Classic fudgy brownies, with their shiny crinkly tops and rich, chocolatey goodness, are a timeless treat that everyone seems to love. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delicious simplicity but also in the one-bowl approach—you mix it all together in one bowl, and voilà! No complicated cleanup or fancy techniques, just pure indulgence in every bite. There’s a special joy that comes from cutting into a batch, the warm aroma wrapping around you like a cozy blanket, inviting you to savor that first delicious square.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)

Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)

I first discovered the magic of fudgy brownies during a casual get-together with friends, where someone brought a batch that was too good to resist. Each square was a heavenly blend of gooey chocolate and a crinkly top that sparkled with sweet perfection. This recipe replicates that delight perfectly, promising budget-friendly ingredients and minimal effort while yielding a spectacular dessert that can steal the show at any gathering. I can’t wait for you to try making these classic fudgy brownies (crinkly top, one bowl) at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip these brownies up in just 15 minutes. Baking time is only about 30-35 minutes—perfect for a last-minute dessert!
Irresistible Flavor: They’re rich, fudgy, and bursting with chocolate flavor, thanks to both dark chocolate and chocolate chips.
Eye-Catching Appeal: That glossy, crinkly top is not only gorgeous but also a sign of the chewy texture you’re about to enjoy.
Flexible Serving: These brownies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s an afternoon snack, a party dessert, or a midnight treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: If you’re looking to switch things up, consider using gluten-free flour or dairy-free chocolate for a modified version that fits your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup caster sugar or granulated sugar: This sweetens your brownies and contributes to that lovely crusty top.
3 large eggs: They bind all the ingredients together and create that rich texture.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Unsalted butter adds creaminess without extra salt, allowing you to control the taste perfectly.
1 and 1/3 cup dark chocolate (45-70% cocoa): The quality of chocolate matters—choose a good brand for the best flavor. You can use semi-sweet chocolate if that’s what you have.
1/2 cup plain flour or all-purpose flour: This gives the brownies structure while still keeping them fudgy.
1/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds depth of chocolate flavor; be sure it’s sifted to prevent clumping.
1/4 teaspoon salt: A touch of salt enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
1/2 cup chocolate chips: These add little pockets of melty goodness throughout the brownies.

How to Make Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)

Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) for standard baking or 320°F (160°C) if using a fan-forced oven. Grease and line an 8-inch square or round baking pan with baking or parchment paper.
Mix the Sugar and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of caster sugar or granulated sugar and 3 large eggs. Whisk together by hand for about 30 seconds until creamy and combined.
Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter and 1 and 1/3 cup of dark chocolate, broken into pieces. Heat in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until melted and smooth.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the melted chocolate and butter to the egg mixture, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of plain or all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sifted cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt using a spatula. Stir until a thick, smooth brownie batter forms.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out into an even layer. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the top is shiny and no longer wobbles in the middle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out almost clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into small squares. You can store them at room temperature, in the fridge, or freeze for later enjoyment.

Storing & Reheating

Brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for about a week. If you decide to freeze them, wrap each square tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they will be good for up to 3 months. To refresh, simply pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds; the texture will become wonderfully soft again, similar to fresh out of the oven.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the batter; this can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs, for a better texture.
Keep an eye on baking time to avoid dry brownies. The center should look set but still have a slight jiggle when pulled out.
Experiment by adding nuts, caramel, or even a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Classic fudgy brownies with a crinkly top are more than just dessert; they’re a way to bring friends together, share smiles, and indulge those chocolate cravings. This recipe is hassle-free and always delivers that warm, welcoming aroma of baked chocolate. Don’t hesitate to try variations to find your perfect version!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate for the dark chocolate. Just remember that the cocoa percentage will affect the final flavor—higher cocoa content equals a richer, darker brownie.

Why are my brownies dry?

Dry brownies often result from overbaking. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking time. If your toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect—if it’s clean, they may be overdone.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, these brownies store well! You can make them up to three days in advance and keep them in an airtight container. They also freeze beautifully, so you can have a batch ready whenever that chocolate craving hits!

What’s the best way to cut brownies?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth after each slice. This avoids pulling at the edges and helps maintain their gorgeous appearance!

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Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Classic Fudgy Brownies are a delightful treat made with dark chocolate and cocoa powder. Simple to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these brownies feature a crinkly top and a rich flavor that makes them a favorite for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

Scale

200 grams (1 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
3 large eggs
115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter
200 grams (1 and 1/3 cup) dark chocolate (45-70% cocoa), broken into pieces
70 grams (1/2 cup) plain flour or all purpose flour
20 grams (1/4 cup) cocoa powder, sifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
75 grams (1/2 cup) chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F) standard or 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch square or round baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk sugar and eggs together until creamy for about 30 seconds.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and dark chocolate. Heat in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until melted and smooth.
Add the melted chocolate and butter to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth.
Incorporate flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until a thick, smooth brownie batter forms. Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until shiny on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean.
Allow the brownie to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Store at room temperature or refrigerate. They freeze well too.

Notes

For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage.
Letting the brownies cool completely ensures cleaner cuts and better texture.