Name: Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, or oil; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch processed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter); 1/2 cup favorite add-ins (chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or walnuts)

There’s something so satisfying about a homemade brownie that’s rich, fudgy, and whip-up-in-minutes easy. This Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe is exactly that—perfectly indulgent without the fuss, and I promise it’ll become your go-to when you want chocolate ASAP.

A stack of four square brownies with a dark brown color and a moist, dense texture is shown. Each brownie layer has a slightly cracked top with melted chocolate chunks visible inside and on the surface. The brownies are stacked on a light tan parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface, with part of another stack of brownies blurred in the background. The setting contrasts nicely with the rich chocolate tones of the brownies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve baked countless brownies in my life, but this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe stands out because it’s so effortless and yields fudgy, chocolaty perfection every time. It’s my little shortcut for when I want to impress guests or sneak a treat after a long day.

One Bowl Magic: You only dirty one bowl, making cleanup super quick—trust me, this wins every busy baker’s heart.
Fudgy & Rich: These brownies strike the ideal balance—moist and dense, but not overly gooey or dry.
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, to make it uniquely yours.
Speedy Baking: Ready in under 30 minutes, so they’re perfect for last-minute dessert or an anytime snack.

A close-up image of a rich dark chocolate brownie held by a woman's hand, showing two layers: the outer layer is a cracked, firm chocolate crust with a deep brown color and textured surface, while the inner layer is gooey and moist with a darker, shiny chocolate appearance that looks soft and melting. The cracked outer layer forms an uneven top texture, and the gooey chocolate center peeks through the cracks. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create that classic chocolatey punch with a lush texture. Having quality cocoa and fresh eggs really elevates the final result.

Flat lay of a rich block of unsweetened dutch-processed cocoa powder, a half cup of soft golden butter, a mound of fine granulated sugar, two large fresh eggs, a small glass bottle of vanilla extract, a neat pile of sifted white flour, and a scattering of dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Butter or oil: Butter adds richness and flavor, but oil gives moistness; either works well here depending on your preference.
Sugar: I usually stick to granulated sugar, but you can adjust the sweetness to your taste, experimenting between ¾ and 1¼ cup.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Using Dutch-processed cocoa gives a deep, smooth chocolate flavor without bitterness.
Eggs: They bind everything and add just the right fudgy texture—make sure they are at room temperature for the best mix.
Vanilla extract: It’s a subtle flavor booster that enhances the chocolate’s warmth.
Flour: Just enough to hold the brownies together without making them cakey.
Salt: If you’re using unsalted butter, this small pinch balances the sweetness and amplifies the chocolate.
Add-ins (optional): Chocolate chips, nuts, or walnuts add texture and extra bursts of flavor, which I love tossing in.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I’ve adapted it for everything from nut allergies to extra gooey chocolate overload.

Variation: For espresso lovers, I sprinkle in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder—it intensifies the chocolaty depth wonderfully.
Gluten-Free: I’ve swapped regular flour for a gluten-free blend without losing any fudginess or flavor.
Nut-Free: Simply skip any nuts and add more chocolate chips to keep the texture fun.
Extra Gooey: Adding a tablespoon of oil alongside the butter is my go-to move for richer, melt-in-your-mouth brownies.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Melt the Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper—this prevents any brownie heartbreak when serving. I usually go for an 8x8 square pan for perfect thickness. Then, melt your butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. About one minute usually does the trick, but keep an eye so it doesn't burn.

Step 2: Whisk In Sugar and Cocoa Powder

Once the butter is molten and warm, whisk in the sugar and cocoa powder energetically. This step is key—keep whisking for at least a minute until the sugar dissolves a bit. It gives a silky, glossy base to your brownie batter that really sets up the fudgy texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla, Whisk Well

Add your eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then splash in your vanilla extract and whisk everything until the batter shines. I like to whisk at least a full minute here to incorporate air, which lifts the batter’s texture without losing fudginess.

Step 4: Stir in Flour and Salt, Then the Add-Ins

Gently fold in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Overmixing is a common pitfall that makes brownies cakey, so stop as soon as the pockets of flour disappear. Now’s the time to fold in any add-ins—chopped walnuts or chocolate chips work beautifully here.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out. Bake for about 20 minutes—watching closely near the end. You want the center to be just set but still with a slight wobble for that gooey perfection. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean edges.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to get these brownies just right every time. These tips saved me plenty of trial and error, so I hope they help you nail this recipe quickly and enjoy every bite.

Whisk Sugar & Cocoa Thoroughly: I can’t stress enough how whisking for a full minute until shiny really improves fudginess and texture.
Don’t Overmix Flour: Overworking the batter makes your brownies tough and cakey—stir just until combined.
Watch Baking Time: Removing brownies as soon as the center is set but still slightly wobbly keeps them luscious and prevents dryness.
Cool Completely: Cutting brownies too soon can lead to crumbly edges—let them rest so they set perfectly.

How to Serve Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe

fudgy cocoa brownies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love dusting these brownies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra wow factor. Sometimes, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top turns them into an irresistible dessert. Fresh berries on the side add a nice contrast to the rich chocolate, too.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee—perfect for an afternoon treat. For a dessert party, I like serving them alongside whipped cream and fresh fruit salad to balance richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged brownies on a pretty platter layered with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves—it makes for a stunning table centerpiece. Another idea is stacking small brownie squares layered with frosting for a brownie-trifle twist that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay deliciously moist for about 3-4 days. If your kitchen is warm, a cool spot like the fridge works fine too, though the texture slightly firms up.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm with these brownies. I individually wrap squares in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. When thawed, they’re almost as good as fresh, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks or surprise cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually microwave a brownie for about 15 seconds, just enough to warm it without drying it out. You can also pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes if you prefer warm edges with a gooey center.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use oil instead of butter in this recipe?

Yes! Using oil instead of butter will make the brownies a little more moist. I usually use vegetable or canola oil and it works beautifully in this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Look for the center to be just set but still slightly wobbly. Overbaking results in dry brownies, so it’s better to err on the side of underdone. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily for larger pans like 9x13 or 9x9. Just increase the baking time by 5 to 7 minutes and check for doneness as usual. It’s great for parties or big family gatherings.

What’s the best way to store leftover brownies?

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual brownies tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe has become my little treasure in the kitchen—easy, fast, and so satisfying. Whether you’re making it for family, a party, or just a treat for yourself, it won’t disappoint. Give it a try and watch how quickly it earns a permanent spot in your recipe collection—I’m rooting for your brownie success!