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

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a rich, fudgy brownie that’s so simple to whip up. This Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe is a total winner in my book because it cuts down on fuss but never on that melt-in-your-mouth chocolatey goodness we all crave.

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

Honestly, I always look for a brownie recipe that’s quick to put together but still feels homemade and indulgent. This Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe fits the bill every single time — and I can’t wait to share why you’ll appreciate it as much as I do.

Minimal cleanup: Only one bowl to dirty means you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your brownies.
Fudgy texture perfection: These brownies strike the perfect balance between gooey and rich — exactly what a true brownie should be.
Customizable add-ins: Whether you like nuts, chocolate chips, or a combo, this recipe welcomes your favorite extras.
Super straightforward instructions: You don’t need any special equipment or advanced skills—just whisk, stir, and bake!

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 recipe plays a crucial role to give you brownies that are fudgy, flavorful, and just sweet enough. Here’s what I always keep in mind when grabbing ingredients for this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe.

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 and moisture, but oil can make brownies extra fudgy if you prefer that.
Sugar: I use 1 cup, but you can adjust slightly if you want them less sweet or a bit richer.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa is my go-to for a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add to that tender crumb you want.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch brings out all the chocolate notes beautifully.
Flour: This little bit of flour keeps the brownies from being too cake-like while still holding the texture.
Salt: If you’re using unsalted butter, a pinch enhances flavor balance, but skip it if your butter is salted.
Add-ins: Chocolate chips, walnuts, or anything you love add 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

One of the best parts about this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I love to mix it up depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry.

Variation: Sometimes I throw in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to really intensify the chocolate flavor—it’s like magic.
Dairy-free: Using coconut oil instead of butter works beautifully for a dairy-free version.
Add-in swaps: Walnuts, pecans, or even dried cherries bring delicious twists—you can customize right down to what crunch or sweetness you want.

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

Step 1: Melt and Mix Your Base

I start by melting the butter right in the bowl I’ll mix everything in—usually a large microwave-safe one. About a minute on high does the trick for me. Then I whisk in the sugar and cocoa powder vigorously for at least a minute to ensure the sugar starts dissolving. Don’t rush this part; it makes the batter silky and smooth.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla Until Shiny

Add your eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Then pour in your vanilla. Take the time to whisk about a minute here — this builds the structure and makes your batter glossy and ready for a perfect bake.

Step 3: Fold in Flour and Salt Gently

Now, sprinkle the flour and salt evenly over your batter and fold them in carefully. Overmixing is the enemy here since it can make the brownies cakey, so use a light hand until you don’t see any streaks of flour.

Step 4: Add Your Favorite Extras

This is where you can get creative—fold in half a cup of chopped dark chocolate, walnuts, or chocolate chips. I usually stick to dark chocolate chunks for that melty surprise in every bite.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Spread that luscious batter into a greased or parchment-lined 8x8 pan. Bake at 350°F for around 20 minutes. Remember, the center should be set but still slightly soft — don’t overbake or you’ll lose the fudgy texture!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned these few tips make all the difference when baking my Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe. They’ve saved me from many a dry brownie disappointment!

Whisking well: Taking an extra minute to whisk the sugar and eggs ensures a shiny, smooth batter that bakes up fudgy.
Don’t overmix flour: Gently fold until just combined to avoid cakey brownies.
Watch baking time: Set your timer and check early; one minute too long and the texture changes drastically.
Let brownies cool completely: Patience here means cleaner slices and that perfect fudgy bite.

How to Serve Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe

Fudgy Cocoa Brownies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m usually happy with these brownies just as they are, but sometimes I dust them lightly with powdered sugar or add a few fresh berries on top for a little fancy flair—and a pop of color! A drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates them beautifully too.

Side Dishes

When I want to turn snack time into a little moment, I pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s that classic combo—for me, it never gets old. A hot cup of coffee or milk also round out the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties or casual get-togethers, I’ve laid out the brownies on a wooden board with a scattering of nuts and chocolate curls. Another fun trick is slicing into bite-size squares and skewering them with a pretty toothpick as easy-to-grab party treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out, especially if you place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.

Freezing

I often freeze these brownies in slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They thaw perfectly at room temperature, and I’ve never noticed any loss in that fudgy texture.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10 seconds — just enough to soften it without melting the chocolate add-ins. This way, it tastes freshly baked all over again!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use oil instead of butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! Using oil instead of butter will make the brownies a bit more fudgy and moist. Just substitute the butter with an equal amount of oil, like vegetable or coconut oil, and proceed as usual.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Look for the edges to be set and the center to be just slightly firm but still soft to the touch. You want to avoid overbaking since that causes dry, cakey brownies. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I double this Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles very well. Use a 9x13 pan or 9x9 pan and increase baking time by about 5 to 7 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

What’s the best way to store leftover brownies?

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. You can also refrigerate them if you want to keep them longer, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe has been my go-to when I want a fuss-free but ultra-satisfying chocolate treat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again. Baking these is like a little chocolate hug you can make in a flash — what’s not to love?