Description

These homemade fudgy brownies feature a dense, chewy texture and a signature crackly top. Made with simple pantry staples and a specific mixing technique, they deliver bakery-quality results in under 20 minutes of prep time.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 extra large egg yolk
1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract
1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
½ cup (45 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (170 grams) dark chocolate chips
Optional: ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
Melt the butter in the microwave or saucepan and let it cool slightly so it is warm but not hot.
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the granulated sugar, eggs, and extra egg yolk for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and fluffy to incorporate air.
Stir in the vanilla extract and melted butter until just combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and fold with a spatula until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using), reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Let brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment sling and cutting into squares.

Notes

For the best crackly top, beat the eggs and sugar vigorously for 2-3 minutes. Do not overbake; the toothpick should have moist crumbs, not wet batter. Cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices. For gluten-free, swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square (1/16th of
Calories: 220
Sugar: 20
Sodium: 120
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 2
Protein: 3

Keywords: brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate dessert, easy baking, crackly top, homemade brownies, dark chocolate