Brownie Baking Tips

There’s an art to baking the perfect brownie—gooey, fudgy, with just the right amount of chew and that irresistible crackly top. Over the years, we’ve picked up a few tricks that will help you take your homemade brownies to the next level. Here are some of our favorite tips straight from the kitchen:

Baking Tip No. 1: Let Your Batter Rest

After mixing your brownie batter and spreading it into the pan, cover and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This little pause gives the flavors time to develop, allowing the cocoa and chocolate to mellow and blend more fully. The result? A deeper, richer chocolate taste that feels almost gourmet. If you’re short on time, even a couple of hours in the fridge can make a difference.

Baking Tip No. 2: Beat the Eggs Wisely

How much you beat your eggs can dramatically change your brownies. A quick whisk—no more than 30 seconds—will give you that soft, fudgy texture most people love. But if you prefer a crisper, crackly top, beat your eggs a little longer—around 60–90 seconds. This creates an airy lift that rises to the surface and forms that extra crunchy layer. Think of it as customizing your brownie’s personality with a whisk!

Baking Tip No. 3: Choose Quality Chocolate

The chocolate you use truly makes or breaks your brownies. Even though some recipes call for just a small amount (like 4 ounces of chocolate or a cup of cocoa), we always recommend going big on quality. Experiment by blending different chocolates—half unsweetened chocolate with half semi-sweet, or try mixing dark with milk chocolate for layers of flavor. Using premium chocolate elevates your brownies from a simple treat to a luxurious indulgence. (Or, if you’d rather skip the experimenting, you can always order what we think are the world’s best brownies—freshly baked from Ruth’s Brownie Kitchen.)

Baking Tip No. 4: Line Your Pan Like a Pro

This one’s simple but game-changing: always line your pan with parchment paper or quick-release baking paper. Not only does it make removing your brownies a breeze (no more stuck corners or broken squares), but it also gives your brownies clean, beautiful edges that are picture-perfect. Bonus: cleanup is so much easier, which means you can spend more time enjoying your brownies instead of scrubbing your pan.