Is there anything easier to make than a 9x13 of chocolaty brownies? It’s a simple formula: fat, sugar, binding agent, and chocolate content. And yet texture, flavor, and density vary so widely across the spectrum. Some like their brownies cake-like and crusted, while others enjoy it dense and oozing with chocolate.

We did the taste-testing for you and came up with three winners, but we totally understand if you need to test all three recipes yourself to make the best, most-informed decision. There’s no harm in being thorough.

Chocolate Chip Brownies

Submitted by Rochel Snyder, Toronto, Ontario

These unbelievable brownies were delivered to me by my friend Leah after one of my children was born. They’re amazing, but the secret ingredient was the love that came along with them!

YIELDS 1 9X13-INCH PAN

• 1 cup (2 sticks) margarine
• ¾ cup Dutch cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix all ingredients together and pour into a 9x13-inch (23x33-cm) baking pan.

Bake for 45–50 minutes. Do not overbake! You want the full gooey chewy experience!