Fudgy Joy of Cooking Brownies Recipe for Sweet Indulgence

Joy of Cooking’s brownies are a chocolate lover’s ultimate dream, promising an indulgent escape from ordinary desserts.

These decadent squares transform humble ingredients into pure culinary magic.

Chocolate enthusiasts understand how a perfect recipe can elevate simple baking into an art form.

Every crumb bursts with rich, velvety intensity that makes taste buds sing.

Professional chefs and home bakers alike marvel at the delicate balance of texture and flavor.

Dense, fudgy, and irresistibly smooth, these brownies represent dessert nirvana.

Let’s fall in love with the most sublime chocolate experience your kitchen has ever produced.

Brownie Storage and Freshness Tips

• Store with Care: Transfer cooled brownies to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum chocolate goodness is preserved for future cravings.
• Revive Refrigerated Treats: Bring chilled brownies to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Warm slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore that fresh-from-the-oven softness and rich chocolate flavor.
• Portion and Protect: Cut brownies into squares before storing to make snacking easier. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat, professional-looking portions that are ready to enjoy anytime.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 260 kcal

Servings: 15

Brownie Ingredients for the Classic Recipe

• Dark Chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for rich, intense flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Select fresh, creamy butter for smooth texture and balanced richness.

• Granulated Sugar: Look for fine, pure sugar that dissolves easily and creates a glossy top.
• Cocoa Powder: Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper, more complex chocolate notes.
• Coffee Extract, Vanilla Extract: Use pure extracts to enhance chocolate's depth and complexity.

• Large Eggs: Select fresh, room-temperature eggs for better integration and smoother batter.
• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for consistent texture and tender crumb.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt to balance and elevate chocolate's natural sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips: Select dark or semi-sweet chips that maintain shape during baking for delightful chocolate pockets.

Baking Gear for Homemade Brownies

• Double Boiler: Heat-resistant bowl nestled over a pot of simmering water for gentle chocolate melting.
• 8-inch Square Baking Pan: Perfect size for creating rich, fudgy brownies.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to line the pan for easy removal and clean baking.
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl: Ideal for mixing ingredients and melting chocolate.
• Spatula: Essential for smoothing batter and folding ingredients gently.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps brownies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Toothpick: Checks brownie doneness by testing for moist crumbs.
• Whisk or Electric Mixer: Helps blend ingredients smoothly and incorporate eggs.

How to Make Rich, Chewy Brownies

• Prepare Baking Zone

Set up your chocolate adventure by positioning the oven rack in the middle and warming the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with buttered aluminum foil, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.

• Create Chocolate Base

Craft a double boiler using a heat-resistant bowl over simmering water. Melt chocolate and butter together until silky smooth, creating a luxurious chocolate foundation that will make your taste buds dance.

• Build Flavor Layers

Remove the melted chocolate from heat and blend in sugar, cocoa powder, and a splash of vanilla extract. This step transforms your mixture into a rich, decadent base that promises intense chocolate satisfaction.

• Bind and Blend

Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated. Fold in flour and salt with a light touch, mixing just until combined. Sprinkle in chocolate chips for extra bursts of chocolatey goodness.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the velvety batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface for an even bake. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. The toothpick test is your guide – a few moist crumbs mean brownie bliss is moments away.

• Cool and Savor

Rescue your brownies from the oven and let them rest on a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely, giving the flavors time to meld and intensify. Slice into decadent squares and indulge in your chocolate masterpiece.

Variations and Mix-Ins for Brownies

• Boost Chocolate Flavor: Add a splash of espresso or strong coffee to intensify the rich chocolate taste, creating deeper, more complex notes.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Experiment with fun additions like chopped nuts, caramel bits, or white chocolate chips to give your brownies a personal twist and exciting texture.
• Perfect Cutting Technique: Chill brownies completely before cutting for clean, sharp edges. Use a warm, sharp knife wiped clean between each slice to achieve bakery-style presentation.
• Storage Secret: Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for a month-long chocolate indulgence.

Brownie Serving Ideas and Plating Tips

• Savor Solo Indulgence: Enjoy these rich brownies with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a personal treat that satisfies your chocolate cravings.
• Create Decadent Dessert Plating: Top each brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with sea salt for an elevated dessert experience.
• Host Brownie Sharing Party: Cut brownies into bite-sized squares, arrange on a beautiful platter, and serve as a delightful dessert during game nights, movie gatherings, or casual get-togethers with friends.
• Gift Sweet Chocolate Love: Wrap individual brownies in parchment paper, tie with a ribbon, and surprise colleagues, neighbors, or loved ones with a homemade chocolate gift that shows you care.

Fudgy Joy Of Cooking Brownies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 15 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade classic brownies blend rich chocolate flavors with a perfect fudgy texture that delights dessert enthusiasts. Warm chocolate notes and silky smooth consistency invite bakers to savor each delectable chocolate square.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 oz (140 g) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 3 large (150 g) eggs, at room temperature
• ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (125 g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsps (15 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp (4 g) pure coffee extract
• ¼ tsp (1 g) salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, fully covering bottom and sides, then lightly grease with butter.
2. Chocolate Melting: Create a double boiler using a heat-resistant stainless steel bowl over gently simmering water. Melt chocolate and butter together, stirring until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Batter Formation: Remove chocolate mixture from heat. Whisk in sugar and cocoa powder until thoroughly blended. Incorporate coffee and vanilla extracts, creating a rich base.
4. Egg Integration: Add eggs individually, mixing completely after each addition to ensure a smooth, homogeneous batter. Gently fold in chocolate chips, flour, and salt, guaranteeing no dry ingredients remain unmixed.
5. Baking Process: Transfer batter to prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface. Bake for 23-27 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cooling and Serving: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled. Store in an airtight container or freeze for future enjoyment.

Notes

• Optimize Oven Placement: Center rack ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked brownies with consistent texture.
• Master Chocolate Melting: Use gentle double boiler technique to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing, creating smooth, glossy base.
• Egg Incorporation Technique: Add eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly to create a uniform, silky batter that guarantees rich, fudgy consistency.
• Doneness Detection: Toothpick test is crucial – a few moist crumbs indicate ideal brownie texture, preventing dry or overcooked results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 15
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg