Description

These small batch fudgy brownies yield four perfect, thick squares with a signature shiny, crackly top. Made in one bowl with simple ingredients, they are dense, rich, and beginner-proof.

Ingredients

Scale

4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
½ cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional, for folding in)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 4×4 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
Melt the butter and chocolate chips together in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan over low heat until smooth and glossy.
Add the granulated sugar to the warm chocolate mixture and whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is shiny.
Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform, dark, and glossy.
Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt using a fork or spatula. Stop as soon as the flour disappears to avoid overmixing. Fold in optional extra chocolate chips if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 18-22 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still look slightly underdone and jiggle slightly.
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper and cutting into 4 squares.

Notes

Do not overbake; brownies continue to cook on the hot pan after removal. Whisk the sugar vigorously to ensure a crackly top. Use room temperature eggs to help the batter emulsify. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 280
Sugar: 24
Sodium: 120
Fat: 16
Saturated Fat: 9
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 2
Protein: 3

Keywords: small batch brownies, fudgy brownies, crackly top brownies, easy brownie recipe, one bowl brownies, beginner baking