These Fudgy Chocolate Brownies are rich, dense, and deeply chocolatey — the kind of brownies that melt in your mouth and satisfy every craving. With a glossy crackled top, soft centers, and optional gooey chocolate chips throughout, this is the ultimate one-bowl brownie recipe for true chocolate lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whether you’re after the perfect crackle top, chewy edges, or melty chocolate pockets, this recipe delivers it all. It’s quick to whip up, uses pantry staples, and delivers bakery-style results every time. With no mixer needed and a short baking time, these brownies are great for weeknight desserts, weekend baking, or any occasion that calls for something rich and indulgent.

Ingredients

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

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Batter:
In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the butter.
Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix just until no dry streaks remain.
Add Chocolate Chips (Optional):
Fold in chocolate chips for extra richness and melty bites throughout.
Bake:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Slice:
Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps the texture set for clean, fudgy slices.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 brownies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 230 kcal

Variations

Espresso Brownies: Add ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder for enhanced chocolate depth.
Nutty Twist: Stir in ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel over the batter before baking and sprinkle with sea salt.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon for a Mexican chocolate-inspired version.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop dollops of peanut butter on top of the batter and swirl before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Freezing: Wrap individual brownies tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before serving.

FAQs

How do I know when brownies are done?

They’re ready when the edges look set, and the center no longer jiggles. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

What makes these brownies fudgy?

The butter-to-flour ratio, lack of extra leavening, and minimal mixing help create a dense, moist texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Adjust the baking time to 28–32 minutes.

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa?

Yes, though it may affect the rise slightly due to its lower acidity, but it will give a deeper chocolate color and flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Results may vary slightly but should remain deliciously fudgy.

Do I need to use chocolate chips?

No, they’re optional. The base recipe is rich enough on its own, but the chips add gooey pockets of chocolate.

How do I get clean brownie cuts?

Let brownies cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat edges.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil.

Why didn’t I get a crackly top?

Beating the eggs and sugar well helps create the shiny crust. Don’t skip this step, and avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour.

Can I add frosting?

You can, but these brownies are rich enough to stand alone. A light dusting of powdered sugar works well too.

Conclusion

Fudgy Chocolate Brownies are a timeless dessert that never fails to please. With their intense chocolate flavor, chewy texture, and glossy top, they strike the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. Whether served alone, topped with ice cream, or packed into a lunchbox, these brownies are a chocolate-lover’s dream come true.

Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

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These Fudgy Chocolate Brownies with Crackle Top are rich, chewy, and deeply chocolatey — the kind of brownies that melt in your mouth with every bite. With a glossy, crackled top and gooey center, they’re the ultimate chocolate fix for brownie lovers and a must-have dessert for any occasion.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies
Category: Dessert / Bars
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the Batter:
Melt butter in a microwave or saucepan. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until glossy and smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
Beat in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add Chocolate Chips (Optional):
Fold in chocolate chips for extra melty texture.
Bake:
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool & Slice:
Let cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts and fudgiest texture.

Notes

For extra chewiness, refrigerate before cutting.
Add espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Top with flaky sea salt or a drizzle of ganache for a gourmet touch.