Get ready to fall in love with this Chocolate Brownie Recipe—a true crowd-pleaser that’s rich, dense, and irresistibly chocolatey. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just craving something homemade and sweet, this classic treat guarantees pure comfort in every bite. With a crackly top and fudgy interior, it’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and disappears almost as quickly as you can slice it. Trust me, once you’ve made this Chocolate Brownie Recipe, you’ll never want to reach for a boxed mix again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Chocolate Brownie Recipe so special is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create pure magic. Each one plays a key role in delivering that signature flavor and texture—don’t skip or substitute unless you’re feeling adventurous!
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Butter is the foundation for fudgy, flavorful brownies, adding moisture and richness.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sugar sweetens the deal and contributes to the shiny, crackly top we all crave.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together, give structure, and help achieve that chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla rounds out the flavors and enhances the chocolatey goodness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (â…“ cup): Cocoa powder is the star ingredient, giving the brownies their deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Just enough flour for structure without making the brownies cake-like.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Salt balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavor pop.
- Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): A tiny amount for a slight lift, while still keeping the brownies dense and moist.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (½ cup, optional): Stir in for gooey chocolate pockets in every bite, or leave out for a pure classic.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, letting a little hang over the sides for easy brownie removal. This little prep ensures your brownies come out in perfect squares without any sticking disasters.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Next, add in both eggs and the vanilla extract. Keep whisking until everything is blended and the batter looks light and creamy—this step helps create that signature shiny, crackly brownie top!
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now sprinkle in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want the batter to stay thick and luscious for that perfect chewy texture.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
If you’re adding chocolate chips or chunks (which I highly recommend for extra decadence), fold them in gently. This is your chance to add nuts, a swirl of peanut butter, or even a dash of espresso powder if you’re feeling creative!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know your Chocolate Brownie Recipe is done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—don’t wait until it’s completely dry! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares for the best texture.
How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a handful of fresh berries. For a truly decadent touch, top each square with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—simple, but oh-so-special.
Side Dishes
Brownies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot coffee, or even a fruit salad if you want something fresh on the side. For a grown-up twist, try serving them alongside port wine or a coffee liqueur for a classy dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack brownie squares into a tower and secure with skewers for a playful party centerpiece. Cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters, or layer broken pieces into mason jars with whipped cream and berries for an instant brownie parfait. The possibilities are endless—let your creativity run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay moist and chewy, making them perfect for a quick snack or dessert fix throughout the week.
Freezing
Chocolate Brownie Recipe leftovers freeze beautifully! Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you need a chocolatey treat.
Reheating
If you love warm brownies (who doesn’t?), microwave a square on medium power for about 10–15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness and makes the chocolate chips extra melty.
FAQs
Can I double this Chocolate Brownie Recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes, but the results will be just as delicious.
What makes brownies fudgy instead of cakey?
Fudgy brownies have a higher fat-to-flour ratio, which is exactly what this Chocolate Brownie Recipe delivers. Melted butter, just enough flour, and not overbaking are key for that dense, moist texture.
Can I use Dutch-process cocoa instead of natural?
Yes, you can substitute Dutch-process cocoa for a richer, darker flavor. Just note that the color and taste will be a little bolder, but your Chocolate Brownie Recipe will still turn out fantastic.
What add-ins work well with this recipe?
Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), white chocolate chips, espresso powder, or even a swirl of caramel or peanut butter all make wonderful additions. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for extra flair.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be set and the center to look slightly underdone. Insert a toothpick near the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your Chocolate Brownie Recipe is ready. Resist the urge to overbake for the fudgiest results!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a homemade Chocolate Brownie Recipe with friends or family. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with fun mix-ins, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert lineup. Give it a try and let the chocolatey smiles begin!
Print
Chocolate Brownie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic chocolate brownie recipe yields rich, fudgy brownies with a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these brownies are a delightful homemade treat perfect for dessert or any chocolate craving.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Optional
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, whisking until the batter is light, creamy, and well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Fold in chocolate chips or chunks if desired to add extra chocolate bursts within the brownies.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out with a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 9 squares and serving.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake and chill before cutting.
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Enhance flavor by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter.
- Swirl in peanut butter or caramel before baking to create delicious variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
