Brownies are one of those desserts that never really go out of style, and for good reason — they’re rich, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. You can stick to the basics with just cocoa and sugar or layer in cookies, caramel, and candy bars for something bold. Some brownies lean fudgy, others go cakey, and a few blur the line between cookie and bar. There are recipes built around seasonal flavors, ones made just for holidays, and plenty that use up whatever’s in your pantry. You can swirl in peanut butter, mix in marshmallows, or bake a whole layer of cheesecake right in the middle. No matter how you like them, there’s always another way to make brownies worth baking again.

Turtle Chocolate Brownies

Turtle Chocolate Brownies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These brownies are loaded with caramel, pecans, and chocolate for that classic turtle candy flavor. The rich base holds up to all the toppings without falling apart. The caramel bakes into gooey pockets throughout. A handful of chopped nuts on top adds the final crunch.
Get the Recipe: Turtle Chocolate Brownies

S’mores Brownies

S’mores Brownies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This version layers graham crackers, brownie batter, and toasted marshmallows. The marshmallows puff up and brown in the oven for that fireside look. It’s rich and sticky in the best way. Serve slightly warm so the chocolate stays melty.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Brownies

Snickers Brownies

Snickers Brownies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Packed with chunks of Snickers bars, these brownies are sweet, chewy, and nutty. The candy melts into the batter, giving it caramel swirls and peanut crunch. They’re bold and rich with every bite. Best cooled before slicing to get clean squares.
Get the Recipe: Snickers Brownies

Lemon Brownies

Lemon Brownies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A bright twist that swaps chocolate for a citrusy, dense lemon batter. These bars are soft, tangy, and often topped with a lemon glaze. They’re sweet but not heavy. A fresh change from the usual dark brownie.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Brownies

Easy Brownies

Easy Brownies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples and minimal steps. The result is fudgy, chocolatey, and ready in no time. No fancy ingredients, just classic brownie flavor. Perfect for when you need a quick dessert fix.
Get the Recipe: Easy Brownies

Cocoa Brownies

Cocoa Brownies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Made with just cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate, these brownies are deep in flavor and easy to throw together. The texture is chewy around the edges with a soft center. Great on their own or with a scoop of ice cream. They deliver big flavor without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Cocoa Brownies

Espresso Brownies

Espresso Brownies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A little espresso powder brings out the richness of the chocolate and adds a hint of coffee flavor. It’s subtle but makes a big difference. These are bold, slightly bitter, and perfect for coffee lovers. They pair well with a cup of the real thing.
Get the Recipe: Espresso Brownies

Rocky Road Brownies

Rocky Road Brownies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This version folds in marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate chips for lots of texture. The marshmallows toast on top while the brownie bakes. Every bite is different, soft, crunchy, gooey. Great for anyone who likes their desserts with mix-ins.
Get the Recipe: Rocky Road Brownies

Easy Slutty Brownies

Easy Slutty Brownies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Layers of cookie dough, Oreos, and brownie batter bake into one stacked dessert. Each bite has soft cookie, crunchy cookie, and fudgy brownie all at once. It’s over the top in the best way. Chill before slicing to keep the layers neat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slutty Brownies

Buckeye Brownies

Layered Buckeye Brownies stacked up with more brownies around them.
Buckeye Brownies. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Inspired by the classic candy, these brownies have a thick layer of peanut butter on top of a fudgy base, then get a chocolate coating. It’s rich, creamy, and cuts into tidy squares. The peanut butter layer holds its shape well. A hit with anyone who loves chocolate and PB.
Get the Recipe: Buckeye Brownies

Caramel Swirl Brownies

A plate of chocolate brownies with caramel swirls.
Caramel Swirl Brownies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Caramel is swirled right into the batter before baking, giving every bite a ribbon of sweet, sticky flavor. The edges get chewy while the center stays soft. Great with a sprinkle of sea salt on top. These are simple but impressive.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Swirl Brownies

Fudgy Superfood Brownies

Fudgy Superfood Brownies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These include ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil, or even sweet potato, but don’t skimp on taste. The texture stays dense and chocolatey. You’d never guess what’s in them. A good option when you want something rich with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Superfood Brownies

Image shows a close up of Candy Cookie Brownies on a wooden board.
Candy Cookie Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These brownies are topped or mixed with chunks of cookie and candy. Think chocolate chip cookies, crushed chocolate bars, or mini candies. It’s a mash-up that’s chewy, sweet, and full of texture. Great for birthdays or parties.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cookie Brownies

Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies

Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Pumpkin adds moisture and a hint of spice to the chocolate batter. The result is fudgy but with a little extra depth. You can swirl the pumpkin in or mix it all together. Works especially well in the fall months.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies

Matcha Brownies

Four square slices of matcha brownies with white chocolate icing.
Matcha Brownies. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

These green tea brownies are earthy, sweet, and slightly bitter in a good way. They’re usually made with white chocolate or a blondie base. The green color pops in every square. A nice change of pace from typical brownie flavors.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Brownies

Homemade Cosmic Brownies

Chocolate brownies topped with colorful candy sprinkles stacked on a wire rack.
Homemade Cosmic Brownies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This version recreates the store-bought favorite with a dense, fudgy base and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. Rainbow sprinkles or candy-coated chips finish them off. They’re nostalgic, fun, and taste even better from scratch. Slice into neat squares for the full effect.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cosmic Brownies

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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