Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of decadent, chocolatey desserts, then this brownie recipe is just for you. The combination of butter, sugar, and cocoa powder creates a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to beat. Whether you like them slightly gooey or fully set, this recipe provides the flexibility to tailor the baking time to your desired consistency. Plus, it’s simple and doesn’t require any special ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.

Best Homemade Brownies

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Add the cocoa powder to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until fully combined.
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing to combine.
Gradually fold in the flour until the batter is smooth and no streaks remain.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (or clean, depending on your preference for fudginess).
Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16-20 brownies (depending on the size of your cut)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: Customize your brownies by adding chocolate chips, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even a swirl of caramel or peanut butter to the batter before baking.
Double Chocolate Brownies: For an even more indulgent treat, mix in some white chocolate chips or use a combination of dark and milk chocolate for the perfect balance of flavors.
Gluten-Free: You can easily make these brownies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make these brownies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water, and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

2. How do I know when my brownies are done baking?

The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it’s clean, the brownies will be more cake-like.

3. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, you can. Brown sugar will add a slightly more caramel-like flavor and a softer texture to the brownies, but they will still turn out delicious.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can substitute margarine for butter, using butter will give you a richer flavor and a better texture. Margarine might result in a slightly less fudgy brownie.

5. Can I make these brownies in a smaller baking dish?

Yes, you can. If you use a smaller pan, your brownies will be thicker and will need more time to bake. Just keep an eye on them and do the toothpick test.

6. Why are my brownies too cakey?

If your brownies turned out cakey, it could be due to overmixing the batter or overbaking them. For a fudgier texture, mix the batter just until combined and bake them for less time.

7. How do I store leftover brownies?

To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.

8. Can I add frosting on top of these brownies?

Absolutely! You can add a layer of chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

10. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, these brownies can be made a day or two in advance and will keep well in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These homemade brownies are simple to make, yet they deliver all the rich, chocolaty goodness you crave. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire. With endless variations and options for customization, you can make them exactly how you like. Enjoy the irresistible fudgy goodness with every bite!