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Fudgy One-Bowl Brownies with Crackly Tops

A close-up of a rich, fudgy square of chocolate brownies dusted lightly with powdered sugar on a white plate.
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Make dense, moist, and intensely chocolatey brownies using a simple one-bowl method for a guaranteed crackly top.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large, heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in a microwave-safe bowl), melt the butter completely. Remove from heat.
  3. Whisk the granulated sugar and brown sugar into the melted butter until fully combined.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
  5. Sift the cocoa powder and salt directly into the wet ingredients. Whisk until just combined and no streaks of dry powder remain. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the flour using a rubber spatula until just incorporated. If using, fold in the chocolate chips. Overmixing the flour develops gluten, leading to cakey brownies.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist, fudgy crumbs attached, not wet batter.
  9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • For the best crackly top, ensure your sugar is fully dissolved into the warm butter and eggs before adding the dry ingredients.
  • Cooling the brownies completely before cutting prevents them from falling apart and improves the texture.
  • If you are planning your week and looking for simple desserts, this one-bowl recipe fits well into any meal planning schedule.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/best-brownies-fudgy-crackly-top-recipe/