There are some cravings you just can’t ignore—and for me, chocolate sits right at the top of that list. A few days ago, the craving hit strong, and instead of reaching for something store-bought, I rolled up my sleeves and decided to bake. The result? A pan of brownies that were rich, fudgy, and just the right amount of chewy. Honestly, they came together so easily I almost couldn’t believe it.
Here’s the thing about brownies: they’re comfort in a square. Simple, satisfying, and always welcome—whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or, in my case, your doorman (who was more than happy to accept half the batch with a handwritten thank-you note). It’s the kind of recipe that not only fills your kitchen with the warm scent of chocolate but also spreads joy beyond your own table.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup dark cocoa powder (or substitute with Nesquik if that’s what you have on hand)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Step by Step
- Preheat and prep. Heat your oven to 180˚C (350˚F). Line a square baking pan with parchment paper and give it a light coat of cooking spray. This ensures your brownies release without fuss later.
- Melt the butter and chocolate. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Microwave for about 1 ½ minutes, then let it rest for 3 minutes before whisking until smooth.
- Sweeten the mix. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is glossy and well incorporated.
- Whisk in the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. This step gives the brownies that shiny, crackly top we all love.
- Fold in the dry ingredients. Sift the flour and cocoa powder directly into the bowl. Gently fold everything together with a spatula, being careful not to overmix. Toss in the remaining chocolate chips for good measure.
- Bake to perfection. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes, depending on how fudgy or firm you like them. Let them cool completely before slicing—this is the hardest part, but it makes all the difference.
Why I Love This Recipe
The beauty of brownies lies in their simplicity. There’s no complicated technique or long list of steps—just a handful of pantry staples that transform into something decadent in less than an hour. This recipe strikes the perfect balance: the brown sugar adds chewiness, the dark cocoa deepens the flavor, and the extra chocolate chips melt into pockets of gooey goodness.
And because they’re so quick to whip up, they’re the kind of dessert you can make on a weeknight without too much planning. Keep it casual with a glass of cold milk, or elevate it by serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dinner party treat.
Little Touches That Make It Special
- Sharing the sweetness. Brownies are one of the easiest things to gift. Cut them into neat squares, wrap them in parchment with twine, and you’ve got a thoughtful gesture for neighbors, coworkers, or—yes—your doorman.
- Customize the flavor. Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking, or swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter for something indulgent.
- Storage tip. Brownies keep beautifully for a few days at room temperature (if they last that long). For longer storage, freeze individual squares in parchment paper and thaw when the craving hits.
The Joy of Simple Baking
There’s something grounding about baking a recipe like this. No fancy equipment, no stress—just mixing, folding, and waiting while the oven does its work. It’s a reminder that homemade doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special.
And perhaps my favorite part? The sharing. Baking has always been, at its heart, about generosity. Whether it’s for a holiday table or a Tuesday afternoon pick-me-up, the act of offering a slice of something sweet carries a little love with it.
So, if you find yourself craving chocolate soon, skip the store-bought bars and give these brownies a try. They’re easy, fudgy, and practically guaranteed to make someone’s day—even if that someone is you.
