Equipment Needed
- A large mixing bowl
- An electric hand mixer or a sturdy stand mixer with the paddle attachment
- A sturdy silicone spatula
- A serving bowl
- Measuring cups
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, I take my beautifully softened cream cheese and plop it into the mixing bowl. I give it a quick beat with my electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds, just until it’s completely smooth and lump-free. This foundational step is crucial—any lumps of cream cheese now will remain in your final dip, and while still tasty, it won’t have that flawless, velvety batter texture we’re after. I scrape down the sides of the bowl with my spatula to make sure every bit is incorporated.
Next, with the mixer on low speed, I slowly begin to sprinkle in the entire package of dry brownie mix. I learned the hard way that dumping it all in at once creates a huge plume of cocoa powder that will coat you and your kitchen in a fine chocolate dust. A slow, steady addition is the way to go. As the dry mix incorporates, it will become very thick and look almost crumbly—this is normal and exactly what you want to see at this stage.
Here comes the liquid magic. I pour in that quarter cup of milk. I switch the mixer back to medium speed and watch as the transformation happens. The thick, crumbly mixture suddenly slackens, smoothes out, and morphs right before your eyes into a gloriously thick, shiny, and spreadable brownie batter. I mix for a full minute to ensure it’s perfectly homogeneous. The smell at this point is absolutely divine.
Finally, I take the bowl off the mixer. Using my spatula, I fold in the mini chocolate chips by hand. I’ve tried mixing them in with the beaters, and it tends to break the chips down or stain the dip grey. Folding ensures they stay intact and look gorgeous. I give it a taste (a cook’s perk!) and then scrape every last bit into my serving bowl. It’s ready to enjoy immediately, though I personally think it gets even better after a brief 15-minute chill in the fridge.(See the next page below to continue…)