Name: Fudgy Brownie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped or chips); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional); 1/2 cup chocolate chips, nuts, or chunks (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Fudgy Brownies are dense, rich, and intensely chocolaty treats with a moist interior and crisp, crackly top. Whether served plain, with a scoop of ice cream, or drizzled in warm chocolate sauce, these brownies deliver pure indulgence in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This brownie recipe is the ultimate go-to for chocolate lovers. It’s quick to prepare with simple ingredients and delivers consistent results: gooey centers, chewy edges, and that perfect shiny crust on top. Ideal for dessert, celebrations, or late-night cravings, these brownies are irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Salt
Optional: espresso powder (enhances chocolate flavor)
Optional: chocolate chips, nuts, or chunks for folding in

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt butter and chocolate together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugars and eggs until pale and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
Stir in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract.
Sift in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and optional espresso powder. Fold gently to combine—do not overmix.
Fold in any mix-ins like chocolate chunks or nuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Let cool before slicing for clean edges.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9–12 brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add peanut butter swirls or caramel for a twist.
Use white or milk chocolate chunks instead of dark.
Incorporate chopped nuts for crunch.
Top with flaky sea salt before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a gooey center.

FAQs

What makes brownies fudgy instead of cakey?

More fat (butter and chocolate) and less flour contribute to a fudgier texture.

Can I use cocoa powder only?

Yes, but you’ll miss the deep richness from melted chocolate. A mix gives the best texture and flavor.

How do I know when brownies are done?

The edges will be set, and the center should have moist crumbs when tested with a toothpick.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time by about 10 minutes.

Why do my brownies not have a shiny top?

Whipping the eggs and sugar well helps create the glossy crust.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

Unsalted is preferred to control salt levels, but you can adjust if using salted.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with good results.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, substitute with dairy-free butter and chocolate.

Are these too rich for kids?

Not at all—kids typically love their intense chocolaty flavor and soft texture.

Conclusion

Fudgy Brownies are the gold standard for chocolate desserts: easy to make, deeply satisfying, and adaptable to your preferences. Whether you enjoy them warm with ice cream or as a handheld treat, these brownies never disappoint.

Fudgy Brownie

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Fudgy Brownies are rich, dense chocolate treats with a moist interior and a crackly top—perfect for indulgent dessert moments or a quick chocolate fix.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 9–12 brownies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until pale and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
Stir in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract.
Sift in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using). Gently fold until just combined—do not overmix.
Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or chunks, if using.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes before slicing for clean edges.