Description
Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies are simple to make with minimal ingredients and equipment. These brownies are rich, fudgy, and perfect for any occasion. Using a microwave to melt butter and a quick whisk method, this recipe results in a moist, chocolatey treat that can be customized with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients
Scale
Base 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)
Add-ins (Optional)
- 1/2 cup favorite add-ins (chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or walnuts)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8x8 inch square pan or a 9x5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper or foil; set aside.
- Melt Butter and Mix Sugar and Cocoa: In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the butter and microwave for 1 minute or until completely melted. Add the sugar and cocoa powder; whisk vigorously for at least one minute until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then add vanilla extract and continue whisking for at least one minute until the batter is shiny and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour and salt until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep brownies fudgy.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: If desired, fold in 1/2 cup of nuts, chocolate chips, raisins, or other add-ins of your choice gently into the batter.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the center is slightly set but not overbaked to avoid dryness.
- Cool and Cut: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. Cut into 16 small squares or 9 large squares depending on your serving preference.
Notes
- For extra gooey brownies, add 1 tablespoon of oil of choice to the batter along with the butter.
- To enhance the chocolate flavor, add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder.
- This recipe doubles well in a 9x13 or 9x9 pan; increase baking time by 5-7 minutes for a doubled batch and adjust yield accordingly.
- Adjust sugar amount between 3/4 cup to 1 1/4 cup based on your sweetness preference.
- Do not overbake. Bake for no more than 20-25 minutes to maintain fudgy texture.
- Serving size is based on 16 small brownies; cutting into larger pieces results in 9 servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
