Easy One Bowl Brownies

Easy One Bowl Brownies are chewy, fudgy, and made in just one bowl. Better than a boxed mix and simple to make, this will quickly become your new favorite way to make brownies!

Brownies have become one of my favorite desserts over the years.

But, I’m picky about easy brownies from scratch. It has to be thick, fudgy, and chewy…like these brownie bites with nutella frosting and those frosted peppermint brownies. 

And because it’s been entirely too long since I’ve shared an easy homemade brownie recipe, this one bowl recipe meets all of my requirements. Plus, it contains just a handful of ingredients and is super easy to throw together. 

One bite and you’ll never go back to the boxed kind again. With a crackly top, a fudgy center, and chocolate decadence, this is the best homemade brownie recipe.

While this recipe is packed with chocolate flavor, I didn’t use any melted chocolate to make the batter. That would have required extra bowls, and I wanted to keep this a one bowl brownie recipe. 

Instead, I made the brownies from scratch with cocoa powder. I also added in some chocolate chips, because I simply can’t resist them! 

Simple to make, no mixer required, and hardly any clean-up. How about that for an easy fudgy brownie recipe?

Ingredients in One Bowl Brownies

I prepared these homemade brownies with cocoa powder rather than melted chocolate. This results in moist, fudgy brownies that can be made in one bowl. 

Here’s everything you’ll need for this simple brownie recipe: 

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Eggs
• Vanilla
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• All-purpose flour
• Chocolate chips

How to Make One Bowl Brownies

These one bowl brownies made with cocoa powder are as easy as it gets! Simply whisk everything together before baking and devouring. 

Here’s an overview of the recipe: 

1. Place butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted. Whisk in sugar and salt until combined and sugar has mostly dissolved.
2. Whisk in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Add cocoa powder and flour and stir until just combined. Gently fold in chocolate chips.
3. Pour batter into a parchment paper-lined 8×8-inch pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
4. Bake until the edges are set and the center is still slightly underbaked (insert a toothpick into the center and it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that fudgy texture).
5. Let cool completely in pan before cutting into squares.

How to Store Brownies

The best way to store brownies is to put them in an airtight container at room temperature. Tip: I like to reheat a brownie for 10 seconds (and even top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream) to get that warm, gooey center.

How Long Do Brownies Last?

Brownies will last for up to five days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can You Freeze Brownies?

Freezing brownies is easy! Let brownies cool to room temperature and then wrap tightly in aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place brownies in a large ziploc bag or freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months.

Can This Recipe Be Doubled? 

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake the brownies in a 9×13-inch pan. 

How to Tell When Brownies Are Done

You’ll know the brownies are done once the edges are set but the center is still a little jiggly. The brownies will continue to set up as they cool, so don’t over bake them! 

Recipe Variations to Try

• Omit the chocolate chips! If you don’t want to add chocolate chips to the batter, feel free to skip. They’re delicious all on its own.
• Add other mix-ins! Try adding some chopped nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter chips, or candy (like M&Ms, chopped Reese’s or Snickers) for a delicious twist!
• Frost the brownies! You could try a peanut butter frosting, a Nutella frosting, or use your favorite store-bought frosting.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce! While you’re at it, add a scoop of ice cream on top, just because. 

Tips for the Best Ever Brownies

• Be careful not to overmix the batter when adding the flour and cocoa powder. Doing so will let more air into the batter, which will create a cakey texture, not a fudgy, chewy brownie that we are looking for.
• Use good-quality ingredients! A good, unsweetened cocoa powder and quality chocolate chips (if using) will greatly enhance the flavor of these brownies.
• Try not to over-bake the brownies! I checked mine at exactly the 25-minute mark and they were perfect, slightly underbaked and gooey. The brownies will continue to set once removed from the oven. And, of course, oven times will vary, so be sure to do the toothpick test.

Looking for more easy chocolate desserts? I’ve got you covered!

• Chocolate Lava Mug Cake
• Chocolate Chip Pound Cake
• Chocolate Cobbler
• Mini Chocolate Chip Cupcakes