Chocolate brownies are one of those desserts that bring instant joy. With their rich chocolate flavor, fudgy center, and slightly chewy edges, brownies are the ultimate comfort treat.

We can enjoy them plain or mix in nuts, marshmallows, or other add-ins to give each bite extra texture and fun. The best part? We don’t need to be professional bakers to create them.

With simple ingredients, a little patience, and the right steps, we can make brownies that taste like they came straight from a bakery.

Ingredients We'll Need

Main Ingredients:

- Unsalted butter: 200g (softened at room temperature)

- Unsweetened 72% chocolate: 250g

- All-purpose flour: 65g

- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 80g

- Sugar: 120g

- Eggs: 4

- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon

- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon

Optional Add-Ins:

- Walnuts: 80g

- Marshmallows: 50g

Tools:

- 9x9-inch square baking pan

- Baking paper

- Mixing bowls

- Whisk or spatula

- Double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water

Tip: Having all ingredients measured and ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Fudgy Chocolate Making Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 180℃ (350℉).

2. Lightly grease the 9x9-inch pan with a small amount of butter or oil.

3. Line the pan with baking paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy removal later.

This small preparation ensures our brownies come out clean and don't stick to the pan.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

1. Chop the chocolate and butter into small pieces for faster melting.

2. Place them in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler).

3. Stir slowly until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and smooth.

4. Set aside to cool slightly while we prepare the dry ingredients.

Tip: Stir gently to prevent overheating, which can make chocolate grainy.

Step 3: Prepare Nuts and Marshmallows

1. If using walnuts, toast them at 170℃ for 8–10 minutes on a baking sheet.

2. Allow them to cool, then chop into small pieces.

3. Mix the toasted walnuts and marshmallows into the melted chocolate mixture.

Optional: Other nuts like almonds or pecans can also be added for variety.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, sift together 65g flour, 80g cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon baking powder.

2. Stir in 120g sugar until evenly combined.

Sifting the flour and cocoa ensures there are no lumps and helps make the brownies tender.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture.

2. Add eggs two at a time, folding gently after each addition for a smooth batter.

3. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.

Tip: Folding gently preserves the fudgy texture, which is key to perfect brownies.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

2. Bake in the preheated oven at 180℃ for 20 minutes.

3. Test with a bamboo skewer:

- A few crumbs sticking? Perfectly fudgy.

- Skewer comes out clean? Slightly firmer brownies.

Optional: For a drier, more cake-like texture, bake 3–5 minutes longer.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

1. Allow the brownies to cool for 10–15 minutes in the pan.

2. Lift them out using the overhanging baking paper.

3. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for decoration if desired.

4. Cut into 8–12 squares, depending on preferred size.

Tip: Cooling completely before cutting helps brownies hold their shape.

Step 8: Enjoy and Share

Now comes the best part—eating them! These chocolatey squares are perfect with tea, coffee, or just on their own. Sharing with friends or family makes baking even more enjoyable. Lykkers, the joy of baking is not just the end result—it's about smelling the chocolate in the kitchen, mixing ingredients carefully, and celebrating little homemade victories.

- Tip: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture.

Final Thoughts

Making chocolate brownies at home is simple, fun, and rewarding. By following these detailed steps and using quality ingredients, we can create rich, fudgy brownies that everyone will love. Lykkers, every batch we bake brings a little happiness into our kitchens and to everyone who gets a bite. Let's keep enjoying the chocolate magic together!