Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about Lunch Lady Brownies. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Nostalgic Flavor : Just like the classic school brownies, but fresher and more delicious.
- Kid-Tested, Parent-Approved : Simple ingredients, minimal mess, and endless fun for little helpers.
- Customizable : Add sprinkles, nuts, or marshmallows for extra flair.
- Perfectly Portable : Easy to pack in lunchboxes or serve at school events.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Bake a batch on Sunday and enjoy them all week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these fudgy, crowd-pleasing brownies lies in their simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs , room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup milk (any kind)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips (or rainbow sprinkles for a fun twist)
For the Frosting (Optional):
- ½ cup unsalted butter , softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini marshmallows (for decorating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to whip up these fudgy, kid-approved brownies? Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until smooth and fully combined. Fold in chocolate chips or sprinkles.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes , until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay). Let cool completely.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate (Optional)
- For frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Let kids decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini marshmallows for a fun activity.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Cut into squares or use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Pack into lunchboxes or serve at parties with a glass of milk!
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The magic of Lunch Lady Brownies lies in their fudgy texture and nostalgic simplicity . The oil and milk create a moist, cakey crumb, while the cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor. Optional mix-ins like sprinkles or frosting make them playful and customizable, ensuring they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
