Name: Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sea salt for topping

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These Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies are my go-to when I’m craving rich, chocolatey goodness without the fuss. Made with simple pantry staples and no fancy equipment, they deliver the perfect chewy, fudgy texture every time. If I need a quick dessert that satisfies a serious chocolate craving, this is the recipe I reach for.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and mess-free this recipe is. Everything comes together in one bowl, which means minimal cleanup—yes, please. The brownies come out with that perfect shiny, crinkly top and a dense, fudgy center that’s rich but not overly sweet. I can throw them together in under 10 minutes and they’re in the oven before I know it. Whether I’m baking for guests or just myself, they never disappoint. Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butter
granulated sugar
unsweetened cocoa powder
salt
vanilla extract
eggs
all-purpose flour
optional add-ins: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sea salt for topping

Directions

I preheat the oven to 325°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a microwave-safe bowl, I melt the butter until fully melted, then stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt while it’s still warm.
I mix in the vanilla and eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each.
I add the flour and stir until just combined. If I’m adding chocolate chips or nuts, I fold them in now.
I spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
I let the brownies cool completely before slicing for clean, fudgy squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 to 12 brownies, depending on how I slice them. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25–30 minutes to bake. From start to finish, I can have these ready in under 45 minutes.

Variations

When I want extra richness, I mix in dark chocolate chips or swirl in a bit of peanut butter before baking. For a crunchy twist, I toss in toasted walnuts or pecans. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before baking to bring out the chocolate flavor even more. For a holiday vibe, crushed peppermint candies make a fun addition.

storage/reheating

I store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze them tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. To enjoy again, I thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for that just-baked taste. Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies

FAQs

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I double it and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time might increase slightly, so I start checking around the 30-minute mark.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

I usually use unsweetened natural cocoa powder, but Dutch-processed works too if I want a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor.

Why are my brownies cakey and not fudgy?

That usually happens if I overbake or add too much flour. I always measure carefully and bake just until set with moist crumbs on the toothpick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve had success substituting the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture stays pretty close to the original.

How do I get clean cuts?

I let the brownies cool completely, then use a sharp knife cleaned between slices. For ultra-clean edges, I chill them before cutting.

Conclusion

These Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies are the kind of simple indulgence I keep coming back to. With minimal effort and maximum chocolate flavor, they’re the perfect quick fix when I want something homemade and deeply satisfying. Once I tried this one-bowl method, I never felt the need to go back to boxed mixes again.