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Easy Brownies

These Easy Brownies are a warm, fudgy delight that come together quickly and bring joy to any dessert table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Brownie Base
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted Use good-quality butter for depth of flavor; swap coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar For a slightly less sweet brownie, reduce to 1 3/4 cups.
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature They add richness and structure; for an eggless alternative see the eggless mug brownie idea below.
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract Fresh vanilla lifts the chocolate.
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Sift to avoid lumps; Dutch-processed gives a darker color.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour For a gluten-free version try a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder For a touch of lift without losing fudginess.
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt Balances the sweetness.
  • 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate Optional, for extra pockets of melt.
Optional Mix-ins
  • chopped nuts Adds texture.
  • dried cherries Adds sweetness.
  • nut butter For a festive dish twist.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until glossy and slightly disrupted in texture.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
  4. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold gently until just combined.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips or your chosen mix-ins, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Start checking at 22 minutes: you want a few moist crumbs clinging to a toothpick in the center.
  2. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  3. Lift out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, replace 1/4 cup of the flour with espresso powder. For a healthier option, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce and reduce sugar to 1 1/2 cups.