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 flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt (leave out if using salted butter); 1/2 cup favorite add-ins (chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or walnuts)

There’s something so irresistible about a dense, chocolatey brownie that melts in your mouth. This Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe checks all those boxes and then some—it’s straightforward, quick, and oh-so-satisfying. You’ll love how rich and fudgy these brownies turn out with minimal fuss.

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

This brownie recipe is my go-to when I want rich, fudgy chocolatey goodness that doesn’t require a ton of ingredients or dirtying up multiple bowls. It’s straightforward and forgiving, perfect for bakers of all levels. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become a favorite in your repertoire too.

Super Simple Preparation: You only need one bowl, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your brownies.
Fudgy Texture: These brownies stay wonderfully moist and dense, never cakey or dry, with the perfect cocoa punch.
Customizable: You can easily add nuts, chocolate chips, or even espresso powder to amp up the flavor.
Quick Bake Time: Ready in under 30 minutes, these brownies are ideal for last-minute dessert needs.

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

Each ingredient in this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe plays a key role, coming together to create that perfect fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Plus, most of these are pantry staples, so it’s easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

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): Butter adds richness, but oil can keep things extra moist—both work beautifully depending on your preference.
Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create that glossy, shiny top when whisked well.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Using dutch-processed cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor with a smooth finish.
Eggs: They bind the batter and contribute to the fudgy, tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
Flour: Just enough to hold everything together without making the brownies cakey.
Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate’s depth.
Add-ins (optional): Chopped chocolate, chips, or nuts add wonderful texture and extra bursts of flavor.

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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

I love how versatile this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe is. Personally, I like to sneak in some espresso powder to really amp up the chocolate, but you can keep it classic or add nuts or dried fruit depending on your mood.

Variation: Adding a teaspoon of instant coffee powder is my secret weapon for boosting that chocolate flavor—it’s subtle but transformative.
Diet-friendly swap: For dairy-free options, I substitute butter with coconut oil, and the results are still deeply fudgy.
For extra gooey brownies: A splash of oil (about a tablespoon) added to the batter makes the brownies even more luscious.

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

Step 1: Melt and Mix the Base

Start by melting the butter in a large microwave-safe mixing bowl—about 1 minute should do it. Once melted, whisk in the sugar and cocoa powder vigorously for at least a minute. This step helps dissolve the sugar a bit and gives the batter a glossy, smooth texture that's key for fudgy brownies.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Flavor

Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This helps incorporate some air and keeps the batter smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and whisk for another minute until the batter is shiny and uniform—this shine is your friend for fudgy results.

Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Add-ins

Gently stir in the flour and salt just until combined—you want to avoid overmixing here, which can create cakey brownies. Now’s the time to fold in any extras like chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or even raisins for a fun twist.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared 8x8 inch pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, but watch carefully—the center should look just set, not dry. Pull it out too soon, and the brownies may be undercooked; too long, and they’ll lose that fudgy magic.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan before slicing. I usually cut mine into 16 smaller squares, but feel free to cut 9 larger ones if you prefer a bigger indulgence. Cooling helps them set up and makes slicing cleaner and easier.

Top Tip

Having made this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few key tricks that make all the difference between “meh” and “wow”. These tips are small tweaks that guarantee success every time.

Don’t Skimp on Whisking: Whisking the sugar and cocoa thoroughly in the melted butter ensures that your brownies have a shiny crust and smooth texture.
Watch the Bake Time Closely: Since ovens vary, start checking at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking, which dries out the brownies.
Use Quality Cocoa: Dutch-processed cocoa deepens the flavor and gives this brownie a richer chocolate hit compared to natural cocoa powder.
Batch Size Matters: Baking in the right pan size keeps the brownies from becoming too thick or too thin—8x8 for this recipe works perfectly.

How to Serve Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe

fudgy cocoa brownies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love dusting the brownies lightly with powdered sugar just before serving—it adds a touch of elegance without interfering with the rich chocolate flavor. Sometimes, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt brings out the chocolate notes beautifully too.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a perfect balance of creamy and fudgy. A cup of strong coffee or a cold glass of milk also makes an excellent companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or parties, I’ve served these brownies layered with fresh berries and cream in clear glasses for a deconstructed brownie parfait—guests loved the presentation and flavor combo! You could also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top for an extra fancy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, which keeps them soft and moist. If your kitchen’s warm, storing them in the fridge works too, but I find they taste best at room temp.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully—just wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you want a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. They keep their fudgy texture and taste almost like fresh-baked.

Reheating

For a warm indulgence, I gently microwave leftover brownies for 10-15 seconds. This reheats them just enough to revive their gooeyness without drying them out. If you like, add a little ice cream on top after reheating—instant heaven!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of dutch-processed?

Yes, you can substitute natural cocoa powder, but it will give the brownies a slightly different flavor and texture—more acidic and less smooth. You might notice a less deep chocolate flavor. For best results, stick with dutch-processed if possible.

Why do my brownies sometimes turn cakey instead of fudgy?

Overmixing the batter or adding too much flour can cause cakey brownies. In this recipe, mix the flour in gently and stop as soon as it’s combined. Also, be careful not to overbake—the center should still look slightly set but moist.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely, this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe doubles well. Just use a 9x13 or 9x9 pan and increase baking time by 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on the brownies since oven temperatures can vary.

What’s the best way to make brownies extra gooey?

Adding about a tablespoon of oil to the batter along with the melted butter helps keep the brownies moist and gooey. Also, avoid overbaking and cool the brownies completely before cutting for that perfect fudgy texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe enough—whether you’re a busy parent, a baking beginner, or just looking for a quick treat, it delivers that classic, homemade brownie taste without stress. It’s one of those recipes I keep going back to and sharing with friends because it always hits the spot and makes everyone smile. Give it a try—I know you’re going to love every fudgy bite!