Chocolate Brownies Recipe

The Most Fudgy Chocolate Brownies Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Rich, decadent chocolate brownies embody the ultimate dessert indulgence for sweet lovers everywhere.

Intense cocoa flavors intertwine with a dense, fudgy texture that promises pure satisfaction.

These irresistible squares represent comfort and luxury in a single bite, melting effortlessly on your palate.

Home bakers adore creating these simple yet spectacular treats that change basic ingredients into something magical.

Deeply satisfying and impossibly smooth, chocolate brownies capture the essence of homemade happiness with their irresistible aroma and velvet-like consistency.

Crafting the perfect batch requires minimal skill but delivers maximum pleasure for anyone craving a delightful chocolate experience.

Chocolate Brownies Baked to Fudge Perfection

  • Indulge in Intense Chocolate Richness: These brownies deliver a deep, decadent chocolate experience that melts in your mouth with every single bite, creating a luxurious flavor profile that chocolate lovers will absolutely adore.
  • Master an Easy Baking Technique: The simple microwave or double boiler method makes melting chocolate foolproof, allowing even novice bakers to create professional-quality desserts without complex skills or specialized equipment.
  • Enjoy Quick Preparation Magic: From start to finish, these brownies come together in under 30 minutes, providing a fast and satisfying solution for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
  • Customize with Texture Perfection: The recipe creates incredibly fudgy brownies with a crispy top and soft center, giving you that perfect balance between a delicate crackly surface and a moist, dense interior that makes every slice irresistible.

Chocolate Brownies Ingredient Rundown

Chocolate Base:
  • Dark Chocolate: Rich, intense flavor that forms the core of brownie taste, choose high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content.
  • Butter: Provides moisture and rich flavor, select unsalted butter for better control of salt levels.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy brownie top, granulated white sugar works best.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens chocolate flavor and adds subtle aromatic complexity, pure vanilla extract recommended.
Binding and Structure Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Egg Yolk: Crucial for binding, creating structure, and adding richness, use fresh room temperature eggs.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps hold the brownie together, sifting prevents lumps.
  • Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor and adds depth, Dutch-processed cocoa recommended for smoother taste.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall chocolate flavor, use fine table salt.
Additional Mix-Ins:
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate pockets and textural contrast, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work well.

Steps to Make Rich Chocolate Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, creating little handles on the sides for easy lifting.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Chop the chocolate into tiny pieces. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
  • Chopped chocolate
  • Butter

Zap in 45-second bursts at medium power, stirring between each interval until smooth and glossy. Pro tip: You can also use a double boiler if you prefer.

Step 3: Create the Liquid Base

Whisk the melted chocolate and butter until perfectly blended. Stir in:
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • Extra egg yolk

Mix until the mixture looks silky and combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift the following into the wet mixture:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Gently whisk until no flour streaks remain and the batter looks uniform.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in chocolate chips for extra decadence.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a rubber spatula to create an even surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool in the pan for 2 hours. Use the parchment paper handles to lift out the brownies. Place on a cutting board and slice with a sharp knife into delicious squares.

Tips for Better Chocolate Brownies

  • Melt Chocolate Carefully: Use medium power in the microwave and stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure smooth chocolate.
  • Check Doneness Precisely: Look for slightly set tops and a toothpick with moist crumbs to guarantee fudgy, not dry brownies.
  • Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently whisk dry ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender, rich texture.
  • Cool Completely: Let brownies rest for at least 2 hours to allow them to set and develop deeper chocolate flavor.
  • Cut with Clean Strokes: Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts for clean, precise brownie squares that look professional.

Chocolate Brownie Storage and Reheat Tips

  • Refrigerate brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Freezing Method: Place brownies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm brownies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power. Alternatively, let brownies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore soft, fudgy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent becoming dry or tough.

Pairing Ideas for Chocolate Brownies

  • Pair with Creamy Milk: Serve chilled whole milk alongside these rich, fudgy brownies to balance the intense chocolate flavor and provide a smooth, cooling contrast.
  • Match with Espresso Elegance: Enjoy a shot of espresso or strong black coffee to enhance the deep chocolate notes and cut through the dessert's sweetness.
  • Complement with Raspberry Twist: Add a small scoop of raspberry sorbet or fresh raspberries on the side to introduce a tangy, bright flavor that beautifully contrasts the brownie's dense chocolate profile.
  • Boost with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top warm brownies with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture combination that melts together perfectly.

Different Ways to Dress Up Brownies

  • Nutty Bliss: Swap chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and rich, earthy flavor. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their natural oils and depth.
  • Salted Caramel Craze: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the brownie batter before baking. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet and salty sensation that elevates the chocolate experience.
  • Raspberry Ripple: Swirl raspberry preserves through the brownie batter before baking. The tangy fruit creates a beautiful marbled effect and complements the deep chocolate notes perfectly.
  • Espresso Kick: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of strong brewed espresso or instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate's richness and add a subtle coffee undertone that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
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Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Chocolate Brownies Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Rich chocolate brownies from scratch blend deep cocoa flavors with classic American dessert traditions. Fudgy squares promise pure indulgence, delivering intense chocolate satisfaction that melts perfectly on your palate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces (112 grams) dark chocolate, 50-70%
  • ½ cup (112 grams) unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons (47 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (33 grams) cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Flavor and Add-ins:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup (about 120 grams) chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the edges for easy removal.
  2. Finely chop the chocolate into uniform small pieces. Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 45-second intervals at medium power, stirring between each interval until completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler method for melting.
  3. Thoroughly whisk the melted chocolate and butter together until fully incorporated. Gradually add sugar, vanilla extract, two whole eggs, and an additional egg yolk, mixing until the mixture becomes glossy and well-blended.
  4. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt directly into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter, carefully mixing until no flour streaks or lumps remain.
  5. Fold the chocolate chips into the brownie batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, using a rubber spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top appears set and a toothpick inserted into the center reveals a few moist crumbs.
  8. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours, enabling them to set properly.
  9. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the brownie slab onto a cutting board. Slice into precise squares using a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

  • Chocolate selection matters hugely for rich, decadent brownies, so opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.
  • Melting chocolate requires gentle heat and constant stirring to prevent burning and ensure smooth, glossy texture.
  • Room temperature eggs blend more evenly into the batter, creating a consistent and luxurious brownie mixture.
  • Avoid overmixing the flour to maintain a fudgy, tender brownie texture that doesn’t become tough or dry.
  • Letting brownies cool completely allows them to set properly, resulting in cleaner, more defined slices.
  • Parchment paper overhang makes removing and cutting brownies effortless, preventing crumbling and maintaining perfect square shapes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 55 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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