The Ultimate Homemade Fudge Brownies From Scratch

Growing up in Colorado, the scent of brownies baking was always a signal that something extraordinary was happening. Our neighbor, Lynn, would bring over her homemade fudge brownies, still warm from the oven, with the chocolate aroma wafting through our kitchen door before she even knocked. The first time I bit into one of her intensely chocolatey, perfectly fudgy creations, I knew boxed mixes would never satisfy me again. Years later, that treasured card—now stained and well-worn—has remained one of my most prized possessions. These brownies have comforted me through breakups, celebrated promotions, and welcomed new neighbors of my own. Now, I’m sharing Lynn’s legendary recipe with you.

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Why You Must Try Making Homemade Fudge Brownies With Cocoa Powder 

The science behind these perfect fudge brownies lies in the careful balance of ingredients and technique. While cake-like brownies rely on additional leavening agents, these fudgy brownies intentionally omit baking powder to create that dense, rich texture chocolate lovers crave. The high ratio of fat to flour keeps the brownies moist, while the combination of cocoa powder and butter creates a deep chocolate flavor without requiring melted chocolate. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates just enough air for structure without making them cakey, and removing them from the oven. At the same time, still slightly underdone allows the residual heat to finish the cooking process without drying them out. The result is that perfect paper-thin crackly top and an irresistibly fudgy center.

Ingredients for Homemade Fudge Brownies

To make the fudge-like brownies, you’ll need:

• Butter – Creates rich flavor and fudgy texture (either salted or unsalted work well.)
• Sugar – Sweetens and helps form the crackly top
• Large eggs – Provide structure and contribute to fudgy texture
• Vanilla extract – Enhances chocolate flavor with aromatic depth
• Milk – Adds moisture for that perfect fudgy consistency
• All-purpose flour – Provides just enough structure without toughness
• Cocoa powder – Delivers intense chocolate flavor
• Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances sweetness

How to Make Fudge Brownies

To make these homemade brownies from scratch

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees with the rack set in the middle.
2. Grease a glass 8×8 baking tray with a neutral oil. Glass baking trays are better in this recipe because the exterior of the brownies will stay softer. 
3. While the oven comes up to temperature, cream the butter and sugar until it is light and airy with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. Use a paddle attachment if you have one. 

4. Add the eggs, vanilla, and milk to the bowl. Beat until the wet ingredients are blended.

5. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into a separate bowl. 
6. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients while beating on low. You can add nuts at this step if using. 
7. Once the wet and dry ingredients combine, stop beating. 

8. Pour the brownie batter into the greased glass baking pan. Use a ruber spatula to scape out all of the brownie batter.
9. Bake for 20 to 35 minutes, rotating once. 
10. Check if the brownies are done by sticking a toothpick in the center. Don’t cook these brownies until the toothpick is clean, or they will be too dry. Instead, remove the brownies from the oven when moist crumbs are sticking to the toothpick.
11. Place the baking tray on a wire rack and let the brownies cool. 
12. Slice into pieces and transfer to an airtight container for storage. 

The Ultimate Homemade Fudge Brownies From Scratch

Decadent, rich fudge brownies made from scratch with cocoa powder. These brownies feature the perfect balance of a thin crackly top and a dense, fudgy center that melts in your mouth.

5 from 5 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Fudge Brownies, Homemade Brownies

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 16

Calories: 108kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• chopped nuts optional

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F, and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line the dish with parchment paper.
• Use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar in a medium until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, vanilla, and milk, and beat until combined.
• Sift the flour, cocoa, and salt into a separate bowl, and whisk to combine.
• Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, along with the chopped nuts if desired, and beat or stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish
• Bake for 20 to 35 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
• Cool the brownies completely before slicing and removing them from the pan.

Notes

The key to truly exceptional fudge brownies lies in the timing. Underbaking slightly is crucial—remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted in the center shows moist crumbs, never waiting until it comes out clean. The residual heat will continue cooking the brownies as they cool. For the most accurate test, look for the edges to pull slightly away from the pan while the center remains slightly soft but not liquid. Using room temperature eggs and butter makes a significant difference in achieving that perfect texture, so plan accordingly. For an even more intense chocolate experience, add a teaspoon and a half of espresso powder to the dry ingredients—it won’t make the brownies taste like coffee but will enhance the chocolate flavor dramatically.

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Serving Suggestions

These versatile brownies can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

• Holiday upgrade – Top with crushed candy canes during the winter holidays
• Classic comfort – Serve warm with a cold glass of milk
• Dessert elegance – Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce
• Coffee pairing – Cut into small squares as an accompaniment to espresso
• Dessert fusion – Use as the base for a brownie sundae with caramel sauce and chopped nuts
• Gift giving – Stack in a decorative tin with parchment paper between layers
• Party platter – Cut into bite-sized pieces for a dessert buffet

Storage and Reheating

• Freshness tip – For longer storage, don’t cut brownies until ready to serve
• Counter storage – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days
• Moisture trick – Place a slice of bread in the container to maintain freshness
• Freezer storage – Wrap uncut or individual brownies in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months
• Thawing method – Defrost frozen brownies in the refrigerator overnight
• Serving temperature – For maximum fudginess, warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving

Love Brownies? Try These Recipes

• Bisquick Mix Brownies
• Cookies and Cream Brownies
• Cream Cheese Brownies
• Creme de Menthe Brownies
• Hershey Brownies
• Pecan Pie Brownies
• Red Velvet Brownies
• Turtle Brownies

Best Recipes for Bars

• Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
• Easy Lemon Bars
• Fudge Jumbles
• Hello Dolly Bars

Check out more of my easy brownie recipes and favorite family recipes here on CopyKat!

This homemade fudgy brownie recipe came from our neighbor when I was growing up in Colorado. Thank you to Lynn Orndorph. Pueblo, Co. 1978.