Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1 box (about 18–19 oz) fudge brownie mix — use the dry mix only
• ¼ to ½ cup milk (start with ¼ cup, add more if needed for consistency)
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Yields & Timing

Makes about 3 cups of dip — enough for 6–10 people as a party dip. Prep time: 10–15 minutes. Chill time: optional 15–30 minutes for a firmer texture.

Instructions

1. Soften the base: Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature so they blend to a silky smooth texture. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Beat until smooth: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together on medium speed until light and fully combined, about 1–2 minutes.
3. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed so it incorporates without dusting your counter. Scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Stir in brownie mix: Add the dry brownie mix to the bowl and mix on low until just combined. The mixture will be thick and chocolaty — this is the heart of that brownie-batter flavor.
5. Adjust consistency with milk: With the mixer on low, add ¼ cup milk and check the texture. If you want a scoopable, thicker dip, ¼ cup may be enough. For a creamier, more dippable texture (for fruit or thin crackers), add up to ½ cup total, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Fold in chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips with a spatula, reserving a few to sprinkle on top for presentation.
7. Chill (optional): For the best texture and flavor meld, chill the dip for 15–30 minutes. This firms it slightly and lets the flavors develop. If you prefer immediate serving, you can skip chilling.
8. Serve: Transfer to a pretty serving bowl, sprinkle extra mini chips on top, and surround with dippers — strawberries, apple slices, graham crackers, pretzels, shortbread, or vanilla wafers all work beautifully.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Fresh strawberries and banana slices make a bright, fresh contrast to the rich dip.
• Warm brownies or cookie pieces double down on the chocolate theme.
• Salted pretzels or pretzel sticks add a fantastic sweet-and-salty crunch.
• Graham crackers, graham cracker sticks, or vanilla wafers are classic and crowd-pleasing.
• Spoon the dip into waffle cones or edible chocolate cups for single-serve treats.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality brownie mix: The flavor of the dry mix matters — choose a fudgy variety for the best chocolate depth.
• Make it boozy: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of Kahlúa, bourbon, or Baileys for an adult twist.
• Nutty version: Fold in ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts or use mini peanut butter cups instead of some chocolate chips.
• Marshmallow swirl: Fold in ½ cup mini marshmallows for a fluffier texture and a s’mores vibe.
• Salted top: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top to heighten the chocolate flavor.
• Make ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and chill. Bring to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving if you prefer it softer.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Stir before serving; if the dip stiffens in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or stir in a splash of milk to loosen. Do not freeze — the texture changes when thawed.

Nutrition Note

This is an indulgent dessert dip — high in calories and sugar. For a lighter version, try using reduced-fat cream cheese and substituting part of the powdered sugar with a powdered sugar substitute designed for baking, though flavor and texture will differ.