Quick Answers
You can definitely add other ingredients to brownie mix to customize the batter and create delicious brownies with a twist. Some popular mix-ins include nuts, chocolate chips, peanut butter, frosting, candy pieces, coconut, spices, and extracts. The key is to not over-mix once you’ve added your extra ingredients as this can make the brownies dry or tough. Stick to solid add-ins rather than extra liquids which can throw off the chemistry of the mix. With the right mix-ins, you can take boxed brownie mix from basic to spectacular.
What You Can Add to Brownie Mix
There are lots of creative ways to enhance basic brownie mix:
Nuts
Nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts add crunch and flavor. Chop them up into small pieces so they’re well distributed throughout the batter. 1/2 cup is a good amount for a 9×13 pan of brownies. Toast nuts first for deeper flavor.
Chocolate Chips
Semisweet or milk chocolate chips are classic mix-ins for brownies. The chips add pockets of chocolatey goodness and texture contrast. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of chips depending on how chocolatey you want the brownies. Mini chocolate chips also work well.
Peanut Butter
Swirling peanut butter into the batter creates a delicious peanut butter brownie. Use 1/3 to 1/2 cup of creamy or crunchy peanut butter. You can spoon dollops on top of the batter before baking too.
Frosting
Add a layer of frosting in the middle of the brownies for a surprise element. Spoon frosting on top of the batter halfway through baking time. Cool the pan completely before cutting to get neat frosting layers.
Candy Pieces
Sprinkling M&Ms, chopped candy bars like Snickers or Reese’s Peanut Butter cups, or toffee bits on top before baking adds candy crunch. The candy will sink a bit into the batter as the brownies bake.
Coconut
Toasted shredded or flaked coconut provides tropical flair and crunch. Add up to 1 cup of coconut to the batter or sprinkle it on top of the unbaked brownies.
Spices and Extracts
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger lend warm spice flavor to brownies. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 tsp and add more to taste. Extracts like almond, maple, orange, mint, or coffee intensify flavor too. Use 1 to 2 tsp of extracts.
What Not to Add to Brownie Mix
While there’s a wide range of mix-ins that work beautifully, some ingredients are better left out:
Extra Liquids
Avoid adding extra liquids like milk, cream, or vegetable oil as this can make the brownies too thin and cause structural issues. The brownie mix is formulated with the right ratio of dry to wet ingredients.
Flour
Don’t add extra flour to brownie mix or the texture will turn out dry, dense, and cake-like rather than fudgy.
Eggs
Like extra liquids, adding extra eggs can make the brownie batter too thin, leading to structural problems. Stick to what’s called for in the recipe.
Leavening Agents
Brownies use baking powder or soda to help them rise slightly while baking. Adding more can distort the texture, making cakey brownies.
Sugar
Brownie mix already contains enough sugar to achieve the proper sweetness. Adding more crystalline white sugar would throw off moisture balance.
Chunky Mix-Ins
Ingredients like chocolate chunks, candies, and nuts should be chopped into small pieces so they distribute nicely instead of sinking. Overly large mix-ins can weigh down the batter.
How to Add Ingredients to Brownie Mix
Once you’ve decided what you want to mix in, here are some tips for properly incorporating add-ins:
- Prep ingredients before starting. Toast nuts, chop chocolate, etc. Measure out amounts.
- Grease the pan well so brownies release easily.
- Make brownie batter as directed on the box, mixing just until blended and smooth.
- Gently fold in mix-ins with a spatula until distributed throughout batter.
- Avoid over-mixing once ingredients are added or this can overdevelop gluten, making brownies tough.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- If adding a middle layer of frosting or other mix-ins, spoon batter halfway up pan, top with mix-ins, then cover with remaining batter.
- Bake and cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
Creative Brownie Mix Add-In Ideas
Take your brownies to the next level with these flavorful add-in suggestions:
| Add-In Combination | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Rocky road | 1 cup mini marshmallows + 1/2 cup chopped walnuts |
| Mint chocolate chip | 1 cup mini chocolate chips + 1 tsp mint extract |
| Mocha | 1 Tbsp instant coffee powder + 1 tsp vanilla |
| Caramel apple spice | 1/2 cup caramel sauce swirled + 1 tsp cinnamon |
| PB&J | 1/2 cup peanut butter swirled + 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam |
| S’mores | 1 cup mini marshmallows + 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips + 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers |
Baking Tips
To ensure delicious results when adding ingredients to brownie mix:
– Bake at the temperature stated on the box, checking at the minimum time listed.
– If including wetter mix-ins like peanut butter or frosting, you may need to bake 1-2 minutes longer.
– Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with just a few crumbs, not wet batter.
– Be careful not to overbake or brownies will be dry instead of fudgy.
– Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting if adding a middle layer of frosting or other fillings.
– Store completely cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.
Conclusion
Brownie mix provides a convenient shortcut to homemade brownies. With a variety of delicious mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and more, you can take boxed brownie mix from basic to incredible. Get creative with different add-in combinations to satisfy any brownie craving. Just be sure not to over-mix or overbake once you’ve added your extra ingredients. Follow the package directions and check for doneness to get perfect fudgy, moist brownies every time. What will you mix into your next batch of brownie goodness?