The Ultimate Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

Rich, gooey, and intensely chocolatey, these fudgy brownies are the ultimate treat for true chocolate lovers. Made in one bowl with just a few simple ingredients, they strike the perfect balance between chewy edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just craving something indulgent, this is the only brownie recipe you’ll ever need.

Why You’ll Love These Brownies:

• Deep, rich chocolate flavor thanks to real dark chocolate and cocoa powder.
• Perfect fudgy texture—not cakey, not dry.
• One-bowl, no-fuss method that comes together quickly.
• Customizable with nuts, chocolate chips, or your favorite mix-ins.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 11 ounces (300g) dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup (8 oz) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• 2 cups (380g) granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 shot of espresso or 1 teaspoon coffee extract (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×12-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs on the sides for easy lifting later.
2. Dry Ingredients
   In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
3. Melt Chocolate & Butter
   Place the chopped dark chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir gently until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Beat Eggs & Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, espresso (if using), and vanilla. Beat until pale and slightly foamy—this incorporates air for a slightly crinkled brownie top.
5. Combine
   Sprinkle the dry ingredients over the egg mixture and gently fold until just combined. Pour in the melted chocolate mixture and fold with a rubber spatula until the batter is smooth and glossy. Avoid overmixing—this is key to keeping the brownies dense and fudgy.
6. Bake
   Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—don’t wait for it to be clean!
7. Cool & Serve
   Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Brownies:

• Don’t overbake—they continue cooking in the pan after removing from the oven.
• Use good-quality chocolate—it makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Espresso enhances chocolate—even if you don’t taste it directly.
• Bake on the top rack for a fudgier center and chewier top.

These brownies are pure chocolate heaven. Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream, or stash a few in the fridge for a late-night treat—they’re just as good cold!