Why Make CBD Brownies?
Brownies are forgiving, chocolate-forward, and pair naturally with smooth, neutral CBD oil. Chocolate’s fat content protects cannabinoids during baking and helps with absorption.
- Easy to customize potency per serving
- Balanced flavor—no “hempy” notes with refined oils
- Simple pantry ingredients; one bowl, minimal mess
Choose a quality hemp-derived CBD oil. For cannabis-free brownies in feel and flavor, opt for CBD isolate or broad-spectrum zero-THC oil. Full-spectrum is fine too if you’re comfortable with up to 0.3% THC (federally legal in the U.S.).
CBD Brownies Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Yield: 12 brownies | Prep: 15 minutes | Bake: 22–28 minutes | Oven: 325°F (163°C)
Ingredients
- 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup (75 g) cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 large eggs + 1 yolk, room temp
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder (optional, boosts chocolate)
- 3/4 cup (130 g) chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- CBD oil, measured per dosing plan below (typically 0.5–1 tsp for beginners)
Equipment
- 8×8-inch metal pan (lined with parchment)
- Medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Kitchen scale (recommended) and measuring spoons
Plan Your CBD Dosage
Use this formula for consistent potency:
- Find your oil’s strength (mg/mL). Example: 1000 mg in 30 mL = ~33 mg/mL.
- Choose mg per brownie (start 5–10 mg if new to CBD).
- Compute total mg = mg per brownie × number of brownies.
- Oil volume to add (mL) = total mg ÷ mg per mL. Convert to teaspoons by dividing mL by 5.
Example: 12 brownies × 10 mg = 120 mg total. With ~33 mg/mL oil, use 120 ÷ 33 ≈ 3.6 mL ≈ 0.7 tsp.
Tip: If using CBD isolate powder, dissolve your measured milligrams into the melted butter after it cools slightly (below 200°F) for even distribution.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment, overhanging two sides for easy lifting.
- Melt butter until just liquid and warm, not sizzling. Whisk in sugars, cocoa, and salt until glossy.
- Let mixture cool to warm (about 120–140°F). Whisk in eggs and yolk one at a time, then vanilla, until shiny.
- Stir in flour (and espresso powder if using) until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Whisk your CBD oil with 1 tablespoon batter in a small bowl, then fold that back into the main batter for even dispersion.
- Spread into pan. Bake 22–28 minutes until the center is set with a slight jiggle and a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in pan. Chill 30 minutes for cleaner slices, then cut into 12 squares.
Safety Note: CBD begins to degrade at high heat. Baking at 325°F and mixing CBD into warm—not hot—batter helps preserve potency.
CBD Brownies: Pro Tips for Texture, Flavor, and Dosing
- Do not overmix once flour is added; it toughens brownies.
- Use a metal pan for even baking; glass can overbake edges.
- For extra-fudgy, pull brownies when the center is just set.
- Choose a neutral-tasting CBD oil (MCT-based) for the cleanest chocolate profile.
- Record your batch: oil brand, mg/mL, mg per square, bake time.
New to cbd baking? Start with low potency, note how you feel after 2 hours, and adjust the next batch. Edibles can take 30–120 minutes to take effect.
Flavor Twists and Variations
- Sea Salt + Tahini: Swirl 2 tbsp tahini and finish with flaky salt.
- Mocha Crunch: Add espresso powder and cacao nibs.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour 1:1 with a GF baking blend.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter and 3 tbsp aquafaba for each egg.
- THC-Free, “cannabis-free brownies” feel: Use CBD isolate or certified broad-spectrum zero-THC oil.
These make crowd-pleasing chocolate edibles for adult gatherings—just label the dose clearly and keep away from kids and pets.
Storage, Serving, and Onset
- Room temp: Airtight up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Up to 1 week; improves fudgy texture.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months; wrap individually.
- Serving: Start with half a brownie if you’re new; wait at least 2 hours before more.
Troubleshooting
- Too oily: Batter was too hot when CBD was added; cool more before mixing.
- Dry/crumbly: Overbaked; check 5 minutes earlier or reduce oven temp slightly.
- Uneven potency: Thoroughly whisk CBD with a spoonful of batter first, then fold in.
- Hemp taste: Switch to a refined, neutral CBD oil or isolate.
Real-World Example
Here’s a realistic example based on home-kitchen testing patterns. A baker plans 12 brownies at 8 mg each (96 mg total). Their oil is 1200 mg in 30 mL (~40 mg/mL). They add 96 ÷ 40 = 2.4 mL (about 0.5 tsp). The batch is baked at 325°F for 24 minutes and labeled “8 mg per square.” Guests reported a gentle, relaxing effect about 60–90 minutes after eating one square.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much CBD should I put in brownies?
Beginners often start with 5–10 mg per serving. Multiply your target mg by the number of brownies, then divide by your oil’s mg/mL to find how many milliliters to add. Convert mL to teaspoons by dividing by 5.
Will CBD brownies get me high?
No. CBD is non-intoxicating. Use hemp-derived CBD with 0.3% THC or less, or choose THC-free CBD isolate or broad-spectrum oil to avoid intoxication.
Does baking destroy CBD?
High heat can degrade cannabinoids. Bake at 325°F and mix CBD into warm (not hot) batter to help preserve potency.
Can I make vegan or gluten-free CBD brownies?
Yes. Use vegan butter and aquafaba for eggs, and swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Keep the oven at 325°F and monitor doneness.
How long do CBD brownies last and how should I store them?
Store airtight at room temp for 3 days, refrigerated for a week, or frozen for up to 2 months. Label potency and date clearly.
Are CBD brownies legal?
Federally, hemp-derived CBD with ≤0.3% THC is legal in the U.S., but state laws vary. Check local regulations before making, sharing, or shipping.
Conclusion
With a gentle bake, accurate dosing, and quality oil, cbd brownies can be rich, reliable, and truly enjoyable. Start low, label clearly, and refine your recipe with each batch.