Description
These are hands-down the best ever chocolate brownies Recipe—fudgy, rich, and irresistibly chocolaty. With a crackly top and gooey center, this recipe has been tested to perfection. Perfect for bake sales, dinner parties, or midnight cravings, these brownies are the real deal. Plus, they’re simple to make and come together in under an hour. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this chocolate brownies recipe will deliver every time.
Ingredients
Let’s build that decadent brownie base. These ingredients deliver maximum chocolate flavor and that irresistible texture you crave:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – melted for richness
- 2 ¼ cups granulated sugar – for sweetness and chewiness
- 4 large eggs – room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups unsweetened cocoa powder – Dutch-process preferred for deeper flavor
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – boosts overall taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – just enough to bind
- ½ tsp salt – balances sweetness
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chunks – melty chocolate pockets
Optional swaps:
- Use brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
- Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.
- Swap in dark chocolate chunks for a richer bite.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. This ensures easy lift and minimal cleanup.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until just liquid (about 1 minute). Let it cool slightly—this keeps the eggs from scrambling when added.
Step 3: Whisk in Sugar & Eggs
Add the granulated sugar and whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth. Then add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each. The mix should become glossy and thick—this is where that fudgy texture starts.
Step 4: Add Cocoa & Vanilla
Sift in the cocoa powder and stir until fully combined. Add vanilla and mix again. This step locks in that rich chocolate flavor.
Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Add flour and salt, folding gently with a spatula. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine. Overmixing can lead to cakier brownies.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in your chocolate chips or chunks. Save a few to sprinkle on top for a bakery-style finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely before cutting (resist the temptation!).
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add 1 tsp of instant espresso powder to the batter.
- Want a thicker brownie? Bake in an 8×8 pan and extend the baking time by 10 minutes.
- Brownies taste even better the next day—wrap tightly and let them sit overnight.
- For extra indulgence, serve warm brownies with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge.
- If using natural cocoa, consider adding an extra ¼ tsp of baking soda to balance acidity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sweets
- Cuisine: South Western
Nutrition
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg