Ingredients:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups (250g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/2 cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, making sure it doesn’t brown. You can also melt it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Once melted, allow it to cool slightly before using.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together both the granulated sugar and brown sugar with the melted butter. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, making sure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps ensure there are no lumps in your cocoa powder and the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Fold the Dry Ingredients into the Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until combined. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until there are no visible streaks of flour.
6. Add the Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the chocolate chips (or chunks) and, if you’re using them, the chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds texture and richness to your brownies.
7. Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Remember, the brownies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t worry if they appear a little soft in the center when you check.
8. Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to an hour. For clean slices, you can refrigerate them for 15 minutes before cutting. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles depending on your preferred size.
Serving Suggestions:
These rich and fudgy brownies are perfect as they are, but you can take them to the next level with some optional add-ons:
- Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream will add a creamy contrast to the dense texture of the brownies.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some extra chocolate sauce or caramel over the top for a decadent twist.
Tips for the Perfect Fudgy Brownies:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep the brownies fudgy, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a cakey texture, which you want to avoid in this recipe.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of the chocolate chips or chunks you use will directly affect the flavor. Opt for a good-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate for the best results.
- Underbake Slightly: For an ultra-fudgy texture, you can slightly underbake your brownies. They will set as they cool and remain soft and gooey inside.
- Add Extras: Feel free to mix in other add-ins like white chocolate chips, peanut butter swirls, or even marshmallows for a fun twist.
- Let Them Cool: Allow your brownies to cool in the pan before slicing for the best texture. Cutting them while they’re still warm can lead to a mess, but they’ll firm up beautifully as they cool.
Storage:
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, though they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
Final Thoughts:
This rich and fudgy brownies recipe is simple yet yields a decadent result. The combination of melted butter, rich cocoa powder, and chocolate chips ensures that each bite is a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these brownies are sure to impress. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or just on their own for the ultimate indulgence!