Classic Brownies

Introduction

Classic Brownies are the ultimate chocolate treat—rich, fudgy, and decadently chocolaty with a slightly crisp top and a moist, tender interior. They are one of the most beloved desserts worldwide, perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings, sharing with friends, or enjoying as a comforting indulgence at home.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between fudge and cake, ensuring every bite is deeply chocolaty, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, yet easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, Classic Brownies are a timeless dessert that never fails to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers pure chocolate bliss in every bite. The edges have just the right amount of crispiness while the center remains soft and gooey, creating a perfect textural contrast. The aroma of melted chocolate while baking fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

What makes it even more special is its versatility. You can enjoy them plain, sprinkle with nuts, drizzle with chocolate, or serve with ice cream. It’s a dessert that always brings joy, whether for a casual snack or a celebratory occasion.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Rich & Decadent: Deep chocolate flavor that satisfies every sweet tooth.
• Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients and minimal effort.
• Versatile: Can be customized with nuts, chocolate chips, or toppings.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family, parties, and gifts.
• Timeless Classic: A dessert that never goes out of style.

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 12 (1-inch squares)
• Calories per Serving: ~250 kcal
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American / Baked Goods

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Melt Butter & Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
5. Add Mix-Ins (Optional): Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired.
6. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (do not overbake for fudgy brownies).
7. Cool & Slice: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Lift out using parchment overhang and slice into squares.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare 9×13-inch pan.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan; let cool slightly.
3. Whisk in sugar, then eggs one at a time; stir in vanilla.
4. Sift together flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder.
5. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients gently.
6. Mix in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
7. Pour batter into pan, spread evenly.
8. Bake 25–30 minutes; check for moist crumbs with toothpick.
9. Cool completely and slice into 12 squares.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate for extra presentation.
• Serve as a snack, dessert at parties, or pack as a treat for school/work.
• Pair with coffee, milk, or a hot chocolate for indulgent enjoyment.

Recipe Tips

• Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can make brownies cakier instead of fudgy.
• Check Doneness: Toothpick should have moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Cooling: Allow brownies to cool completely for clean slicing.
• High-Quality Cocoa: Use good-quality unsweetened cocoa for rich flavor.
• Optional Enhancements: Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.

Variations

1. Fudgy Brownies: Reduce flour by 2 tablespoons and bake slightly less.
2. Chewy Brownies: Add 1 tablespoon of corn syrup to the wet mixture.
3. Nutty Brownies: Fold in walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
4. Chocolate Chunk Brownies: Mix in dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate chips.
5. Blondies: Replace cocoa powder with additional flour and brown sugar for a caramel-like dessert.
6. Espresso Brownies: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Fully baked brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil and place in an airtight container.
• Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Refrigerate for up to a week; allow to come to room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack for cooling
• Medium saucepan for melting butter
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula

FAQ

Q1: How do I make brownies extra fudgy?
A: Reduce the flour slightly, do not overbake, and avoid overmixing the batter.

Q2: Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
A: Yes! Melt dark chocolate with butter and reduce cocoa accordingly for chocolate depth.

Q3: How do I store brownies to keep them moist?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

Q4: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q5: Can I add frosting or glaze?
A: Yes, chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or caramel drizzle work beautifully.

Conclusion

Classic Brownies are rich, fudgy, and utterly irresistible—the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers. With a crisp top, tender center, and endless customization possibilities, they are a timeless favorite for every occasion. Quick, easy, and satisfying, this recipe will become a go-to dessert that brings joy to every bite and always leaves you craving more.

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Classic Brownies

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 12 Calories: per Serving: ~250 kcal

Description

Classic Brownies are the ultimate chocolate treat—rich, fudgy, and decadently chocolaty with a slightly crisp top and a moist, tender interior.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 cup (2 sticks)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Melt Butter & Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
5. Add Mix-Ins (Optional): Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired.
6. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (do not overbake for fudgy brownies).
7. Cool & Slice: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Lift out using parchment overhang and slice into squares.

Keywords: Classic Brownies