Brownies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Deliciously fudgy and rich, these brownies are a chocolate lover's dream come true.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-23T18:51:42.290Z

These brownies are the perfect blend of chewy and fudgy, making them a favorite among chocolate enthusiasts.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
  • Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

The Perfect Fudgy Texture

Achieving the perfect fudgy texture in brownies is an art form that requires the right balance of ingredients. The combination of melted butter and sugar creates a moist base, while the addition of eggs gives the brownies their rich, dense structure. This recipe is specially crafted to ensure that each bite is packed with chocolatey goodness, making it a favorite among chocolate lovers.

To enhance the fudginess, we use unsweetened cocoa powder along with chocolate chips. The cocoa powder adds depth to the flavor, while the chocolate chips contribute to the overall texture, ensuring that every square is a delightful experience. Remember, the key is to avoid overbaking; the brownies should have a slight gooeyness in the center for that ultimate indulgence.

Elevating Flavors with Orange Zest

One of the standout features of this brownie recipe is the addition of fresh orange zest. This unexpected twist not only brightens the rich chocolate flavor but also adds a refreshing citrus note that elevates the entire dessert. The zest complements the chocolate beautifully, creating a harmonious balance that keeps everyone coming back for more.

When incorporating orange zest, make sure to use fresh oranges for the best results. Grate the peel finely to release the essential oils, which will infuse the brownies with a delightful aroma and taste. This small addition transforms simple brownies into a gourmet treat, perfect for special occasions or just a cozy night in.

Perfect Occasions for Brownies

Brownies are incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide variety of occasions. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a casual get-together with friends, these brownies are sure to impress. Their rich flavor and fudgy texture make them a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Additionally, brownies can be dressed up or down depending on the event. Serve them plain for a simple treat, or elevate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert. Their adaptability makes them a go-to recipe for any celebration.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Melt Butter and Mix Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually mix this into the butter mixture.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!

Serving Suggestions

To truly enjoy these brownies, consider serving them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The contrast of warm, fudgy brownies with cold ice cream is simply irresistible. You could also pair them with fresh berries for a touch of freshness that balances the richness.

For a fun twist, try adding toppings such as caramel sauce, nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt. Each of these additions can enhance the flavor profile and add a gourmet touch to your homemade brownies.

Storage Tips

To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about 3-5 days, but trust us, they won’t last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the brownies. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen brownies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This way, you can have your delicious brownies ready whenever the craving strikes!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

→ How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I add nuts to the brownies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Brownies

Deliciously fudgy and rich, these brownies are a chocolate lover's dream come true.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 16 servings

What You'll Need

For the Brownies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter
  2. 2 cups granulated sugar
  3. 4 large eggs
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  6. 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  8. 1 cup chocolate chips

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Step 02

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually mix this into the butter mixture.

Step 04

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 06

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g