Let’s go back to the classics with these delicious fudge brownies, featuring the most perfect crinkled top. They’re made with salted butter, chocolate chips, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, flour, cocoa, and a generous cup of chopped chocolate chunks. These brownies are rich, sweet, thick, and fudgy—plus, they’re super easy to make. Finish them off with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt, and you’ve got your new go-to, never-fail, way-better-than-the-box brownies!
Most of the time—honestly, nearly all the time—when I’m cooking or baking for family and friends, I stick to the classic recipes I know everyone loves. I know that might sound surprising, but with how many new recipes I share, I don’t often get the chance to make the old favorites!
And the truth is, those classics are my favorites too. So whenever I can tweak and improve a beloved recipe—like my beer bread or my dad’s tacos—I get so excited to share it.
After years of quietly trying to crack the code for the perfect fudgy brownie with that crinkly top and amazing flavor, I finally landed on the recipe. And I’m thrilled to share it with you today! My hope? That this becomes your forever brownie recipe.
The Details
Ingredients
- Salted butter
- 1 bag of mini chocolate chips
- Instant coffee or espresso powder
- Pure vanilla extract
- Eggs (key tip: make sure they’re at room temperature—no chilling!)
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Sea salt
- Chocolate chunks (I’m a dark chocolate fan!)
Special Tools
You’ll need a skillet, a couple of mixing bowls, and a square brownie pan.
Steps
Step 1: Brown the Butter
- Toss cold, salted butter into a skillet (I prefer cast iron).
- Let it sizzle and brown over medium heat—should take about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in the chocolate until melted.
- Mix in the instant coffee and vanilla.
Step 3: The Eggs
- Key step alert: Whisk the eggs really well before adding them.
- This might feel like an extra hassle (and yeah, it means washing another bowl), but trust me—it’s what gives these brownies that dreamy crinkly top. The whisking adds air, and that’s the secret!
Step 4: Finish the Batter
- Mix the eggs into the chocolate.
- Add the powdered sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Fold in a big handful of chocolate chunks (dark chocolate for the win!).
Step 5: Bake
- Use a 9×9-inch square pan—I baked mine for exactly 30 minutes.
- Optional but amazing: Top with flaked sea salt for a little extra yum (and a pretty finish!).
These brownies come out perfect every time—so indulgent and delicious. Even my little sister Asher and my dad agree: these are their favorite!