Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownies are a decadent treat beloved by chocolate enthusiasts. Rich, fudgy, and packed with intense cocoa flavor, these brownies are crafted with premium ingredients, including chunks of semi-sweet and dark chocolate for an indulgent bite every time.
Their dense, moist texture is balanced by a slightly crisp top, making them the perfect companion to a cup of coffee or a mid-day indulgence.
Whether you’re enjoying one at your favorite Starbucks café or recreating them at home, these brownies offer a satisfying dessert experience that combines classic comfort with gourmet flavor in every chewy, chocolate-filled square.
If you’re a fan of Starbucks’ gooey, indulgent brownies, you’re in for a treat. This recipe replicates the rich, dense texture and deep chocolate flavor of those famous brownies, using two kinds of chocolate—cocoa powder and chocolate chunks—for maximum decadence. The result? A perfectly chewy, fudgy brownie with a shiny crackled top and melty chocolate bits in every bite.
Double Chocolate Starbucks Brownies
Description
Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownies are a rich, fudgy indulgence packed with deep cocoa flavor and decadent chocolate chunks.
These brownies are known for their moist, dense texture and slightly crisp top, offering the perfect balance between chewy and gooey.
Each bite delivers an intense chocolate experience, enhanced by the generous mix of dark and semi-sweet chocolate.
Ideal as a dessert or afternoon treat, these brownies pair perfectly with coffee.
Whether enjoyed warm or straight from the package, they satisfy any chocolate lover’s craving with their premium, bakery-style quality and irresistible richness.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
Add-ins:
Instructions
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Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides so you can lift the brownies out later. Lightly grease the parchment if needed. This step ensures clean, easy removal and helps prevent sticking. -
Melt the Butter and Mix Sugars
In a medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until fully liquid but not boiling. While the butter is still warm, whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir vigorously for about 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth. This helps create that crackly brownie top we all love. -
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Let the sugar-butter mixture cool for a minute, then add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and continue whisking until the mixture is thick and ribbony. This step incorporates air, which gives the brownies some structure while keeping them fudgy. -
Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold gently using a spatula until just combined—do not overmix, or the brownies may become tough. -
Add Chocolate and Extras
Fold in the chocolate chunks (reserve a few to sprinkle on top) and nuts if using. These chocolate pieces give that extra gooey bite that mimics Starbucks’ signature brownie texture. -
Pour and Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chunks on top for extra indulgence. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Every oven is different, so start checking around the 28-minute mark.
Tip: Don’t overbake—slightly underbaking is key to moist, fudgy brownies.
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Cool and Slice
Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment paper and place on a wire rack to cool completely. This will help set the structure and make slicing easier. Once fully cooled, cut into 9 large squares (like Starbucks) or 16 smaller pieces if you prefer bite-sized portions.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 480kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 29g45%
- Saturated Fat 16g80%
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 180mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 49g17%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 38g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The Double Chocolate Brownie from Starbucks is a rich, fudgy dessert with an irresistible chewy texture and intense chocolate flavor.
Replicating it at home? Here’s everything you need to know for bakery-style results every time—plus how to serve and store them like a pro.
Baking Tips for Perfect Results
- Use High-Quality Chocolate:
The rich, deep flavor of these brownies comes from both cocoa powder and chunks of real chocolate. Use unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa and a good-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate bar (60–70%) chopped into chunks for that signature gooey bite. - Don’t Overmix the Batter:
Mix just until combined once you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to cakey brownies, while minimal mixing preserves that dense, chewy texture Starbucks brownies are known for. - Melt Butter, Don’t Cream It:
These brownies use melted butter instead of creamed butter. This ensures a fudgy consistency rather than a fluffy or airy one. - Add Espresso Powder (Optional but Recommended):
Just 1 tsp of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee. - Line Your Pan with Parchment Paper:
For easy removal and clean edges, line your baking pan with parchment paper and leave an overhang on the sides. This helps lift the brownies out without breaking. - Do the Toothpick Test… Carefully:
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs—not completely clean. This ensures the inside remains gooey and soft.
Serving Tricks for the Best Experience
- Let Them Cool Completely Before Cutting:
Fresh from the oven, brownies are too soft to slice neatly. Let them cool in the pan for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate for cleaner cuts. - Use a Hot Knife for Clean Slices:
For perfectly sharp edges (just like Starbucks), dip your knife in hot water, wipe dry, and slice. Repeat between each cut. - Serve Warm or Chilled – Your Choice:
- Warm: Microwave for 10–12 seconds for a gooey, just-baked feel. Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Chilled: Great for lunchboxes or snacking. They become slightly denser and richer.
- Fancy Presentation:
Drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for café-style plating. Garnish with a mint leaf or chocolate curls for extra flair. - Portion Control Option:
Cut into mini squares for bite-sized treats—ideal for party platters or potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are rich and satisfying on their own, but for the ultimate coffeehouse experience, try pairing them with:
- A hot cup of espresso or dark roast coffee
- A dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of chocolate ganache or caramel sauce
They’re also a fantastic dessert for parties, picnics, lunchboxes, or an indulgent midnight snack.
Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Fridge: Keeps well for up to 1 week (best slightly warmed before serving).
- Freezer: Wrap individual brownies and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly.
- At Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- In the Refrigerator:
- Extend freshness up to 7 days. Keep in a sealed container to avoid drying out. Let them come to room temp before serving, or warm them slightly for a gooier texture.
- Freezing:
- How: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Shelf Life: Up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight or warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
Variations
Want to mix it up? Try these variations:
- Mocha Brownies: Add 1 tbsp instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-chocolate flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top before baking and swirl with a knife.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract and use chopped Andes mints instead of chocolate chunks.
Final Notes
This recipe gives you everything you'd expect from a Starbucks-style double chocolate brownie: dense, chewy center, glossy top, and bold chocolate flavor.
The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chunks creates a deep richness that feels luxurious without being too heavy.
Best of all, it’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that comes together with pantry staples, making it perfect for both casual baking and impressing guests. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this brownie recipe is a keeper.
- For a Starbucks clone, avoid using chocolate chips—they don’t melt as well. Opt for hand-chopped chocolate chunks.
- Want extra richness? Swirl in a little Nutella or peanut butter before baking.
- Brownies taste better the next day, once flavors settle and texture firms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownies so rich and fudgy?
Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownies are known for their ultra-rich, dense texture. This is achieved by using high-quality dark chocolate and cocoa powder, along with butter instead of oil.
The addition of chocolate chunks or chips gives them an extra gooey bite. Minimal flour is used to keep the texture moist and fudgy rather than cakey.
Are Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownies suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The classic Starbucks version is vegetarian but not vegan, as it typically contains eggs, dairy butter, and possibly milk chocolate pieces. However, there are many copycat vegan recipes available that substitute eggs with flaxseed or applesauce and use dairy-free chocolate and vegan butter.
Can I freeze Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownies?
Yes, these brownies freeze very well. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds for that warm, melty texture.
How do Starbucks brownies compare to homemade or store-bought ones?
Starbucks brownies are popular for their consistency, deep chocolate flavor, and chewy center. They often rank higher in taste than store-bought boxed varieties, though many homemade recipes can match or exceed them in quality. For the best flavor, opt for recipes using real melted chocolate and Dutch-process cocoa.
