What Are Cici’s Brownies?

Originating in Coppell, Texas, Cici’s has made a name for itself as an American buffet restaurant chain, primarily known for its pizza since its inception in 1985. The franchise began spreading its wings in 1988, bringing a unique dining experience to many.

At Cici’s, the menu is a delightful mix, featuring items like Wings, Pizza, Pasta, Salad, and a variety of Desserts and Beverages. Among these, their brownies have garnered a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers.

Prepared with rich Milk Chocolate Brownie Mix, fresh Eggs, Vegetable Oil, luscious Chocolate Syrup, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, and finished with a dusting of Powdered Sugar, Cici’s Brownies are a treat for the senses.

The simplicity of the recipe, requiring just seven key ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, adds to its charm. Below, I’ve broken down the steps for you, making it super easy to bring Cici’s fudge brownies to your own kitchen.

Cici’s Brownies Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 family-size box of Pillsbury’s Milk Chocolate Brownie Mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup of chocolate syrup
• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the right temperature when the batter is ready.
2. Mixing the Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs and oil until they’re well combined. Begin adding the brownie mix in two halves, stirring gently after each addition. This technique prevents the batter from becoming overmixed and helps maintain a fudgy texture.
3. Adding the Chocolate: Now, pour in the chocolate syrup and the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips. Blend these in until just mixed. The chocolate syrup enhances the richness, while the melted chips contribute to the gooey texture Cici’s brownies are known for.
4. Preparing the Pan: Line a 13×9 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly with cooking spray or butter. This step is crucial for easy removal of the brownies later.
5. Baking: Gently pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 21-24 minutes. Start checking at around the 15-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. When it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done.
6. Cooling: Immediately after taking them out of the oven, place the pan in the fridge or freezer. This rapid cooling process is essential; it prevents the brownies from continuing to cook in the hot pan, which can cause hard edges and a dry center.
7. Cutting and Serving: Once completely cooled, cut the brownies into your desired size. A plastic knife is recommended for cleaner cuts. For that authentic Cici’s touch, lightly dust the brownies with powdered sugar before serving.

Loved recreating the classic Cici’s Fudge Brownies at home? Share the love! Pin the image below to your Pinterest board. By sharing, you’ll not only spread the joy of this delightful recipe but also help others discover the magic of baking these irresistible treats. Plus, you’ll always have this recipe handy for your next baking adventure!

Tips for The Best Cici’s Brownies Copycat Recipe

1. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate chips and chocolate syrup for a richer, more decadent flavor. The better the chocolate, the more delicious your brownies will be.
2. Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
3. Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until they’re incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a cake-like texture, while we’re aiming for fudgy and dense brownies.
4. Even Baking: To ensure even baking, spread the batter uniformly in the pan. Also, rotate the pan halfway through baking to account for any hot spots in the oven.
5. Checking for Doneness: Use the toothpick test as mentioned, but remember, a few moist crumbs are what you’re looking for, not completely clean. This is the secret to moist, fudgy brownies.
6. Cooling is Key: The rapid cooling in the fridge or freezer isn’t just about ease of cutting; it’s also about texture. This step ensures the brownies have that signature fudginess.
7. Cutting Technique: If you’re having trouble cutting your brownies cleanly, dip your knife (or plastic knife) in hot water, wipe it dry, and then cut. The warm knife glides through the brownies more easily.
8. Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container to keep them moist and fudgy. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or frozen for longer storage.
9. Serving Suggestion: For an extra special treat, serve your brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.