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Easy Brownies

This Easy Brownie Recipe delivers a rich, chocolatey dessert with a crackly top and fudgy center, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted for rich flavor; swap half for coconut oil for a dairy-free option
  • 2 cups granulated sugar for classic sweetness; try coconut sugar for a less refined taste
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature beat just until combined for fudgy texture; for an eggless option, see variations
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract fresh and fragrant
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for structure; substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted the backbone of the chocolate flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt balances the sweetness and brightens the chocolate
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder a touch to lift the brownies slightly
  • 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for pockets of extra meltiness; use sugar-free chips for a healthier option
Optional Mix-ins
  • chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, a swirl of peanut butter, or a handful of espresso powder for depth

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until glossy and smooth.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until just combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently, stopping as soon as streaks disappear.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate and any mix-ins you love.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20–30 minutes before lifting out and slicing.

Notes

For variations, consider replacing half the butter with unsweetened applesauce, use dark chocolate chips with at least 70% cacao, or add espresso powder to intensify chocolate flavor. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.