Updated on August 26th, 2025
There’s just something about homemade chocolate brownies that makes them hard to beat, and this recipe gives you everything you want in a brownie. They’re rich and chocolatey, soft in the middle, and just chewy enough around the edges to make each bite satisfying. The ingredients are straightforward, which means you can throw them together without fuss, and the results always feel like more than the effort you put in. These brownies cut beautifully and hold their shape, making them just as good for a casual snack as they are for sharing with a crowd.
Why this recipe works
- Balanced chocolate taste: Cocoa powder creates a deep chocolate flavor that isn’t too sweet, letting the richness shine through in every bite.
- Perfect texture combination: The shortening and eggs give the brownies a moist center, while the edges bake into that chewy bite everyone loves.
- Simple, foolproof method: The recipe doesn’t require any fancy steps, so you get consistent results every time you make them.
- Endless ways to customize: Nuts, chocolate chips, or even candies can be folded in, giving you the chance to change the flavor and texture with each batch.
- Easy to slice and serve: Lining the pan with foil makes cleanup simple and allows you to lift the brownies out cleanly, so you get neat, even squares every time.
Serving suggestions
- Classic warm and cold combo: Serve a brownie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that irresistible hot-and-cold contrast.
- Extra indulgent topping: Add a drizzle of caramel, a spoonful of peanut butter, or a sprinkle of sea salt to take the flavor up a notch.
- Simple snack option: Cut them into smaller squares for a quick grab-and-go treat that fits nicely into lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
- Dressed up for special occasions: Dust with powdered sugar or add a thin layer of frosting when you want to make them look a little fancier.
- Perfect drink pairing: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even hot cocoa when you’re in the mood for something extra cozy.
Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Bake the ultimate chocolate brownies with a rich, fudgy texture and moist bite. A quick homemade recipe that turns out perfectly every time.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 2 1/4 cups white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans (chopped)
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13” baking pan with aluminum foil and grease it.
- In a saucepan melt shortening and then stir in cocoa powder. Remove pan from heat.
- Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl. Mix in sugar and vanilla extract. Mix in eggs one at a time. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans. Pour mixture into the baking dish and spread out evenly. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.
Notes
Makes about 14-28 brownies depending on the size you cut them
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 349
- Sugar: 32.5 g
- Sodium: 189.1 mg
- Fat: 18.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 5.1 g
- Cholesterol: 53.1 mg