Fudgy brownies are the rich, dense, deeply chocolatey treat that makes any day better. They bake up with a thin, shiny, crackly top and a gooey center that is almost like a truffle, delivering intense chocolate flavor in every bite.
This easy fudgy brownies recipe is made in one bowl with pantry ingredients and no mixer. A combination of melted chocolate and cocoa powder builds a deep flavor, while vigorously whisking the eggs and sugar creates the signature crinkly, paper-thin crust.
Slice them into squares for bake sales, potlucks, and Halloween parties, or serve one warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They stay soft and fudgy for days, if they last that long.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling)
Servings: 16 brownies
Category: Dessert
Why You’ll Love These Fudgy Brownies
- Dense, gooey, and intensely chocolatey
- A shiny, crackly crinkle top
- One bowl and no mixer required
- Made from simple pantry ingredients
- Stay fudgy for days
Ingredients You’ll Need for Fudgy Brownies
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
How to Make Fudgy Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Melt the butter and bittersweet chocolate together in a heatproof bowl in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously for about a minute after the last egg until the batter is thick and glossy.
- Whisk in the vanilla.
- Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined, then stir in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter into the pan and sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Fudgiest Brownies
- Whisk the eggs and sugar vigorously. This creates the shiny, crackly top that brownies are known for.
- Don’t overbake. A few moist crumbs on the toothpick means a fudgy center, and a clean toothpick means cakey brownies.
- Cool the brownies completely, ideally in the fridge for 30 minutes, for clean, neat slices.
- Use good-quality chocolate, since it is the star of the flavor.
Variations to Try
- Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans
- Swirl in peanut butter or cream cheese before baking
- Top with salted caramel sauce
- Add espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor
- Press candy pieces or sprinkles on top for a festive look
How to Store It
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freeze cut brownies for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get a shiny crackly top on brownies?
Whisk the sugar and eggs vigorously for about a minute, which dissolves the sugar and forms a thin meringue-like crust.
How do you know when fudgy brownies are done?
The edges are set, the center looks slightly soft, and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
What is the difference between fudgy and cakey brownies?
Fudgy brownies have more fat and less flour, while cakey brownies have more flour and leavening.
Can I use all cocoa powder instead of chocolate?
You can, but real melted chocolate gives a richer, fudgier texture.
Fudgy Crinkle-Top Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a pan with parchment.
- Melt the butter and chocolate together until smooth.
- Whisk in the sugars, then the eggs, whisking vigorously for a minute.
- Tip: This creates the shiny crinkle top.
- Whisk in the vanilla, then fold in the flour, cocoa, and salt.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and spread into the pan.
- Bake 28 to 32 minutes, cool completely, and slice.
Notes
Chill briefly for clean slices.