan will continue to cook them as they cool, a process known as “carryover cooking.” You want a toothpick inserted into the center to come out mostly clean, but with some moist crumbs attached. If your toothpick is completely clean, your brownies are likely over-baked and will be drier. If it comes out with liquid batter, they need a few more minutes.
• The Plastic Knife Trick for Clean Slices: For perfectly clean, sharp cuts that won’t drag chocolate, use a plastic knife! The plastic’s non-stick properties prevent the brownies from clinging and tearing, giving you beautifully defined squares every time. Make sure your brownies are completely cool before attempting to cut them, regardless of the knife type.

Storage Solutions for Your Homemade Brownies

Once you’ve baked a batch of these incredible **Starbucks copycat brownies**, you’ll want to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Proper storage is key!

Room Temperature Storage: To keep your leftover chocolate chunk brownies at their best, store them in an airtight container. This will protect them from drying out and keep them moist and fudgy. They will remain fresh and delicious at room temperature for approximately 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

Freezing for Long-Term Enjoyment: Brownies are excellent candidates for freezing, allowing you to enjoy a homemade treat whenever a craving strikes! You have a couple of options:

• Freezing a Whole Pan: Once your brownies are completely cool, you can freeze the entire slab. Simply wrap the pan tightly with several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Stored this way, they will last for 3-4 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
• Freezing Individual Brownies: For ultimate convenience, cut the cooled brownies into individual squares. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This allows you to grab and thaw just one brownie at a time, making them a perfect portion-controlled treat. Individual brownies can be thawed on the counter for about 30 minutes, or gently warmed in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm and gooey.

Explore More Delicious Brownie Recipes

If you’re a true brownie aficionado, don’t stop here! There’s a whole world of delightful brownie variations to explore. Expand your baking repertoire with some of our other fantastic **brownie recipes**:

• Salted Caramel Brownies: A perfect blend of sweet and salty.
• Lunch Lady Brownies: Nostalgic, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Almond Joy Brownies: Your favorite candy bar, reimagined as a brownie.
• Chick Fil A Brownies: Another incredible copycat for a popular treat.
• Chocolate Mousse Brownies: A decadent, airy twist on a classic.

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