Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe

If you’re craving a rich, chocolatey treat that’s simple to make and absolutely delicious, you’re in the right place. Let me share my Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe that’s perfect for when you want that perfect fudgy, gooey brownie without fussing over complicated steps. I promise, once you try this, you’ll be reaching for your apron again and again!

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe comes together with simple pantry staples that deliver big on flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays its part to create that classic brownie experience you’re craving.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and a smooth mouthfeel; using unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Melts down to create a velvety chocolate base; opt for quality chips for a deeper flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor that keeps the brownies moist and chewy.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and help achieve that fudgy texture we’re after.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brightens and rounds out the chocolate intensity.
• Plain Flour: Gives structure without making the brownies cakey or dry.
• Cocoa Powder: Boosts chocolate flavor and adds that beautiful deep color.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the chocolate notes.
• Dark Chocolate Block (optional): I love chopping this into chunks to add melty surprises throughout the brownies.
• Walnuts (optional): If you’re a nut fan, these add a lovely crunch and earthy dimension.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I adore this Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it here and added stuff there – and that’s the beauty of brownies! Feel free to make it your own.

• Variation: I often swap walnuts for pecans or skip nuts altogether if I’m sharing with nut-allergic friends – still delicious every time.
• Dietary Modification: I’ve experimented with gluten-free flour blends, which work well but can slightly change the texture.
• Seasonal Flair: During holidays, I swirl in some peppermint extract or sprinkle with sea salt flakes on top for extra fancy flair.
• Level of Gooeyness: Adjust baking time to suit your preference from super gooey to slightly cakey fudge – the recipe covers all these options.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Melt the Chocolate

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F), or 160°C if you’re using fan-forced heat. Line an 8-inch square baking tin with parchment paper and spray it lightly with oil — trust me, this makes lifting out the brownies easy, and cleanup is a breeze. Then, pop your butter and dark chocolate chips into a heatproof bowl. Microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until it’s completely melted smooth and glossy. I find this takes me about 1 minute and 30 seconds total, but ovens vary—just watch carefully so you don’t scorch the chocolate.

Step 2: Mix in Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla

Once your chocolate mixture is silky, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until combined. Now add the lightly beaten eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This part is key for that molten brownie texture—the mixture should become thick, shiny, and completely smooth. If you don’t mix well, you might end up with pockets of egg, which nobody wants!

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Optional Chunks

Next, sift or whisk your plain flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt together, then gently fold it into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix here—you want the batter smooth, but still tender. Now comes the fun part: stirring in your chopped dark chocolate block chunks. These melt down during baking for gorgeous pockets of gooeyness. Alternatively, toss in chopped walnuts if you prefer a bit of crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour that luscious batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Baking time is your secret weapon for customizing texture: I bake my brownies for 28 minutes to get a perfectly fudgey but moist center, but if you want super gooey brownies, 24 minutes is your friend. For something a bit more cakey yet still rich, go up to 32 minutes. Pro tip: if you didn’t add the extra chocolate chunks inside, shave off about 2 minutes from the bake time. Always test with a toothpick — it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Step 5: Rest, Cool, and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your brownies rest for 10 minutes in the pan—this helps them set and makes them easier to lift out using the parchment overhang. Then transfer to a wire rack and cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. It’s tough to wait, but cutting while warm can cause breakage or messier squares.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to highlight the bittersweet chocolate. Sometimes, I add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side—so decadent! Fresh raspberries also add a lovely tart contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your brownies with a cold glass of milk — a classic for a reason! For adult occasions, a robust cup of coffee or espresso balances the sweetness perfectly. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a scoop of salted caramel ice cream makes a show-stopping dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served these brownies cut into bite-sized squares on pretty platters topped with edible flowers for garden parties. For birthdays, I like stacking them with a layer of frosting or chocolate ganache in between for a brownie “cake.” Wrapping individual squares in parchment makes a sweet gift treat too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep my brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly moist and delicious for up to 4 days, though honestly, they never seem to last that long in my house! If you live in a warmer climate, storing them in the fridge can help, just bring them back to room temp before enjoying for best texture.

Freezing

When I’m making a big batch, I often freeze leftover brownies. I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or with a few seconds in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheating brownies is easy and brings back that fresh-baked warmth. I usually microwave a square for about 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven wrapped in foil. This makes them soft and gooey again, like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s my go-to for instant happiness—whether I need a quick dessert fix or a batch to impress friends. It’s simple, forgiving, and so tasty that it feels like a little celebration with every bite. I hope you’ll love making it as much as I do, and maybe even tweak it your way to make it your own brownie classic!

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