These homemade brownies are everything a good brownie should be; rich, chewy, and deeply chocolatey. Made from scratch with real melted chocolate, this easy brownie recipe comes together with simple pantry ingredients and zero fuss. Whether you're baking for after-school snacks or a late-night treat, my best chocolate brownies recipe deliver cozy, crowd-pleasing goodness every single time. Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Yield: 16 brownies
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The Only Recipe You'll Need
There's something sacred about the quiet moment when warm brownies hit the counter and little feet come running. I've baked these on tired Wednesday nights and joyful Saturday afternoons, and every time, they bring everyone to the table.
Having a good brownie recipe feels like a parenting essential. When kids need a sweet treat, not much beats a fresh, warm brownie. Who am I kidding? When I need a sweet treat, not much beats a fresh, warm brownie. These gooey, chewy brownies from scratch are my favorite treat; and my kids and husband like them too!
Why These Are Our Family's Favorite
Nothing satisfies a sweet craving quite like these gooey, chewy brownies! Made with melted semi-sweet chocolate and plenty of butter, each bite is a rich, chocolatey dream with a texture that's soft and fudgy but holds its shape just right. A mix of white and brown sugar brings a hint of caramel undertone, enhancing the chewiness and adding that perfect balance of sweetness. With a simple blend of pantry ingredients and just a touch of flour, these brownies deliver an indulgent treat that's sure to become a family favorite.
Looking for even more yummy brownie recipes? Our Chewy Gluten-Free Flourless Brownies is another family favorite! And, don't forget to check out all our dessert recipes - lots of favorites on that list!
What Ingredients You'll Need
Box mix brownies are fine; I grew up on box mixes. I didn't know homemade brownies were so simple until well into my adult life. Once you make brownies with simple, pantry staples you'll wonder why box mixes are even a thing.
A lot of brownie recipes use cocoa powder to achieve the rich chocolate flavor we all know and love. This recipe, however, uses only chocolate bars melted into butter (lots of butter). What could be wrong with that? A combo of white and brown sugar brings out the sweet caramel flavors and adds to the chewy texture. The relatively small amount of flour keeps these delectably fudge but with just enough structure.
I prefer semi-sweet chocolate for brownies because it lends more flavor than milk chocolate but isn't quite as bitter as dark or bitter-sweet chocolate. If you prefer darker or lighter chocolate you can certainly substitute for your favorite blend.
Brownie Add-Ins and Easy Variations
I love this recipe for a traditional brownie.
These brownies are delicious as-is and that is how we enjoy them most of the time. But caramel swirls, nuts, chocolate candies, sprinkles or peanut butter are all wonderful additions. I have an amazing caramel sauce that really enhances these brownies!
If you need a gluten free option, these flourless brownies are to die for and are the only recipe to even consider. Whatever changes/additions you decide on, be sure to make plenty, these go fast no matter the crowd!
Tips and Instructions
These tips come straight from my kitchen, tested, trusted, and made with real family life in mind:
1. Use good-quality chocolate.
Skip the bargain-brand chips and grab a semi-sweet baking bar if you can. It makes a big difference in both flavor and texture. I use Ghirardelli chocolate most often.
2. Don't overmix the batter.
Once the flour goes in, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to cakey brownies instead of the chewy, fudgy texture we're after.
3. Line your pan with parchment.
Not only does this make clean-up easier, but it also helps lift the brownies out cleanly for slicing, especially if you're baking for a church potluck or school treat.
4. Let them cool before cutting.
I know it's hard, but letting the brownies set for at least 30 minutes gives you cleaner cuts and the perfect gooey-but-structured bite.
5. Bake with your kids (even if it gets messy).
Some of our best kitchen memories come from sticky fingers and chocolate-smudged cheeks. This easy brownie recipe is a great one to let little hands help stir or sprinkle in extras. I have a great tutorial on baking with kids.
Baking at Home FAQs
Yes! Chocolate chips work in a pinch, but for the richest flavor and smoothest texture, I recommend using baking bars. They melt more evenly and give these homemade brownies that dreamy, fudgy finish.
No fancy equipment, no unusual ingredients, just real chocolate, pantry staples, and clear, simple steps. If you can melt butter and stir, you can make these brownies. It's the perfect starting point for new home bakers!
Absolutely. They keep beautifully at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze them, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. I often make a double batch and save one for later!
The edges should look set and slightly pull away from the pan, but the center will still look a little soft, that's what gives them their fudgy texture. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
This recipe isn't gluten-free as written, but I have the perfect alternative! Try our Chewy Gluten-Free Flourless Brownies; they're every bit as fudgy and crowd-pleasing.
Ready to Bake the Best Homemade Brownies?
Whether you're baking for your family, your small group, or just because it's Tuesday, this easy brownie recipe is one you'll want to keep close. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready for a cozy, chocolate-filled moment of connection. These are the kinds of sweet, simple blessings that make home feel like home.
Recipe
The Best Chocolate Brownies Recipe (gooey & fudgy)
Equipment
- 1 glass measuring cup
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 9x13 baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 8 oz chocolate I use semi-sweet but choose your preference based on how dark you like chocolate.
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray 9x13 pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt together butter, chocolate and sugars over double boiler until smooth and glossy.
- Add eggs, salt and vanilla and whisk well. This can be done on a stand mixer but is also easily done by hand with a whisk.
- Fold in flour until just combined and pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with minor crumbs. Er on the side of under done rather than over for these, they will continue to cook after you remove them from the oven. Allow to cool well before removing from the pan.
Nutrition
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About Kendra Boettner
Hi, I'm Kendra, wife, mom of three, and the baker behind The Baker's Table. After 20+ years baking at home, including time working in professional kitchens, these are some of my favorite recipes I've learned along the way.
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