Nothing satisfies a chocolate craving quite like a fudgy brownie. With a crisp, crackly top and a dense, gooey center, brownies are the perfect combination of richness and sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a party, a treat-yourself moment, or to share with friends, this brownie recipe will guide you to pure chocolate bliss. Ready for the ultimate indulgence? Let’s bake some brownies!
Ingredients List: Everything You Need for Perfect Fudgy Brownies
For brownies that are rich, fudgy, and full of chocolate flavor, here’s the essential list of ingredients.
For the Brownies: Fudgy, Chocolatey, and Irresistible
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps create a crackly top.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 4 large eggs – For structure and fudginess.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base for a dense, chewy texture.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – For that intense chocolate flavor.
- ½ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate – Optional, for extra melty pockets of chocolate.
Optional Toppings and Mix-Ins
- Chopped walnuts or pecans – For added crunch and flavor.
- Sea salt flakes – For a salted brownie twist.
Equipment Needed: Tools for Perfect Brownies
Brownies are simple to make and require just a few basic tools.
- 9×13-inch baking pan – For the perfect thickness and even baking.
- Mixing bowls – To mix wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk and spatula – For combining the batter.
- Parchment paper – For easy removal from the pan.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Fudgy Brownies
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make brownies that are rich, fudgy, and absolutely delicious.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Melt the Butter and Mix with Sugars: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. This helps create that crackly top.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This helps prevent lumps and ensures even mixing.
- Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—just fold until no flour streaks remain.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If you’re adding chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, gently fold them into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Pour and Spread the Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not completely clean). This ensures they stay fudgy.
- Cool and Cut: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Lift them out using the parchment paper, then cut into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Cooking Time and Serving Size: Rich, Easy, and Perfect for Sharing
Here’s the time breakdown and serving size for these delicious brownies:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Serving Size: Makes 24 brownies
Nutritional Information (Per Brownie)
Calories: ~180 | Protein: 2g | Carbs: 25g | Fat: 9g
Tips and Variations: Make These Brownies Your Own
Brownies are incredibly customizable! Here are some tips and variations to make them just the way you like.
- For Extra Fudginess: Use an extra ¼ cup of melted chocolate in the batter.
- Add a Swirl: Drop dollops of peanut butter or caramel on top and swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Espresso Boost: Add 1 tsp of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Presentation Tips: Serve Brownies Like a Pro
To make your brownies look bakery-worthy, dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or top with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve them on a platter, stack them for a rustic look, or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Brownie FAQs: Your Questions Answered
New to making brownies? Here are answers to common questions to help you get perfect results every time.
- How do I store leftover brownies? Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
- How can I tell when brownies are done? Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect. Avoid overbaking!
- Can I make these brownies in a smaller pan? Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time, as they’ll be thicker.
Treat Yourself to the Best Fudgy Brownies
This Brownie recipe is everything you want in a dessert: rich, chocolatey, and irresistibly fudgy. Perfect for any occasion (or no occasion at all), these brownies are sure to become a go-to favorite. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready for brownie bliss. Happy baking!
