There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly chewy, rich fudge brownie. These brownies are everything a chocolate lover dreams of: a crackly top, gooey center, and deep, intense chocolate flavor. They’re easy to make with pantry staples and are the ultimate comfort dessert, whether you’re serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoying them on their own.
The best part? These brownies are so simple to make from scratch that you’ll never need a box mix again. Trust me, once you try these chewy fudge brownies, you’ll want to make them over and over again!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Tools:
- 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Mixing bowls (1 medium, 1 large)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Pro Tips for Perfect Chewy Fudge Brownies
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter, resulting in a smoother and fudgier brownie.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, stir just until combined. Overmixing can make your brownies more cakey.
- Don’t Overbake: Brownies are best when slightly underbaked in the center. They’ll continue to cook as they cool, creating that perfect chewy texture.
- Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper to line your baking dish for easy removal and clean edges when slicing.
- Customize with Mix-Ins: Add chopped nuts, more chocolate chips, or even swirls of peanut butter or caramel for an extra special twist.
Substitutions and Variations
- Butter: Swap for melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
- Cocoa Powder: Use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add Flavors: Stir in a pinch of espresso powder for an even deeper chocolate flavor or add a splash of almond extract for a twist.
Make Ahead Tips
- Prepare the Batter Ahead: Mix the batter, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking.
- Freezing: Bake the brownies, let them cool completely, and slice them. Store in an airtight container or wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Instructions: How to Make Chewy Fudge Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Sugars
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Stir in 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar and 3/4 cup light brown sugar until smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk in 4 large eggs, one at a time, into the butter-sugar mixture. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips or chunks.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into squares.
Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration: For a firmer texture, store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
Conclusion
These chewy fudge brownies are the ultimate chocolate fix—rich, gooey, and irresistibly indulgent. They’re perfect for family movie nights, bake sales, or just treating yourself (because you deserve it!). Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll wonder why you ever used a box mix.
Give these a try and let me know how they turn out! Did you add any fun mix-ins or try a creative twist? I’d love to hear about your brownie adventures in the comments below. Happy baking!
