Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Fudgy, Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Chocolate lovers find pure bliss in these decadent brownies that melt hearts instantly.

Some desserts simply capture the soul of comfort with minimal effort.

Rich cocoa notes dance through each tender, fudgy bite.

We’ve crafted an incredibly simple approach that guarantees delicious results every single time.

The secret lies in balancing ingredients with precision and passion.

Even novice bakers can create these irresistible squares of happiness.

Let the aroma of warm chocolate draw you into this delightful baking adventure.

Why Everyone Loves Chocolate Brownies

  • Perfect for busy bakers who want delicious treats fast.
  • Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you'll have warm brownies in under 30 minutes.
  • Easy enough for children to help, creating fun family baking moments with minimal supervision.
  • Universally loved chocolate brownies that work for casual gatherings, potlucks, or after-school snacks.

What Goes Into Chocolate Brownies

Chocolate Base Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar: Smooth, rich foundation that gives brownies their classic soft and sweet texture. Unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.
  • Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Binding agents that add moisture and depth of flavor. Fresh eggs ensure better consistency.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Cocoa Powder, Flour: Key components for creating chocolate intensity and structure. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolate taste. All-purpose flour works best.
  • Salt, Baking Powder: Essential for balancing flavors and helping brownies rise slightly. Fine sea salt preferred for even distribution.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Chocolate Chips: Extra chocolate boost that melts into delicious pockets. Dark, milk, or semi-sweet options available. Helps create gooey texture when melted.

Simple Steps to Make Chocolate Brownies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by coating it with butter or lining with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend:
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar

Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the blend appears silky and rich.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gently sift together:
  • Cocoa powder
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Baking powder

Fold these ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing. If you want extra chocolate goodness, sprinkle in chocolate chips.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that deliciously fudgy texture.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies rest in the pan until they reach room temperature. Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy your homemade chocolate delight!

Pro Tips for Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep brownies tender and avoid tough, dense texture.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at an angle to test brownies; a few moist crumbs mean perfect fudgy consistency.
  • Customize Mix-Ins: Experiment with adding nuts, white chocolate chips, or dried fruit to create unique flavor variations.
  • Line Pan Perfectly: Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal and clean cutting of brownies.
  • Cool Completely: Let brownies cool entirely in the pan to help them set and develop a rich, dense texture before slicing.

How to Keep Chocolate Brownies Fresh and Soft

  • Store cooled brownies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Place brownies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Warm brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey texture. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their freshly baked warmth and softness.
  • If brownies become slightly dry, sprinkle a few drops of water before reheating or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add moisture and enhance flavor.

Great Pairings for Chocolate Brownies

  • Scoop a cold, smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the warm, rich brownies for a classic dessert combination that balances chocolate's intensity with cool, sweet creaminess.
  • Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, whose deep fruity notes and tannins enhance the chocolate's deep, decadent flavor profile.
  • Brew a robust espresso or dark roast coffee that cuts through the brownies' sweetness, creating a sophisticated flavor harmony and providing a delightful palate cleansing effect.
  • Drizzle a homemade or premium salted caramel sauce over the brownies, adding a luxurious touch that elevates the dessert's complexity and introduces a delicate salty-sweet contrast.

Fun Variations for Chocolate Brownies

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Vegan Chocolate Brownies: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas, applesauce, or flax eggs, and use plant-based butter alternatives for a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Brownies: Use stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or reduce sugar quantity while adding mashed dates for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Nut-Infused Chocolate Brownies: Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and nutritional value, creating a protein-rich variation.
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Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate lovers find pure bliss in these chocolate brownies, where rich cocoa meets buttery perfection. Fudgy, dense squares promise delightful comfort with each warm, gooey bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks

Dry Seasonings:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C). Coat an 8×8-inch pan with butter or create a parchment paper lining to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a smooth mixture by whisking melted butter and sugar until fully integrated. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the texture becomes silky and uniform.
  3. Carefully sift cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry components into the mixture, ensuring minimal stirring to maintain a tender texture. Optional: Delicately fold in chocolate chips for extra richness.
  4. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly across the surface. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick reveals slightly moist crumbs – indicating perfect fudgy consistency.
  5. Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool completely within the pan. This resting period helps set the texture and makes cutting into precise squares easier. Slice and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, decadent flavor.
  • Reduce sugar by one-third and add mashed ripe banana for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Test brownies early to prevent overcooking; fudgy texture depends on precise baking time.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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