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Best Fudgy One-Bowl Brownies Recipe (Easy)

These fudgy one-bowl brownies from scratch are dense, rich, and deeply chocolatey with that signature crackly top. Made with simple pantry staples and just one bowl, they’re perfect for late-night cravings or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder (natural preferred)
  • ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about two inches of overhang on two opposite sides.
  2. Melt the butter in a large mixing bowl in the microwave in 30-second bursts or in a small saucepan over low heat. Let it cool for about two minutes.
  3. Add the sugar to the melted butter and whisk until well combined, about one minute, until the mixture thickens slightly and looks like wet sand.
  4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until smooth and glossy, then continue whisking for another full minute to create the crackly top.
  5. Sift the cocoa powder into the bowl, add the salt, and whisk gently until fully incorporated. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
  6. Fold in the flour with a rubber spatula just until no white streaks remain. Do not overmix.
  7. If using, fold in chocolate chips, reserving about a tablespoon to sprinkle on top.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release air bubbles.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Start checking at 20 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges look set, the top is shiny and cracked, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes. For clean slices, refrigerate for another 30 minutes before cutting.
  11. Lift the brownies out using the parchment handles, place on a cutting board, and cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts.

Notes

For the best crackly top, whisk the eggs and sugar for a full minute. Do not overmix after adding flour. Use room temperature eggs to prevent the butter from seizing. For clean slices, refrigerate before cutting. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: fudgy brownies, one-bowl brownies, easy brownies, homemade brownies, chocolate brownies, crackly top brownies