- Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Gather your ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 4 large eggs, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Melt the Butter & Combine Sugars
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can also do this in a saucepan on the stove. Add both the granulated and brown sugars to the warm butter. Whisk vigorously for a full minute until the mixture is glossy and the sugar has begun to dissolve into the butter.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, & Cocoa
Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated. Whisk in the vanilla extract. Sift the cocoa powder and salt directly into the wet ingredients. Switch to a spatula and fold gently until the mixture is thick, shiny, and completely uniform with no streaks of dry cocoa.
- Fold in Flour & Chocolate Chips
Sift the flour over the chocolate batter. Using the spatula, fold it in gently, stopping as soon as the last streaks of flour disappear. Over-mixing leads to tough brownies. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips until just distributed.
- Bake & Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly into the corners. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The brownies are done when the top is shiny and set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached—not wet batter. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and slicing.
- Calories:320 kcal
- Protein:4 g
- Carbohydrates:45 g
- Sugar:35 g
- Salt:0.16 g
- Energy:1340 kJ
- Fat:16 g
Is there any more comforting aroma than that of brownie recipe baking in the oven? That deep, intoxicating wave of chocolate that promises a thick, fudgy slab of pure bliss. For years, I chased the perfect homemade brownies—too cakey, too sweet, too greasy. Finally, I cracked the code, and it all comes down to this simple, one-bowl method. It’s the best chewy fudgy brownie recipe in my arsenal, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
The Story of the Brownie Recipe
Legend has it that a socialite hosting a ladies’ luncheon in Chicago forgot to add baking powder to her chocolate cake. Instead of a lofty cake, she got a dense, fudgy bar. Her guests adored it, and a star was born. Whether the tale is true or not, it captures the essence of our beloved chocolate brownie: a glorious, happy accident we’re all richer for. Making brownies from scratch is a rite of passage, a small act of delicious rebellion against the boxed mix.
Why This Fudge Brownie Recipe Works
What makes this the best brownie recipe? It’s a magical balance. The combination of melted butter, granulated sugar, and just the right amount of cocoa powder creates a rich, crackly top and a center that’s chewy and dense, not cakey. This is a proper fudgy brownie recipe—the kind that stays soft for days. The secret is using two types of sugar and resisting the urge to over-mix the batter.
Your One Pro-Tip for Brownie Success
My single most important tip? Don’t over-bake them. I know, it’s tempting. But for the ultimate fudgy brownies, you must pull them from the oven while a toothpick inserted into the center still has a few moist crumbs clinging to it. They will set up perfectly as they cool. Over-baking is the enemy of a chewy brownie recipe.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Obviously, a warm square on its own is divine. But let’s get creative. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting into the crevices is a classic for good reason. For a grown-up twist, a drizzle of salted caramel or a dusting of flaky sea salt elevates the chocolate. Pair it with a cold glass of milk, a bitter espresso, or even a glass of red wine with dark berry notes. The contrast is magical.
Variations, Substitutions, & Dietary Swaps
This easy brownie recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a chocolate brownie recipe with deeper flavor, swap half the cocoa for melted dark chocolate. Nut lovers, fold in a cup of toasted walnuts or pecans. Feeling extra? Sprinkle in some chocolate chips or a swirl of peanut butter. For a gluten-free version, use a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Remember, the core brownie ingredients are simple, so high-quality cocoa powder is non-negotiable.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
The good news? These homemade brownies taste even better the next day. Let them cool completely in the pan, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the whole slab or individual squares wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on the counter.
FAQs About This Brownie Recipe
Can I use oil instead of butter? You can, but the flavor and texture will change. Butter gives a richer flavor and that signature crackly top. For a dairy-free version, a neutral oil like vegetable or avocado works.
Why didn’t my brownies get a shiny crust? That crust is created by properly dissolving the sugar into the warm butter and eggs. Whisk vigorously for a full minute after adding the sugar and again after adding the eggs. This incorporates air and helps create that perfect, glossy finish on your homemade brownie recipe.
What cocoa powder is best? For the deepest chocolate flavor, use natural unsweetened cocoa powder in this brownie recipe with cocoa powder. Dutch-processed will work but produces a milder, different flavor profile. I recommend the science-based guides at Serious Eats for a deep dive on cocoa.
The Final Word on This Chocolate Brownie
This truly is the best fudgy brownie recipe for when you need a quick brownies recipe that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal fuss. It’s a humble, one-bowl wonder that proves the best things in life are often the simplest. I hope this recipe becomes a trusted friend in your kitchen, just as it is in mine. Now, go preheat that oven. Your perfect slab of chocolate nirvana awaits. Don’t forget to share your creations and check out our recipe collection for more inspiration!
