If you’re searching for a rich, ultra-fudgy chocolate brownie with that signature crackly top, this recipe is for you. Made with simple kitchen staples, these brownies come together in one bowl and deliver deep chocolate flavor in every bite.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Bake time: 25–30 minutes | Servings: 16 squares
Ingredients
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115g), melted
Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g)
Eggs: 2 large (room temperature)
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/2 cup (50g)
All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (65g)
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Chocolate chips or chunks: 1/2 cup (optional, for extra rich flavor)
Instructions
Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease with non-stick spray.
Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition until the mixture turns pale and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Sift dry ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the bowl. Fold gently with a spatula just until the dry ingredients disappear into the batter. Do not overmix.
Fold in chocolate: Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached (not wet batter).
Cool and slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 16 squares and serve.
Tips for Success
The Crackly Top: Whisking the eggs thoroughly into the warm butter and sugar mixture helps dissolve the sugar, creating that classic shiny, papery crust on top.
Avoid Overbaking: Pull the brownies out as soon as the center is set. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking leads to cakey or dry brownies instead of fudgy ones.
