Take the Beginner's Brownie Challenge
Bake beginner-friendly brownies using simple ingredients, measure and mix safely, practice oven safety, and learn basic baking skills while enjoying a tasty treat.
Step-by-step guide to the Beginner's Brownie Challenge
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water to make sure they are clean.
Step 2
Ask an adult to help you preheat the oven to 350°F 175°C.
Step 3
Line the baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray.
Step 4
Cut and melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or melt it slowly in a small saucepan until liquid.
Step 5
Measure 1 cup granulated sugar into the mixing bowl then pour the melted butter into the bowl and stir until mixed.
Step 6
Crack two eggs into a small bowl add 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat them lightly with a fork or whisk.
Step 7
Pour the beaten eggs into the sugar-butter bowl and stir until the mixture looks smooth.
Step 8
Measure 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt into a separate bowl and whisk them together.
Step 9
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently until there are no big streaks of flour.
Step 10
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with your spatula or spoon.
Step 11
Bake the brownies in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the top looks set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 12
Use oven mitts to carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack.
Step 13
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes so they set and are easier to cut.
Step 14
Lift the brownies out with the parchment or turn the pan out and cut the brownies into squares.
Step 15
Share a photo and description of your finished brownies on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have parchment paper or cooking spray?
If you don't have parchment paper or cooking spray, grease the baking pan with butter or oil and dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking when you pour the brownie batter in step 9.
My batter still has streaks of flour after folding — what should I do?
If you see big streaks of flour after adding the dry ingredients in step 8, gently fold with a spatula until the streaks disappear to avoid dry pockets in the baked brownies.
How can I adapt this brownie activity for different age groups?
For preschoolers let them wash hands and stir pre-measured sugar or add eggs (steps 1, 4–6), school-age kids can measure, whisk dry ingredients, and fold batter (steps 4–9) with supervision, and older kids can melt butter in the microwave and handle the oven with an adult (steps 3, 10–11).
How can we make or personalize the brownies after following the basic recipe?
Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before pouring into the prepared pan (step 9) or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after cooling (step 12) to enhance flavor and texture.
Watch videos on how to take the Beginner's Brownie Challenge
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Facts about baking for kids
🧪 Baking science: brownies stay dense and fudgy when they use less leavening and more fat (butter or oil) and chocolate.
🍫 Brownies were invented in the United States in the late 19th century — early printed recipes started appearing around 1897.
📏 Measuring matters: small changes (even a few grams) in flour, sugar, or butter can turn fudgy brownies into cakey ones.
🕒 Most beginner-friendly brownie recipes bake in about 20–30 minutes, making them a quick and rewarding kitchen project.
🔥 Oven safety tip: always use oven mitts, keep long hair tied back, and maintain a 3-foot kid-free zone around the oven.
How do I do the Beginner's Brownie Challenge with my child?
What materials do I need for beginner-friendly brownies?
What ages is the Beginner's Brownie Challenge suitable for?
What are the safety tips for baking brownies with kids?
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