Easy Fudgy Brownies for Beginners
This simplified brownie recipe is perfect for beginners exploring what are the 9 common desserts. With pantry ingredients and minimal equipment, you'll create rich, fudgy brownies that taste like they came from a bakery.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperatur
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 30-second intervals until completely melted
- Add sugar to the melted butter and whisk until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Don't overmix.
- If using, fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper and cutting into squares.
Notes
For extra fudgy brownies, refrigerate them for at least 1 hour before serving.
Don't overbake! Brownies should be slightly underdone for that perfect fudgy texture.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
For variety, try adding chopped nuts, mint extract, or swirling in peanut butter before baking.