Today’s recipe is one of my favorite homemade gift ideas—a Better Than the Box Fudge Brownie Mix! With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a mix that’s richer, fudgier, and far more special than anything store-bought. It’s the kind of thoughtful treat that makes a perfect gift for friends, neighbors, teachers, or anyone on your holiday list who loves a sweet indulgence. Best of all, they’ll have it ready to bake whenever that chocolate craving strikes.

This mix is versatile for gifting. You can present it beautifully on its own in a jar or bag, tuck it into a festive gift basket alongside other goodies, or pair it with baking essentials like a spatula, measuring cups, or even a brand-new brownie pan for an extra-special touch. To make things even easier, I’ve included a free printable with instructions so your recipient knows exactly how to turn the mix into a pan of irresistible fudgy brownies. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to spread holiday cheer—one fudgy square at a time.

You might notice a couple of unexpected ingredients in this brownie mix. Powdered sugar and cornstarch aren’t typically found in traditional recipes, but they play an important role here. The cornstarch and powdered sugar help prevent clumping, keeping the mix light and easy to store. The powdered sugar also dissolves quickly, creating a smoother batter and giving the brownies a softer, more tender texture.

Packaging up the brownie mix

You can package this brownie mix in a simple container or even a zip-top bag, but I love using brown resealable bags with a clear window. The 7.1 × 10.2 size is just right—they hold the mix perfectly and look neat and professional. I always keep a stash of these bags on hand because they’re so versatile for gifting other homemade treats from the kitchen.

When putting this mix together, I combine all of the dry ingredients except the chocolate chips. I prefer to add those in when baking each individual batch, so every pan of brownies gets the perfect amount of chocolate goodness. To make things simple, I’ve included two versions of the recipe: one for a single batch of brownie mix and another for a large batch that yields enough for seven mixes. This way, you can choose whether you’re making just one gift or stocking up to share with lots of people on your list.

Ingredients for Better Than The Box Fudge Brownie Mix

• SUGAR
• POWDERED SUGAR
• ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
• UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER (I like Hershey’s brand)
• SALT
• BAKING POWDER
• CORNSTARCH
• SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS OR CHUNKS

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add the chocolate chips directly into the mix for homemade brownies?
You can, but I recommend keeping them separate and adding them when baking each batch. This ensures every pan of brownies gets the right amount of chocolate chips.

How long will the brownie mix keep?
Stored in an airtight container or resealable bag, the mix will stay fresh for up to 6 months. Just keep it in a cool, dry place.

What’s the best way to package the mix for gifting?
Resealable bags, mason jars, or decorative containers all work beautifully. Add a ribbon, tag, or printable recipe card to make it extra festive.

Can I customize the mix with add-ins?
Definitely! Try swapping the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, nuts, or crushed peppermint for a holiday twist. Just note those extras on the gift tag so the recipient knows what’s inside. I love walnuts in brownies!

Click the image to download the labels.

This recipe is adapted from Design, Eat, Repeat.