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.
Preheat the oven to 350°F, and grease an 8x8-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.
Recipe Tips
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.