Name: Easy Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup oil or 1 stick (1/2 cup) melted butter; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla; 1/2 cup flour; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about whipping up a batch of Easy Brownies: the familiar aroma, the crackly tops, and the fudgy bites spark pure joy every time. This recipe is a celebration of simplicity and bold chocolate flavor, perfect for beginner bakers or anyone craving a homemade treat with minimal fuss. Whether you’re serving them warm out of the oven or sneaking a square with your afternoon coffee, Easy Brownies bring instant comfort and smiles with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Easy Brownies is that you likely already have everything in your pantry. Each ingredient serves a crucial role, from the cocoa’s deep flavor to the butter’s rich texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Oil or Melted Butter: Choose butter for a rich, classic flavor, or oil for supremely moist brownies.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where the magic happens—quality cocoa gives your Easy Brownies their signature chocolate punch.
Sugar: Not just for sweetness, sugar also provides the gorgeous crackly top.
Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and giving that chewy, tender bite.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash elevates the batter and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Keeps things stable and gives the brownies just the right amount of structure.
Salt: A pinch works wonders for balancing flavors and making the chocolate shine.
Optional Chocolate Chips: For those who think there’s no such thing as too much chocolate!
Optional Chopped Walnuts: Add crunch, nuttiness, and a classic bakery-style touch.

How to Make Easy Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the brownies bake evenly from the moment they enter the oven. Quickly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment for effortless cleanup later—trust me, this step is a game changer when you’re impatient to dig in.

Step 2: Mix Cocoa Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine your oil or melted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this only takes a minute but unlocks the deep, chocolatey base that makes Easy Brownies irresistible.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs and pour in your vanilla extract. Beat them in just until combined. You’ll notice the batter becomes thick and shiny—exactly what you want for rich, fudgy results.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Add in the flour and salt. Use a spatula to gently fold these in, being careful not to overmix. If you’re opting for chocolate chips or chopped walnuts, this is the moment to toss them into the batter for extra deliciousness.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick poked in the center comes out mostly clean—moist crumbs are a good sign for fudgy brownies!

How to Serve Easy Brownies

Garnishes

Why not go all out? Dust your Easy Brownies with powdered sugar for classic charm, drizzle warm chocolate or caramel sauce for pure decadence, or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to make every bite pop.

Side Dishes

Pair your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate à la mode treat. Fresh berries make a beautiful, tangy counterpoint, or keep it cozy with a mug of hot chocolate or coffee for dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut brownies into bite-sized squares for party platters, layer them in a parfait glass with whipped cream and fruit, or create brownie sundaes with your favorite toppings. Easy Brownies are as versatile as your imagination allows!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Easy Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay moist and delicious, perfect for sneaking a square as a snack or quick dessert.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead or want to save some for another day, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then slip them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when a craving strikes.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it warm and gooey again. If you froze your brownies, let them thaw first for the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I double the Easy Brownies recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Double all ingredients and use a 13×9 inch baking dish. The baking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the center for doneness.

What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?

Let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For extra neat edges, chill the brownies briefly before slicing.

Are Easy Brownies fudgy or cakey?

This recipe yields brownies on the fudgy side, thanks to the higher fat ratio and minimal flour. If you prefer cake-like brownies, add an extra egg and bake a minute or two longer.

Can I swap cocoa powder for melted chocolate?

Cocoa powder is best for this recipe, but you can experiment by swapping a small portion with melted chocolate for an even richer flavor. Adjust the fat content accordingly if you make this change.

How do I know when brownies are done?

Start checking at 18 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should emerge with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Slight underbaking yields the richest, fudgiest results.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried these Easy Brownies, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for a boxed mix. They’re fast, flexible, and full of chocolatey joy—perfect for treating yourself or sharing with friends. Go ahead, preheat that oven and make today a little sweeter!