If you love rich, chocolatey desserts with a soft, fudgy center and slightly crisp edges, these homemade brownies are a perfect choice. This easy brownie recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and takes little time to prepare. Serve them warm with ice cream, dust them with powdered sugar, or enjoy them straight from the baking pan.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
How to Make Brownies
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper over the sides for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter and sugar to a large bowl. Whisk until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then whisk until the mixture looks smooth.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir gently until the batter is combined. Avoid overmixing, as this helps keep the brownies soft and fudgy.
4. Add Chocolate
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Bake
Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should look set while the center remains slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing. For extra clean slices, refrigerate them for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting.
Tips for Perfect Brownies
- Use good-quality cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Do not overbake the brownies.
- Let them cool before slicing for a fudgier texture.
- Add chocolate chunks for extra gooey pockets of chocolate.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Easy Brownie Variations
Double Chocolate Brownies
Add extra chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for an ultra-rich chocolate dessert.
Walnut Brownies
Fold chopped walnuts into the batter for a delicious crunchy texture.
Salted Caramel Brownies
Swirl caramel sauce over the brownie batter before baking and finish with a small sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Peanut Butter Brownies
Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter over the batter and gently swirl it with a knife.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy these brownies warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fresh berries, or chocolate sauce. They also make a delicious lunchbox treat or easy dessert for parties and family gatherings.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: 12 brownies
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
These fudgy chocolate brownies are simple, rich, and easy to prepare. With a soft center, chocolate chips, and crisp edges, they are a great recipe to save for chocolate cravings, family desserts, and special occasions.
