Brownies are one of the most loved homemade desserts for a reason. They combine the rich flavor of chocolate with a soft, fudgy texture that’s irresistible.
Best of all, they’re quick to make and require only a few basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Whether you like them plain, studded with chocolate chips, or with crunchy nuts, this recipe will give you a crackly top and a moist center every time.
Perfect for weeknight treats, gatherings, or just a cozy moment with a cup of coffee.
How To Make Brownies
These brownies are made in one bowl with no complicated techniques. The melted butter creates a rich base, while cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor.
They bake up with that classic crinkled top and soft interior. Customize them with mix-ins or enjoy them just as they are.
Ingredients
(Makes one 8×8-inch / 20×20 cm pan)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Pan And Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
For easy removal later, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a little extra hanging over the edges. This overhang works as handles to lift the brownies out once they’ve cooled.
Step 2: Mix The Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar.
Whisk them together until the mixture looks smooth and glossy — this step helps create that shiny, crackly top. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is evenly blended.
Step 3: Add The Dry Ingredients
In the same bowl, sift or sprinkle in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Work slowly to avoid overmixing, which can make the brownies tough.
Fold just until you no longer see streaks of flour. If you want extra flavor or texture, gently stir in the nuts or chocolate chips at this stage.
Step 4: Bake And Cool The Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly. Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting them out with the parchment overhang.
Transfer them to a cutting board and let them cool further before slicing into squares.
Extra Tips
| Problem | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Brownies Too Dry | Overbaked or too much flour | Reduce baking time by 2–3 minutes next time; measure flour with spoon-and-level method |
| No Crackly Top | Sugar not mixed well or batter overmixed | Whisk sugar thoroughly into butter; avoid over-stirring after adding flour |
| Dense And Heavy | Overmixing or too much cocoa | Fold gently; stick to the listed cocoa amount |
| Brownies Sticking To Pan | Pan not greased or lined | Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal |
Conclusion
Making brownies from scratch is simple and rewarding. With this easy recipe, you’ll get a batch that’s perfectly fudgy inside with that irresistible shiny top.
Remember to measure ingredients accurately, mix gently, and avoid overbaking.
Once you master the basic method, you can customize your brownies with endless add-ins or enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.