These easy brownies are rich, fudgy, and made entirely from basic pantry ingredients. No boxed mixes required! With minimal prep and a quick cleanup, you can have a batch of freshly baked brownies in under 30 minutes. Add chocolate chips or walnuts for extra indulgence, or keep them classic and simple – either way, they’re irresistible
Why You’ll Love These Brownies
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen – butter or oil, cocoa, sugar, eggs, and flour.
- Quick & Easy: Prep takes just 5 minutes, and baking is done in 20 minutes. Perfect for a last-minute dessert.
- Customizable: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or even swirl in peanut butter or caramel for a creative twist.
- Minimal Cleanup: No complicated equipment required, just one mixing bowl and a baking pan!
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter or oil
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter (or oil), cocoa powder, and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs & vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add flour and salt, mixing gently until no streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
- Optional extras: Fold in chocolate chips or walnuts if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & serve: Let the brownies cool for a few minutes in the pan before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Double the batch: Use a 13×9-inch pan and double the ingredients for a larger batch.
- Fudgy brownies: Bake for 18 minutes for extra gooey brownies.
- Nut-free option: Omit walnuts or swap with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.
- Add a swirl: Try swirling peanut butter, Nutella, or caramel into the batter before baking for extra flavor.
Storage
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, and thaw at room temperature before serving.
These easy homemade brownies are a go-to for any occasion – from a cozy night in to a last-minute dessert for guests. Simple, quick, and utterly delicious!