Lunch Lady Brownies

Lunch Lady Brownies 🍫

These are classic, fudgy, school-lunch-style brownies—rich, chocolatey, and perfectly sweet, just like the ones that bring back nostalgia from cafeteria days.

🧾 Ingredients (9×9-inch pan)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp baking powder

• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven

   • 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix wet ingredients

   • In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Add dry ingredients

   • Sift together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.

   • Gradually fold into the wet mixture until fully combined.

4. Add extras

   • Stir in chocolate chips or nuts if desired.

5. Bake

   • Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

   • Bake 20–25 minutes (check at 20 minutes).

   • Brownies are done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.

6. Cool & cut

   • Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

🌟 Pro Tips

• Fudgy texture: Slightly underbake by 1–2 minutes.

• Chewier brownies: Use all brown sugar instead of white sugar.

• Flavor boost: Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp 3–4 days or freeze for longer.

🔄 Variations

• Peanut butter swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top before baking and swirl.

• Mint chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract.

• Salted caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before cooling and sprinkle with sea salt.

• Nut-free: Omit nuts entirely or replace with chocolate chunks.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Classic cafeteria-style snack

• Warm with a scoop of ice cream for dessert

• Cut into bite-sized squares for parties or lunchboxes

I can also make a super fudgy, ultra-rich “Lunch Lady Brownies” copycat recipe that’s extra gooey in the center and perfect for those nostalgic cravings.