These Easy Brownies are a classic dessert that combines rich, fudgy texture with a perfect balance of chocolatey sweetness. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch of homemade brownies ready in no time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or craving a quick treat, these brownies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, gooey brownies with a slightly crisp top and a soft, fudgy interior, this recipe is for you. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few pantry staples and minimal effort. The end result is a batch of brownies that are full of chocolate flavor and have the perfect balance of chewiness and richness. Plus, they can be customized by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel or peanut butter to make them even more decadent.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating well to combine.

3. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. The batter will be thick.

4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not completely clean—this ensures a fudgy texture).

5. Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 16 brownies.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, or peanut butter chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.

• Swirls: Add a swirl of caramel, peanut butter, or Nutella to the top of the batter before baking for a delicious twist.

• Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.

• Minty: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a mint-chocolate brownie variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze brownies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave a brownie for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fat instead of butter?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil instead of butter. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, but they will still be delicious.

Can I make these brownies without eggs?

Yes, you can use egg substitutes like flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup per egg) to make these brownies egg-free.

How can I make the brownies more fudgy?

To make your brownies fudgier, bake them for slightly less time. If you want a more dense, gooey texture, remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use dark cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but this will result in a richer, slightly less bitter flavor. The texture and taste will still be wonderful.

How can I make these brownies less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar by about ¼ cup, but be cautious as this could slightly affect the texture.

Can I make a double batch of brownies?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to adjust the baking time and use a larger pan (such as a 9×13-inch pan). Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.

Can I add frosting to these brownies?

Certainly! You can top these brownies with a simple chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and flavor.

What should I do if the top of my brownies cracks?

If the top of your brownies cracks, it’s usually because of overmixing or overbaking. Make sure to stir the batter just until combined, and don’t bake the brownies longer than needed.

How can I tell when the brownies are done?

To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. If the toothpick is clean, they may be overbaked.

Can I make these brownies in a different pan size?

Yes, you can use a different pan size, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. For a smaller pan, the brownies will be thicker and may require a longer baking time, while a larger pan will result in thinner brownies that bake more quickly.

Conclusion

These Easy Brownies are the perfect go-to recipe for anyone craving a simple, chocolatey treat. With their rich flavor, fudgy texture, and minimal ingredients, they’re quick to whip up and always satisfy. Whether you’re enjoying them on your own, sharing with friends, or bringing them to a gathering, these brownies will never disappoint. Plus, with so many easy variations to try, they’re a recipe you can make your own. So grab your ingredients and get baking—you’ll be enjoying these delicious brownies in no time!

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