There is something truly magical about a rich, fudgy brownie that manages to be both delightfully gooey and satisfyingly chocolatey with every bite. This Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe is the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like a dream and guarantees smiles around the table. Whether you’re pulling these out for a casual family dessert or impressing friends at a potluck, the simplicity of the ingredients combined with the luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture will have everyone asking for your secret. Trust me, once you make these brownies, they’ll quickly become your go-to indulgence when you want a chocolate fix made easy and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to brownie bliss, and these basics might already be sitting pretty in your pantry! Each one plays a crucial role—from the butter that brings richness, to the cocoa powder that intensifies the chocolate flavor, and the eggs that give structure and moisture. With just a handful of simple staples, you’re well on your way to creating something truly spectacular.
- Unsalted butter (200g / 14 tbsp): Provides a creamy base that makes brownies rich and moist without extra saltiness.
- Dark chocolate chips (200g / 1 1/4 cups): Melts into the batter for deep, indulgent bursts of smooth chocolate.
- Brown sugar (1 cup / 175g): Adds natural sweetness and a slight caramel undertone for extra depth.
- Eggs (3, lightly beaten): Bind all ingredients together and give the brownies their soft texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the chocolate flavor with a hint of warmth and sweetness.
- Plain flour (1/2 cup / 75g): Gives structure to the brownies without making them cakey.
- Cocoa powder (1/4 cup / 30g): Boosts chocolate intensity with a rich, velvety finish.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and accentuates the chocolate notes.
- Dark chocolate block (optional, 180g / 6oz): Stirred in for extra gooey pockets of melted chocolate.
- Roughly chopped walnuts (1.5 cups): Adds a pleasant crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft brownies.
How to Make Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures it’s perfectly hot when your batter is ready to go in, allowing for even baking. Next, spray an 8-inch square baking pan with a little oil and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This clever trick helps you lift the brownies out easily once they’re baked—a little detail that saves a lot of fuss!
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Chocolate
Combine the unsalted butter and dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is melted into a glossy, smooth mixture. This step is so satisfying because the smell of melting chocolate fills the kitchen and sets the tone for what’s to come.
Step 3: Mix in the Sugar and Eggs
To your warm chocolate mixture, add the brown sugar and vanilla extract, stirring them in well. Then pour in the lightly beaten eggs and whisk until your batter is luxuriously glossy and smooth. This mixture is the heart of your brownies, and getting it right is key to achieving that perfect texture.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients and Nuts
Sift in the plain flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt, gently folding them into your wet ingredients until just combined. Over-mixing can make brownies tough, so keep it light but thorough. Stir in the roughly chopped walnuts and, if you like, the extra chopped chocolate bar for melty chocolate pockets that take these brownies to a new level of indulgence.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Baking time is where you customize your brownie experience: 24 minutes for a super gooey center, about 28 minutes for that wonderfully fudgy but moist texture (my personal favorite), or up to 32 minutes for a moist fudge-cake style brownie. Remember, a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the brownies rest in the pan for 10 minutes – this resting time helps them set beautifully, making them easier to lift out. Afterward, let them cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares. Patience here makes all the difference in presentation and texture.
How to Serve Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty touch and light sweetness, but for a little extra flair, consider topping each square with a fresh raspberry or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs wonderfully, balancing the rich chocolate with creamy coolness.
Side Dishes
Brownies are the star of the show, but pairing them with coffee or a glass of cold milk makes for a comforting classic combo. If you want to up the ante, a bowl of fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the dense chocolate, making your dessert experience feel balanced and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your brownies on a rustic wooden board with some scattered walnuts or chocolate chunks for a cozy, inviting look. You can also stack them into mini brownie sandwiches filled with marshmallow fluff or peanut butter, turning this Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe into a fun handheld treat perfect for parties or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to four days. This Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe maintains its lovely moistness, so your brownies will taste almost as good the next day as they do fresh from the oven.
Freezing
For longer storage, brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to three months, which is perfect for prepping in advance or saving some for a future chocolate craving.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen brownies, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This refreshes their gooey texture and brings back that freshly baked feeling, as if you just pulled them from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the dark chocolate chips with milk chocolate?
Absolutely! While dark chocolate gives a richer, deeper flavor, milk chocolate will make the brownies sweeter and creamier. Just keep in mind this might alter the intensity of the chocolate taste slightly, but the brownies will still be delicious.
Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture. The result will be just as fudgy and satisfying.
Why is it important to lightly beat the eggs before adding?
Lightly beating the eggs ensures they incorporate evenly into the chocolate mixture, helping the brownies achieve a smooth, uniform texture without clumps or uneven cooking. It also helps keep the batter nice and molten.
How can I tell when the brownies are perfectly done?
Check by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, your brownies are baked just right. You can adjust the baking time slightly depending on whether you prefer more gooey or more fudgy brownies.
Can I omit the walnuts or replace them with other nuts?
Yes, nuts are completely optional! You can leave them out for pure chocolate goodness or swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts based on your taste. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can also enhance their flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe is one of those treasures that feels like a comforting hug in dessert form. It’s straightforward enough for any home baker, but delivers on taste and texture that feels far from ordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned chocolatier or just learning your way around the oven, these brownies will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. So, heat up that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience a slice of pure chocolate joy!
Print
Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
These Easy Chocolate Brownies are rich, fudgy, and perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. Made with dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and a hint of vanilla, they offer a moist and decadent treat with a gooey center. Simple to prepare, these brownies bake to perfection in under 35 minutes and can be customized with chopped nuts or extra chocolate chunks for added texture.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 200g / 14 tbsp unsalted butter (1 3/4 US sticks)
- 200g / 1 1/4 cups dark chocolate chips (7 oz)
- 1 cup (175g) brown sugar, loosely packed
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (75g) plain flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
Optional Mix-ins
- 180g / 6 oz dark chocolate block/bar, roughly chopped
- 1.5 cups roughly chopped walnuts or other nuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (fan forced).
- Prepare Baking Pan: Spray a 20cm (8″) square baking tin with oil and line it with baking or parchment paper leaving some overhang to easily lift out the brownies later.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: Place the butter and dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 1 minute and 30 seconds.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture. Then add the lightly beaten eggs and mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and molten.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the plain flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until the batter is fully combined and smooth.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in the roughly chopped dark chocolate bar and walnuts if using, distributing them evenly in the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin. Bake for 24 minutes for a very gooey center, 28 minutes for a fudgy but moist texture (recommended), or 32 minutes for a moist fudge-cake consistency. Adjust baking time by reducing 2 minutes if you don’t add extra chopped chocolate.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies rest in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Allow to cool completely for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Microwaving butter and chocolate in short bursts prevents scorching and ensures a smooth melted mixture.
- Using parchment paper with overhang makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan without breaking them.
- Baking time highly affects brownie texture, so test with a toothpick according to your preference for gooey or fudgy centers.
- Chopped walnuts or other nuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free brownies.
- Extra chopped chocolate mixed into the batter creates pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
- Store brownies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24-32 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
