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Fudgy Brownies Recipe Perfect for Easy Homemade Crackly Tops

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A simple and quick fudgy brownie recipe with a glossy, crackly top that balances gooey and crisp textures, perfect for any occasion and made with everyday pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, melt the unsalted butter until fully liquid. Stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar while warm.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until the batter is glossy and smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined.
  6. If using, fold in the optional chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly to about 1 inch thickness.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. Check at 25 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  10. Use the parchment overhang to lift brownies out and slice with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for better texture and shiny top. Melt butter slowly to avoid burning and help dissolve sugar. Avoid overmixing to prevent cakey brownies. Start checking doneness at 25 minutes to keep fudgy texture. Let brownies cool fully before slicing for neat edges. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free baking blend. For dairy-free, use coconut oil and dairy-free cocoa powder. Optional mix-ins and toppings like nuts, chocolate chips, or sea salt enhance flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: fudgy brownies, crackly top brownies, easy brownies, homemade brownies, chocolate dessert, quick brownies, simple brownie recipe