These fudgy cocoa brownies are rich, dense, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, all made with simple pantry ingredients. There is no need for melted chocolate or fancy equipment, just one bowl and a handful of staples you likely already have on hand.
Fudgy Cocoa Brownies (One Bowl)
With a soft, chewy center and a crackly top, these brownies strike the perfect balance between fudgy and indulgent. They are easy enough for everyday baking but rich enough to serve for dessert, parties, or special occasions.
This brownie recipe turns out perfectly every time. This is a keeper.
Why Make These Fancy Brownies
These brownies are made with cocoa powder and espresso powder, which gives them a deep chocolate flavor without the need for melted chocolate or extra steps.
Everything mixes in one bowl, so there is no hand mixer to drag out or complicated process to follow. This is the kind of recipe you can make on a weeknight or when you need something quick that still feels special.
Baking Super Fudgy Brownies
These brownies bake up soft and fudgy in the center with slightly chewy edges and a crackly top. They slice cleanly once cooled and hold their shape well, which makes them easy to serve or pack up for later.
The batter is simple, but it also works well with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts if you want to change them up. Best of all, they stay moist for days, so they are just as good the next day as they are fresh from the oven.
Tips for Fudgy Brownies
- Do not overbake these brownies. They are done when the center is just set, and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, not completely clean. The brownies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Once the dry ingredients are added, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tougher instead of soft and fudgy.
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. This helps them cut cleanly and keeps the centers from falling apart.
Easy Variations
This brownie batter is a good base recipe and works well with simple add-ins.
- You can stir in chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans before baking if you like a little extra texture.
- If you prefer frosted brownies, this recipe can be topped with a simple chocolate frosting once cooled. If you like them plain, they are just as good on their own.
- You can also sprinkle a little flaky salt on top before baking for a sweet-and-salty finish.
Favorite Kitchen Tools to Make Brownies
- USA Square Baking Pan 8×8 or 9×9 inch. Makes thick fudgy brownies!
- OXO Whisk: Great for all baking needs
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- Flour
- Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Cocoa Powder
- Espresso powder
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
- Baking Powder
- Chocolate Chips
Other Recipes To Try:
How to Store Brownies
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay soft and fudgy and do not dry out.
- For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to five days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Brownies also freeze well. Cut into squares, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 Cup AP Flour
- 1 Cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- 1 Cup brown sugar
- 1 Cup butter melted
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan, or prepare with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter. Allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, & espresso powder.
- Add to butter mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in Chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan and bake 30-40 minutes.
- Brownies should be just set in center- toothpick test can have a bit of batter on it (not clean like a cake)
- Remove pan from oven and cool on wire rack.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting.