What are some fun ways to spice up a simple box of brownie mix?

Question

other than nuts
and with things that are already
found in the kitchen

Answer 1

Use coffee for the water...mmm mocha brownies

You can also add choclate chips or peanut butter chips.

Answer 2

you could make Peppermint White Chocolate Crinkles. They are delicious. You should already have everything you need except some peppermint extract which you can find at any grocery store.

ingredients
1 19.5 to 19.8 oz. brownie mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp. peppermint extract
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
12 red & white crushed candy canes

preheat oven at 350 degrees.
spray cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray.
in a medium mixing bowl mix the brownie mix, oil, eggs, and peppermint extract with a wooden spoon until just blened and all dry ingredients are moistened; stir in white chocolate chips.
drop dough by teaspoonsfuls, 2" apart, onto prepared cookie sheets.
Sprinkle tops with crushed candy cane.
Bake 9-12 minutes, until set at edges and just barely set at center when lightly touched.
Cool 1 minute on sheets.
Transfer to wire racks with metal spatula and cool completely.
Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Answer 3

Cheesecake Topped Brownies
INGREDIENTS
1 (21.5 ounce) package brownie mix
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (16 ounce) container prepared chocolate frosting
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Prepare brownie mix according to the directions on the package. Spread into prepared baking pan.
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and cornstarch until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk, egg and vanilla until smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over brownie batter.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until top is lightly browned. Allow to cool, spread with frosting, and cut into bars. Store covered in refrigerator, or freeze in a single layer for up to 2 weeks.

However, I am not a huge fan of the icing on top. I often use cherry pie filling. Some reviewers on the website suggest topping this with 6oz chocolate chips and 1/2 cup butter- melt over low heat, then pour over brownies and refrigerate.
I also found the cheesecake a bit bland, so usually I add almond extract, lemon zest, or something else to add more flavor.
(Another suggestion is to line the pan with greased foil to make cutting them easier.)
With those changes, this is pretty darn good.

Answer 4

I can't stand nuts in my brownies! I thought I was the only one. lol

Try adding 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon to the mix. It kind of spices it up a little. Or some extra vanilla extract. Maybe coconut if you have it, or marshmallows? You can also cut up some maraschino cherries and stir them in. Actually, any candy can be crushed and stirred in as well!

Answer 5

When making mix brownies, I always add a teaspoon of vanilla--it makes any mix baked goods taste like they are made from scratch. Sometimes I add Little Cinnamon or chocolate chips. If you can find them, those Rollo candies (soft caramel-filled chocolates) are wonderful! Crushed heath bars are good too. As is a little Kahlua.

Answer 6

add some nuts or choc. chips to the mix. We like to add in Peppermint white choc. chips made by Andes mints. or Peanut butter chips.We also have drizzled white chocolate over the top. Try frosting them and then putting sprinkles on them. The possibilities are endless! Above all else have fun with it!

Answer 7

Cherries, dried apricots, any dried fruit for that matter added into the mix I thind butter brickle pieces would be good too. Oh, and peanut butter or mini peanut butter cups. any candies like m & m's.
Not you've dont. I want some.

Answer 8

replace some of the liquid with coffee. It ads a nice flavor to the brownies. go for 50/50 coffee to whatever the recipe asks for. Not the oil, but water or whatever.

Answer 9

In addition to some of the above answers, you can also try adding about half a can of condensed milk to the mix. Makes them very chewy and sweet.

Answer 10

York peppermint patties. My friend made brownies like that for my birthday, and I was surprised at how good they are.