The Sweet Addition That Will Enhance Any Boxed Brownie Mix

When it comes to the ultimate sweet treat, there's nothing like a rich, fudgy brownie warm from the oven. Whether you have a favorite recipe — like these ultimate fudgy brownies — or prefer to take a shortcut and save time with boxed brownie mix, brownies are a classic dessert staple that is super simple to make at home. However, if you're short on time and a chocolate craving hits, we don't blame you for reaching for a boxed mix instead of spending hours sifting and measuring flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. 

There are a few brownie mixes that are superior to others, though, according to Food Network, so stock your cart with Ghiradelli, Betty Crocker, or Pillsbury mixes the next time you hit the grocery store for the fudgiest, closest-to-homemade results possible. Outside of choosing a top-quality brownie mix, there's another super simple way to enhance your boxed brownie mix for the tastiest results.

There are so many ways to upgrade a basic boxed brownie mix, like swirling in caramel sauce, folding in fruit, or mixing in nuts. But the easiest way to make better-boxed brownies? Add more chocolate. Once you've mixed your batter according to package directions, toss in a handful of semisweet chocolate chips or chunks, as suggested by Taste of Home. Bake as directed on the box for rich, gooey brownies that taste just as good as homemade. 

And while you can mix in the baking chocolate of your choosing, keep in mind that semisweet chocolate is the most versatile option to have in your pantry for baking purposes, per Bon Appétit. Whether you're making brownies from scratch or using a pre-made box mix, try this unexpected tip to get the perfect cracked top on brownies — slam the pan down on your counter as soon as you remove your cooked treats from the oven for dense, fudgy brownies with that picture-perfect crust.