If you’re craving a rich, fudgy treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Chocolate Brownie Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines simple pantry staples into a luscious, chocolate-packed delight that is both indulgent and easy to make. Whether it’s for sharing with friends, celebrating a special moment, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these brownies deliver a perfect balance of gooey centers and slightly crispy edges that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Brownie Recipe calls for ingredients that are simple yet essential. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect combination of texture, flavor, and color — from the buttery richness to the deep cocoa flavor and the sweet chocolate chips scattered throughout.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Provides the rich fat base crucial for fudgy texture and moistness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a light crispness to the crust.
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar, packed: Contributes a subtle caramel depth and tenderness.
- 2 large eggs at room temperature: Bind everything together while lending moisture and structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 0.75 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the backbone for the brownies to hold their shape without being cakey.
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers the intense chocolate taste and beautiful dark color.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder: Provides a slight lift for tender crumb and soft edges.
- 0.75 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removing your brownies a breeze later. This step ensures even baking and helps keep your brownies intact when slicing.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until everything is smooth and glossy. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined. This mixture should look slightly thick and shiny, which means the brownies will be wonderfully fudgy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Mixing these dry ingredients well beforehand makes folding them into the wet mixture much easier and helps avoid any lumps of cocoa or flour.
Step 4: Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing can make brownies tough, so fold with care to keep the texture soft and tender.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Bake
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly. Then spread the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This is key for that perfect fudgy texture.
Step 6: Cool Completely and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool entirely in the pan before slicing. Cooling helps them set properly and makes cutting them into clean, beautiful squares a much easier task.
How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder over the brownies for an elegant touch. Fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on top can add a delightful contrast of tartness and creaminess that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
This brownie pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. For an extra decadent dessert, serve alongside whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking brownies with layers of peanut butter or cream cheese frosting between them for a stunning brownie cake. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and skewer them with fruit and marshmallows to create fun dessert kabobs perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain that chewy texture. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge helps prolong freshness but might firm them up a bit.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months, making it easy to prepare this Chocolate Brownie Recipe ahead of time for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Warm individual brownies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked feel. Alternatively, pop them in a 300-degree F oven for about 5 minutes if reheating multiple pieces at once.
FAQs
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa?
Yes, you can substitute Dutch-processed cocoa powder; it tends to be smoother and less acidic. Just be aware it might slightly affect the rise because it reacts differently with baking powder.
How do I make these brownies fudgier?
To get fudgier brownies, bake them for a couple of minutes less than the recommended time. Letting them cool in the pan will help them firm up to that perfect chewy texture.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even swirls of peanut butter add wonderful texture and flavor. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips in Step 5.
Is it necessary to use both granulated and brown sugar?
Using both sugars gives the brownies a balance of sweetness and moisture; granulated sugar for a slight crust and brown sugar to keep them tender and moist. You can experiment, but both contribute important qualities.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to keep the texture intact.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and utterly delicious about baking this Chocolate Brownie Recipe. With its perfect fudgy center, sweet chocolate chips, and simple ingredients, it makes a fantastic treat for any occasion. I encourage you to try it out yourself and watch how it brings smiles and warm moments around the table.
Print
Chocolate Brownie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 47 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. Made with melted butter, a mix of granulated and brown sugars, cocoa powder, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, these brownies are chewy on the edges and moist in the center. Ideal for a delicious homemade dessert or snack, they are easy to prepare and bake in just under an hour.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.75 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown 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 becomes fully combined and slightly glossy for a smooth texture.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder ensuring they are evenly mixed.
- Fold dry into wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter just until no dry streaks remain, taking care not to overmix to keep brownies tender.
- Stir in chocolate chips: Gently incorporate the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for added chocolatey pockets.
- Bake the brownies: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should be set and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs for fudgy texture.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares to ensure clean cuts and ideal consistency.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake by a few minutes and allow them to set as they cool.
- For cakier brownies, bake an additional 3 to 5 minutes beyond the suggested time.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Swirl in peanut butter or another favorite spread before baking to create interesting flavor variations.
