There’s something about the scent of brownies baking that stirs up memories like no other dessert can. For many of us, Easy Brownies were the very first thing we ever learned to bake—no mixer required, just a bowl, a wooden spoon, and the anticipation of something sweet filling the kitchen air.
In my family, these brownies were a Sunday afternoon staple. My mother believed that every week deserved a warm ending, and what better way to wrap it up than with rich, fudgy squares fresh from the oven? She’d hand me the bowl and let me mix the ingredients, warning not to overbeat but always sneaking a taste from the spatula herself.
Over time, these brownies evolved into our celebration treat—quick to make for impromptu guests, comforting enough for rainy days, and indulgent enough to bring a smile even on tough ones. What I love most is how adaptable they are. Whether you’re baking with your children, prepping dessert for a potluck, or simply treating yourself after dinner, these brownies deliver every single time.
Made with pantry basics, they create something truly special. Their crackly top and gooey center are just right, and that irresistible chocolate aroma is a hug in dessert form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fuss-free ingredients: Everything comes together in one bowl with minimal cleanup.
- Perfect texture: Crackly on the outside, dense and fudgy on the inside.
- Customizable: Add-ins like nuts, beef sausage, or chocolate chips take them to the next level.
- Quick and rewarding: Ready in under 30 minutes, satisfying your chocolate cravings fast.
Easy Brownies
Description
There’s something about the scent of brownies baking that stirs up memories like no other dessert can. For many of us, Easy Brownies were the very first thing we ever learned to bake—no mixer required, just a bowl, a wooden spoon, and the anticipation of something sweet filling the kitchen air.
In my family, these brownies were a Sunday afternoon staple. My mother believed that every week deserved a warm ending, and what better way to wrap it up than with rich, fudgy squares fresh from the oven? She’d hand me the bowl and let me mix the ingredients, warning not to overbeat but always sneaking a taste from the spatula herself.
Over time, these brownies evolved into our celebration treat—quick to make for impromptu guests, comforting enough for rainy days, and indulgent enough to bring a smile even on tough ones. What I love most is how adaptable they are. Whether you’re baking with your children, prepping dessert for a potluck, or simply treating yourself after dinner, these brownies deliver every single time.
Made with pantry basics, they create something truly special. Their crackly top and gooey center are just right, and that irresistible chocolate aroma is a hug in dessert form.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped beef sausage (pre-cooked), ½ cup chopped walnuts, ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. The parchment allows for easier lifting and cleaner slices.
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Mix your base – In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and unsweetened cocoa powder until the mixture looks smooth and dark. This blooming process intensifies the chocolate flavor.
-
Add the sugar – Stir in the granulated sugar until fully incorporated. Your mixture will become thick and grainy at this stage.
-
Incorporate the eggs and vanilla – Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. At this point, the batter will start looking glossy and cohesive.
-
Fold in dry ingredients – Add the flour and salt. Gently stir until you see no more dry flour, but avoid overmixing—this is key to fudgy, tender brownies.
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Customize it – If using, fold in chocolate chips for extra richness, walnuts for a crunchy bite, or diced pre-cooked beef sausage for a savory-sweet surprise.
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Bake – Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
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Cool and cut – Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. The cooler they are, the cleaner your cuts will be. Use a sharp knife and wipe between slices for neat edges.
Notes
You can substitute the oil with melted butter for a richer flavor, though oil tends to give a chewier result. For a playful twist, try swirling in a bit of peanut butter or a spoonful of tahini before baking.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped beef sausage (pre-cooked), ½ cup chopped walnuts, ½ cup chocolate chips
How to Make Easy Brownies
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. The parchment allows for easier lifting and cleaner slices.
- Mix your base – In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and unsweetened cocoa powder until the mixture looks smooth and dark. This blooming process intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Add the sugar – Stir in the granulated sugar until fully incorporated. Your mixture will become thick and grainy at this stage.
- Incorporate the eggs and vanilla – Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. At this point, the batter will start looking glossy and cohesive.
- Fold in dry ingredients – Add the flour and salt. Gently stir until you see no more dry flour, but avoid overmixing—this is key to fudgy, tender brownies.
- Customize it – If using, fold in chocolate chips for extra richness, walnuts for a crunchy bite, or diced pre-cooked beef sausage for a savory-sweet surprise.
- Bake – Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and cut – Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. The cooler they are, the cleaner your cuts will be. Use a sharp knife and wipe between slices for neat edges.
Helpful Tips
- Let the sugar fully dissolve into the wet mix for that shiny, crackly top.
- Don’t skip the salt—it balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Bake closer to 18 minutes for extra gooey brownies; closer to 20 for more structure.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy for days.
Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 brownies
Category: Dessert
Method: One-bowl baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian (if omitting sausage)
Notes
You can substitute the oil with melted butter for a richer flavor, though oil tends to give a chewier result. For a playful twist, try swirling in a bit of peanut butter or a spoonful of tahini before baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 220 calories, 11g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 2g protein. (Will vary based on add-ins.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make the best brownies?
Use melted butter and cocoa powder for deep flavor, then mix in sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and a pinch of salt. Bake in a lined or greased pan at 350°F until the edges are set and the center is fudgy. For extra richness, fold in chocolate chunks. Let cool before slicing for clean edges.
How long does it take to make brownies?
Brownies typically take about 30 minutes from start to finish—10 minutes to mix the ingredients in one bowl and 20 minutes to bake at 350°F. For fudgy results, remove them when the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
How do you make eggless brownies?
To make eggless brownies, replace each egg with a “flax egg” by mixing 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and letting it sit for 10 minutes. This swap creates a moist, chewy texture and is perfect for vegan or allergy-friendly baking.
How do you make chocolate brownies?
Start by melting butter and chopped chocolate until smooth. Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Pour into a prepared pan and bake until the edges are firm but the center remains soft and gooey.
Storage Instructions
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap individual pieces in plastic and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Related Recipes
If you liked these brownies, you’ll definitely enjoy these other chocolate favorites:
Conclusion
These Easy Brownies remind us that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and one bowl, you can bring warmth, nostalgia, and a whole lot of chocolate joy to your table. Whether you’re baking them for the first time or the hundredth, they never fail to satisfy. So go ahead, pour a glass of milk or brew your favorite tea, and savor every fudgy bite.