Name: Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter or oil; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably dutch processed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter); 1/2 cup favorite add-ins (chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or walnuts)

Brownies that come together in a snap? Yes, please! This Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe is my absolute go-to when I want rich, fudgy chocolate goodness without the fuss. The best part? You only need one bowl—easy cleanup and maximum chocolate satisfaction.

A stack of four square brownies with a dark brown color and a moist, dense texture is shown. Each brownie layer has a slightly cracked top with melted chocolate chunks visible inside and on the surface. The brownies are stacked on a light tan parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface, with part of another stack of brownies blurred in the background. The setting contrasts nicely with the rich chocolate tones of the brownies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've tried my fair share of brownie recipes, but there’s something about this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe that always wins me over. It’s the simplicity, the fudginess, and the way it never fails – even if you’re a total baking newbie like I was once!

One Bowl Wonder: You mix everything in one bowl, meaning less mess and more time to enjoy your brownies.
Fudgy Texture: This recipe nails that soft, gooey center we all dream of.
Customizable Add-Ins: Whether you love nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins, you can make it your own.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish — perfect for a last-minute treat.

A close-up image of a rich dark chocolate brownie held by a woman's hand, showing two layers: the outer layer is a cracked, firm chocolate crust with a deep brown color and textured surface, while the inner layer is gooey and moist with a darker, shiny chocolate appearance that looks soft and melting. The cracked outer layer forms an uneven top texture, and the gooey chocolate center peeks through the cracks. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient comes together perfectly to create that rich, fudgy texture we all crave in brownies. Plus, these are pantry staples, so you probably have everything on hand right now.

Flat lay of a rich block of unsweetened dutch-processed cocoa powder, a half cup of soft golden butter, a mound of fine granulated sugar, two large fresh eggs, a small glass bottle of vanilla extract, a neat pile of sifted white flour, and a scattering of dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Butter or Oil: I usually use butter for that classic flavor, but oil works great for extra moistness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar dissolves right into the cocoa, sweetening without graininess.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: I recommend Dutch-processed cocoa—it’s smooth and gives a deep chocolate flavor.
Eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to the fudgy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, complementary note to the chocolate.
Flour: A touch of flour keeps the brownies together without drying them out.
Salt: Helps balance sweetness; skip if you use salted butter.
Add-Ins: Chopped chocolate, nuts, or chocolate chips elevate texture and flavor – totally up to your preference!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe is how flexible it is. I tweak it depending on my mood, and you should too! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite extras.

Nutty Twist: I often toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch — it adds a lovely contrast to the fudgy base.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Sometimes I stir in a handful of dark chocolate chips so they melt throughout, giving tiny pockets of gooey chocolate.
Espresso Boost: Adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder amps up the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee, which is a personal favorite hack.
Diet-Friendly: For dairy-free needs, swap butter for coconut oil; it works perfectly and adds a subtle tropical note.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First things first, get your oven set to 350°F. Grease an 8x8 square pan or line it with parchment paper – this stops the brownies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. A little tip: if I’m short on time, I find lining it with foil works just as well and lets me lift the brownies out easily once cooled.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine with Dry Ingredients

Pop your butter into a large microwave-safe bowl and melt it gently—about a minute usually does the trick. Then, whisk in the sugar and cocoa powder vigorously for at least a minute until the sugar dissolves. This step makes a big difference in texture and sweetness consistency. I’ve learned that rushing through it can leave you with a bit of a grainy bite, which nobody wants.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla, Whisk Until Shiny

Beat in your eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. I whisk for at least one full minute here because a smooth, shiny batter means your brownies will be super fudgy and beautifully set. It also helps with the rise and texture, making a noticeable difference compared to a hasty mix.

Step 4: Gently Fold in Flour, Salt, and Add-Ins

Sprinkle in the flour and salt, then fold everything just until combined. This is key: don’t overmix! Overworking the batter results in cakey brownies, and we’re aiming for rich fudginess here. If you want extra flair, now’s the time to fold in your add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake and Watch Closely

Spread your batter evenly into the prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, but keep a close eye starting at 18 – you want the edges set but the center still a bit jiggly. That’s your sweet spot. Overbaking dries out the brownie and ruins the fudgy magic.

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Cutting

Patience here pays off. Let your brownies cool fully in the pan before slicing — this helps them firm up and cuts cleanly. I usually wait at least an hour, although they’re tempting fresh out of the oven. Cutting too soon leads to crumbly edges and messy slices, which nobody enjoys.

Top Tip

After making these brownies countless times, I’ve gathered some tips that really took my results from good to unforgettable. Little details add up — and I want your brownies to be just perfect every time!

Whisk Sugar & Cocoa Well: Dissolving the sugar properly prevents any graininess and keeps the texture silky smooth.
Don’t Overmix the Flour: Mix just until combined—overdoing it turns the brownies cakey instead of fudgy.
Watch Your Bake Time: Set a timer for 18 minutes and check. The gooier you like it, the sooner you pull it.
Use Parchment or Foil: Makes getting the brownies out a breeze and helps keep their shape intact.

How to Serve Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe

fudgy cocoa brownies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My favorite way to top these brownies is with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic look—simple and elegant. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finishing touch, especially on chilly nights.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside fresh fruit, like raspberries, which add a nice tart contrast that cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or potlucks, I love cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a platter with colorful sprinkles or edible flowers. Another fun idea: serve warm brownies with a drizzle of caramel sauce or melted peanut butter for a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fudgy for up to 3 days. For me, this recipe holds its charm longer than many others, so there’s rarely any waste!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these brownies wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, and they thaw beautifully without losing texture. Just let them defrost at room temperature before serving — perfect to have on hand for unexpected guests.

Reheating

If I want warm brownies, I pop a slice into the microwave for about 10 seconds or so – just enough to soften them without drying out. This little trick brings back that fresh-baked feeling instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Absolutely! Regular cocoa powder will work just fine, but the flavor might be a bit more acidic and less smooth compared to Dutch-processed. It won’t affect the fudgy texture, though.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure your mix contains xanthan gum or similar to help bind the batter.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! The recipe doubles perfectly. Use a 9x13 or 9x9 pan and increase baking time by about 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on the center’s doneness.

Why are my brownies cakey and not fudgy?

This usually happens if the flour is overmixed or you bake too long. Be gentle when stirring in the flour and watch your baking time closely; pulling the brownies when the center is just set but still soft is key.

Final Thoughts

This Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s quick, forgiving, and always delivers that perfect fudgy texture I adore. When I serve these to friends or family, I see smiles and get requests for the recipe every time. I hope you’ll try making them soon and enjoy the simple joy of homemade brownies without the stress — trust me, these will become your new favorite go-to treat.