Description
This easy chocolate brownie recipe yields rich, fudgy, and decadent brownies perfect for any dessert craving. Made with simple ingredients like cocoa powder, butter, and sugar, these brownies are quick to prepare and bake, delivering moist, chocolaty squares with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Optional chocolate chips add extra bursts of chocolate goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet ingredient mixture. Stir gently until no dry streaks remain, making sure not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for extra chocolate bursts.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased or parchment-lined baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick near the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares. This cooling step helps them set properly and makes them easier to cut.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake them and allow them to set as they cool in the pan.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Swirl in peanut butter or caramel into the batter before baking to create delicious variations.
