I love a good doctored brownie mix recipe, and if it’s a dark chocolate brownie, self control goes out the window!
These dark chocolate brownies are decadent, rich, chewy and FULL of chocolate flavor. They are also incredibly easy. Life is so busy that I’m all about keeping things simple. Simple and delicious.
This indulgent recipe is a doctored brownie mix.
I know that some people are strictly from scratch, but this busy mama can use all the short cuts she can get. I also grew up on box mix brownies, and I kind of totally love them.
That said, with a few simple modifications, nobody will guess that your brownies started as a mix. If however a from scratch brownie is the only way to go for you, then I highly recommend my EASY BROWNIES recipe.
It’s so easy to modify the recipe on the box to make something extra special. For these brownies I use coffee in place of the water, which gives them a richer, deeper flavor.
I add 1-2 tablespoons of Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder, I add in some vanilla and sea salt and I finish them off withHershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Chips.
I adore dark chocolate, as does the rest of my family, and I’m a big fan of the Hershey’s Special Dark line.
The salt is optional, but I always add some sea salt to my desserts. I think that salt really helps balance out the sweetness and creates a more complex and interest flavor in your baked goods. It’s totally your call on adding it though.
One of the tricks to making great box brownies is that you have to use a smaller pan than called for on the box to create thicker brownies.
Most 13×9 sized mixes will actually provide you with baking times for an 8×8 pan or a 9×9 pan. If you’ve never sized down your pan for making brownies, I think you’ll be surprised at the results.
We leave out the nuts as my daughter has a nut allergy, but these would be fantastic with some walnuts or even pecans. Feel free to add them in!
I like to line my baking pans with foil, making sure to use enough foil that it hangs over the sides. This allows me to just pull the brownies right out of the pan when done. Super easy.
Doctored Brownie Mix
Doctored Brownie Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 13x9 Size Package Family Size Brownie Mix plus ingredients called for on box, replacing any water called for with cooled coffee in the same amount
- 1-2 TBSP (based on tastof Hershey's Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp sea salt optional
Instructions
- Pour dry brownie mix into a large bowl. Add in cocoa powder and mix until combined. Prepare brownies as directed on the box, replacing the water with coffee, and adding in vanilla, dark chocolate chips and sea salt. Pour batter into an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking pan and bake according to package directions (look for the directions specifically for a smaller pan). Remove from oven and allow to cool prior to slicing. Serve and enjoy.
Toby says
You mentioned water (or coffee) but I’m not seeing it in the recipe. How much does the recipe call for? Thanks!
Christi says
Toby, you would be using the coffee in place of any water called for in the recipe. Replacing the water with coffee will really intensify the chocolate flavor in your brownies. This might be one of the easiest things you can do to totally transform the taste of any box brownie mix or chocolate cake mix.
Megan says
Omg! I just put these in the oven! I can’t wait to try them! Thank you for sharing!
Christi says
Enjoy, Megan!
Georgia Jones says
Yes, it’s in the ingredients list under the first ‘ingredient’ 🙂 telling us the pan size….read carefully? 🙂
All That I'm Eating says
This looks delicious, you’ve made me so hungry!
Julie Ahlgren says
Do you think this would hold up as a two layer cake? I have a customer that wants a brownie cake and this recipe looks amazing!
Georgia Jones says
Wow these sound and ?? delicious!!! Will use your recipe soon, like tomorrow…maybe❣️ When I make them I’ll let you know❣️
Thank you very much,
Georgia Jones (age 83!)
Christi says
I hope you enjoy them, Georgia!
Vel says
I ADD A CUP AND A HALF OF ADDITIONAL BOX OF BROWNIE TO MAKE A THIcKER BROWNIE when taking to a church potluck! Used half butter/ half oil, toss in sliced almonds pour in pan then drizzle caramel ,additional almonds over top before baking. Thicker & delicious ..Our Youth group gobbles me up pretty quickly!
9×13 38 minutes or until set.
Anita says
Can this be doubled and what else would I need to add if doubling the recipe? And how long would it bake, please.
Christi Johnstone says
Hi Anita, I’ve only made the recipe as instructed, I’m afraid I can’t offer advice on that. Sorry!
Brenda says
Made these last night with Ghirardelli triple chunk brownie mix. I altered with everything you suggested and they are the best brownies ever! Thanks 😊
Christi Johnstone says
Brenda, so glad you liked them!
Linda says
Can I put milk instead of coffee and also add butter
Shelly says
Wow. who knew great brownies could be this simple. A BIG improvement over regular box brownies. thanks!!
Emi says
I don’t drink coffee, willing to add to brownie. I’ve never bought coffee either. Any suggestions on what brand to buy and would instant coffee be good? There are so many brands and kinds of coffee, I’ll be very confused at the coffee storeisle haha.
Christi Johnstone says
Honestly, as a non-coffee drinker, I just buy whatever little individual packs of instant coffee they have. I believe I’ve done Folgers and Starbucks in the past. It’s juts going to help intensify the chocolate, not taste like coffee, so I think any are fine.