Name: The Best Brownie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder

Get ready to level up your dessert game with The Best Brownie Recipe! This decadent, bakery-style treat delivers everything you could want in a brownie: a shiny, crackly top, ultra-fudgy center, and that satisfying thickness you only find from the best local bakeshops. The best part? It all comes together in one bowl, making the process just as sweet as the irresistible final bite. Whether you need an easy weeknight dessert, a crowd-pleasing bake sale treat, or are simply chasing that chocolate fix, The Best Brownie Recipe is the answer every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These brownies are a testament to how a handful of simple, classic ingredients can combine for show-stopping results. Don’t skimp—every ingredient builds the rich, chocolatey flavor and signature texture that makes these brownies unforgettable!

Unsalted Butter: Melted butter gives these brownies their heavenly fudgy texture and infuses the batter with that unmistakable rich flavor.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels: Stirred into the warm butter, they melt into a glossy, deeply chocolatey base.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar doesn’t just sweeten the brownies; it also creates that coveted shiny, crackly top.
Large Eggs: Four eggs add structure and richness, yielding brownies that are dense, moist, and chewy.
Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon brings the chocolate to life and adds warm complexity.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This boosts the deep chocolate flavor and gives brownies their luscious dark hue.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour provides just enough body to hold the fudginess together, without ever making these bars cakey.
Kosher Salt: Just a touch helps balance sweetness and rounds out the chocolate flavors beautifully.
Baking Powder: A pinch ensures your brownies don’t turn into bricks, preserving their thick, tender crumb.

How to Make The Best Brownie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, letting a little overhang for easy removal later. Prepping the pan like this is a brownie game-changer for clean slices and quick cleanup.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Chocolate

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until liquid and shimmering. Immediately remove from the heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and everything looks glossy and smooth — your kitchen will already start smelling incredible.

Step 3: Whisk in the Eggs and Vanilla

Let the chocolate mixture cool off the heat for a minute or two (so you don’t scramble the eggs), then add the eggs one at a time. Stir thoroughly after each addition, watching the batter become thick and silky. Mix in the vanilla extract to tie all those rich flavors together.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients — With Care!

Sprinkle the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking powder right over your chocolate base. Using big, gentle strokes, fold the dry ingredients in just until no dry spots remain. This is your moment to nurture the batter — resist the temptation to overmix, which keeps your brownies perfectly tender and fudgy.

Step 5: Bake to Brownie Perfection

Pour your luscious batter into the prepped baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 40 minutes if you love thick, gooey brownies. For brownies that are cooked all the way through, let them bake a bit longer, 45-50 minutes. Cool completely before slicing for that picture-perfect finish.

How to Serve The Best Brownie Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up each square with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a handful of chopped toasted nuts. For a bakery-worthy finish, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a glossy chocolate ganache. The Best Brownie Recipe is just as delightful solo or with an elegant flourish!

Side Dishes

Brownies love the company of a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream — it’s a timeless pairing. Try serving them with fresh seasonal berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a glass of cold milk. For grown-up festivities, a small glass of espresso or a shot of Bailey’s makes a deliciously cozy match.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your brownies into triangles for a fun twist, or use cookie cutters for festive shapes on holidays. Stack a few squares with layers of ice cream for outrageous brownie sandwiches. For parties, dip cooled triangles in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles or nuts for eye-catching, hand-held treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extras fresh by storing your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay chewy and delicious for up to a week, and actually get even fudgier after the first day — as if you needed another excuse to savor them slowly!

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and stash them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to three months. Thaw them on the counter for an easy, chocolatey treat any time you crave The Best Brownie Recipe.

Reheating

To restore that just-baked warmth, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back their gooey texture and intensifies the chocolate flavor. For an even indulgence, reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to gently warm through—perfection with a scoop of ice cream on top!

FAQs

Can I use a glass baking dish instead of metal?

You can, but a metal pan is really best for The Best Brownie Recipe. Metal conducts heat more evenly, promoting that shiny top and gooey center. If using glass, bake for a few extra minutes and keep a close watch to avoid underbaking.

How do I get clean, sharp brownie slices?

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing, or chill them for ultra-neat edges. Use a long, sharp knife and clean it with a warm, damp cloth between each cut for the most professional-looking pieces.

Can I add nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Fold in up to a cup of chopped nuts, extra chocolate morsels, or even peanut butter swirls right before baking. The Best Brownie Recipe is endlessly adaptable to your favorite additions.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The results are just as fudgy and delicious, so everyone can enjoy these brownies.

How do I know when my brownies are done?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. For gooey, fudge-like brownies, it should come out with some moist crumbs attached. If you want them firmer, bake a bit longer until the toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Final Thoughts

If a batch of thick, rich, and utterly irresistible brownies is calling your name, you can’t go wrong with The Best Brownie Recipe. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to wow everyone—these brownies really are the gold standard for any chocolate lover. Give them a try and discover why this recipe always disappears first!