Brownies are a timeless favorite. When made right, they deliver an unbeatable combination of rich chocolate flavor, a chewy interior, and crisp edges. This recipe offers all that and more! Follow along to make delicious The Ultimate Fudgy Brownies Recipe with easy-to-find ingredients and detailed instructions.
Whether it’s for a party, family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to satisfy. With tips on how to achieve the perfect texture, customization ideas, and baking secrets, you’ll have everything you need for brownies that are just as rich as they are chewy. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
To make these chewy and gooey brownies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (85 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for added texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to lift out the brownies without them sticking.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with the granulated sugar. Whisk until fully combined and smooth. This step is crucial because it helps create a shiny, crackly top on the brownies.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time. Make sure to whisk well after each addition. This helps build structure and makes the brownies light but chewy. Mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Sifting helps break up any clumps, ensuring a smooth, even mixture. Cocoa powder is the star here, so use high-quality, unsweetened cocoa for the best taste.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—this can make the brownies dense. Stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any dry flour in the batter.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
For extra gooeyness, add in the chocolate chips. They’ll melt slightly when baked, creating little pockets of rich chocolate throughout the brownies. You can also use dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate if you’d like to experiment with flavors.
Step 7: Spread Batter in Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to each corner with a spatula. This ensures that all brownies bake at the same rate and none are over- or underdone.
Step 8: Bake
Put the pan in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Every oven is different, so check on them around the 20-minute mark.Check the center with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. This ensures a fudgy texture that’s not overcooked.
Step 9: Let Cool Before Cutting
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Cooling allows them to set properly, making it easier to cut into clean squares. For best results, allow at least 30 minutes to an hour.
Tips for Perfect Fudgy Brownies
Achieving the perfect texture in brownies is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some expert tips to get that classic fudgy consistency:
- Use Melted Butter: This adds to the fudginess. Cold or room-temperature butter can make the batter too thick.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter after adding flour can cause gluten to develop, making the brownies tough rather than tender.
- Avoid Overbaking: Take the brownies out as soon as the toothpick comes out with a few crumbs. Overbaking leads to dry, cake-like brownies.
- Let Them Cool: Patience is key! Cutting into brownies too early makes them crumbly. Allowing them to cool in the pan gives them time to firm up.
Creative Variations
These brownies are delicious on their own, but if you’d like to change things up, here are some ideas:
- Nutty Brownies: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking, and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist.
- Peanut Butter Brownies: Swirl a few spoonfuls of peanut butter into the batter for a nutty flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a dash of peppermint extract and mix in some chopped mint chocolates for a refreshing variation.
Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions
Each brownie is approximately 320 calories, making it an indulgent treat.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Serving Size: Makes 24 brownies
For serving, pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. They’re also excellent with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a baking-specific one to maintain the ideal texture.
Why Didn’t My Brownies Get a Crackly Top?
The shiny, crackly top comes from whisking the butter and sugar together thoroughly. If it doesn’t appear, try beating the eggs into the mixture longer.
Can I Make Brownies Without Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips add extra richness but aren’t necessary. You can skip them or add your favorite mix-ins.
Enjoy the Best Fudgy Brownies!
These rich and chewy brownies are easy to make, full of chocolate flavor, and customizable to your taste. With a few simple steps and tips, you can bake perfect brownies every time, whether you like them on their own or with a twist!