Indulge your sweet tooth with this ultimate Brownies Recipe! These rich, fudgy brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream, perfect for dessert, snacking, or a cozy treat. With a shiny, crackly top and a moist, gooey center, they’ll disappear in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Brownies
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Optional Add-ins and Toppings
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar for garnish
How to Make the Best Brownies
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is pale and creamy.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Add Optional Mix-Ins:
If desired, fold in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
6. Cool and Slice:
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For cleaner slices, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
Why This Recipe Works
- Fudgy and Moist Texture: The balance of butter, sugar, and cocoa powder ensures a rich, gooey center.
- Customizable Add-Ins: From nuts to chocolate chips, you can tailor this recipe to your taste.
- Shiny, Crackly Top: The perfect hallmark of classic brownies, achieved by whipping the sugar and eggs together.
Pro Tips for Perfect Brownies
- Use High-Quality Cocoa: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: For fudgy brownies, take them out of the oven when the center is just slightly underdone.
- Cool Completely: This step is key to getting neat slices and preventing the brownies from falling apart.
Serving Suggestions for Brownies
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
