Description
A quick, fudgy small batch brownie recipe that yields 4-6 servings with shiny, crackly tops. Made in one bowl with no mixer required, these dense chocolate brownies are ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 oz (60g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and spray with non-stick spray.
- Melt the butter and chopped chocolate together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, melt over low heat in a saucepan. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the granulated sugar and eggs for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is pale, glossy, and slightly thickened.
- Pour the melted butter and chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Whisk to combine, then add the vanilla extract.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. Stir in optional add-ins if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes (ideally an hour) to set before lifting out and slicing.
Notes
For shiny crackly tops, whisk the sugar and eggs vigorously until glossy. Do not overbake; the toothpick should have moist crumbs. Room temperature eggs are crucial for smooth emulsion. Cool completely before cutting to ensure fudgy texture. Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: small batch brownies, fudgy brownies, easy brownies, one bowl brownies, crackly top brownies, quick dessert, chocolate brownies