Description
These fudgy homemade brownies are rich, moist, and easy to make in one bowl. Glossy tops, chewy centers, and deep chocolate flavor make them better than any box mix.
Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and still hot
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
⅔ cup powdered sugar (or ⅓ cup for less sweetness)
¾ cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup chocolate chips
Optional: 1–2 teaspoons espresso powder, ⅓ cup chopped walnuts, assorted chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment or foil. Leave overhang. Grease lightly.
2. Mix hot melted butter with granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Whisk the butter-sugar mixture for 30 seconds until glossy.
4. Add eggs, water, and vanilla. Whisk again for 30 seconds.
5. Sprinkle in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, flour, and salt. Stir until batter is thick and glossy.
6. Fold in chocolate chips and any optional mix-ins.
7. Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
8. Bake for 28–33 minutes (8×8 pan) or 18–23 minutes (9×9 pan).
9. Insert a toothpick halfway between edge and center — look for moist crumbs.
10. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Use hot butter to help dissolve sugar for that shiny top.
Avoid overbaking for the best fudgy texture.
Chocolate chips add richness and keep centers soft.
Line the pan for easy lifting and clean edges.
These brownies freeze beautifully — wrap tightly for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 287
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 188mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 54mg