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    Home » Recipes » Bars Brownies & Slices

    Easy Brownies

    Modified: Jun 19, 2025 · Published: Apr 25, 2022 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 64 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    A white cake stand placed on a tea towel, with rich choclate brownie squares.

    Need a quick chocolate fix? These easy brownies with cocoa powder are rich, fudgy, and ready in no time – no melted chocolate needed!
    Just like my Nutella Brownies and Butterscotch Blondies, they’re full of flavour and super simple to make.

    A gold fork holding a piece of moist chocolate brownie.

    I baked these brownies for a work morning tea, and my colleagues LOVED them. I have never had so many compliments before. They were an absolute hit. Best brownie recipe ever!!

    - Ros

    This is my go-to brownie recipe when I want something sweet but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen (or clean up a million bowls!).

    Made with cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate, these brownies are quicker to prep and just as rich and chocolatey.

    You’ll get that classic dense, chewy texture we all love, without needing any fancy ingredients.

    If you love a simple slice that delivers on flavour (like my Chocolate Coconut Slice or Milo Brownies), then you need to give these a try.

    Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

    • One bowl wonder – quick to make and even quicker to clean up.
    • No melted chocolate needed – cocoa powder does all the work.
    • Fudgy and chewy – with that all-important crackly top.
    • Simple pantry staples – no trips to the shops required.
    • Both conventional and Thermomix methods included – easy for everyone.
    Jump to:
    • Why You're Going To Love This Recipe
    • Brownie Ingredients
    • Variations
    • How To Make Easy Brownies
    • Top Tip
    • Recipe Tips
    • Easy Chocolate Brownies FAQs
    • More Brownie Recipes
    • Easy Brownies

    Brownie Ingredients

    These brownies use just six everyday ingredients. Here’s what you need to know:

    Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

    The ingredients for chocolate  brownies made with cocoa powder.
    • Caster sugar – gives the brownies their signature crackly top. Don’t swap for raw or brown sugar.
    • Cocoa powder – use a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest flavour.

    Variations

    • Gluten-free – swap the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend (ensure it has xanthan gum for best results).
    • Add-ins – mix through chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
    • Double chocolate – stir in chunks of dark or milk chocolate before baking.
    • Mini brownie bites – bake in mini muffin tins for little fudgy bites (just reduce the cooking time).

    How To Make Easy Brownies

    These brownies are super simple to whip up – here’s how:

    Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

    Cocoa powder being mixed with liquid ingredients
    1. Step 1: Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.

      Stir in the caster sugar and sifted cocoa powder. Microwave in 30-second bursts (50% power), stirring in between, until sugar is dissolved.
    Eggs being added to a chocolate batter mixture in a bowl.
    1. Step 2: Let cool slightly, then add vanilla and eggs. Whisk to combine.
    Plain flour sifted over a brownie batter mixture.
    1. Step 3: Sift in the flour and fold through gently.
    Brownie batter in a square baking tin.
    1. Step 4: Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 25–30 minutes or until just set.

    Top Tip

    For gooey brownies, bake for 25 minutes; for fudgier brownies with a crackly top, bake for 30.

    Recipe Tips

    • Brownies continue to cook as they cool, so pull them out slightly underdone.
    • Use room temperature eggs to prevent the mixture from seizing.
    • Line the tin well for easy removal.
    • Let the brownie cool completely before slicing for neat edges.
    • Want a gooey centre? Bake for the lower end of the time range.
    • Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days.
    • Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
    • Warm slightly before serving for extra gooeyness!
    A piece of half-eaten fudgy chocolate brownie on a white stand

    Easy Chocolate Brownies FAQs

    How do you know when brownies are done?

    A toothpick test is the easiest way to tell when brownies are done. Insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into the centre of the brownies. If it comes out clean, with a few moist and sticky crumbs, then they are ready!

    What cocoa powder is best for brownies?

    Whatever type of cocoa powder you use, make sure it’s a good quality one! Dutch processed cocoa powder lends a deep, smooth flavour and is recommended, but natural cocoa powder works too if that’s what you have on hand.

    Why are my brownies dry?

    There are several causes of dry brownies, but the most common are overbaking or adding too much flour. Start checking the brownies around the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking and weigh your flour. Too much flour will dry the brownies out and make them more crumbly.

    Why don’t these brownies use chocolate?

    Using cocoa powder keeps things simple and still delivers a rich, fudgy texture.

    More Brownie Recipes

    It's always a good time to make brownies. Check out this delicious collection for your next baking adventure!

    • Front view of a stack of brownies with M&Ms and sparkler in background
      M&M Brownies | Chocolate Brownie Slice
    • Squares of chocolate brownie filled with chewy caramels.
      Caramel Brownies with Nutella & Jersey Caramels
    • 3 pieces of chocolate brownie with raspberries stacked on top of one another.
      Healthy Brownies (Raspberry and Chocolate)
    • A piece of fudgy chocolate brownie with chunks of white and dark chocolate.
      Triple Chocolate Brownies

    WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

    A half eaten fudgy chocolate brownie on a gold fork.

    Easy Brownies

    Rich, fudgy, and made with just cocoa powder – these easy one-bowl brownies are quick to make, crackly on top, and irresistibly chewy inside!
    5 from 61 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: brownies, Slices
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 20 serves
    Calories: 140kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    • 150 g butter
    • 275 g (1 ¼cups) caster sugar see notes
    • 75 g (¾ cup) cocoa powder
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
    • 3 eggs room temperature
    • 75 g (½ cup) plain flour
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Conventional Method

    • Preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius (fan-forced) and line a 20cm square tin with baking paper. Set aside.
    • Place the butter into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute.
    • Add the caster sugar and sifted cocoa powder and stir.
    • Heat in the microwave on 30 second bursts (50% power) until sugar dissolved and ingredients combined - stirring each time.
    • Allow to cool slightly.
    • Add the vanilla extract and the eggs and whisk until combined.
    • Sift the plain flour into the bowl and gently fold through.
    • Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
    • Leave in the tin to cool completely.

    Thermomix Mehod

    • Preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius fan-forced (320 degrees fahreinheit). Line a 20cm x 20 cm square baking tin (8 x 8 inches) with baking paper. Set aside.
    • Place the butter into the Thermomix bowl. Melt for 3 minutes on 80 degrees, Speed 2.
    • Add the caster sugar and cocoa powder and mix for 10 seconds on Speed 4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and repeat for a further 10 seconds. Allow to cool slightly.
    • Add the vanilla extract and the eggs and mix for 10 seconds on Reverse, Speed 4. Scrape down the sides and repeat.
    • Add the plain flour and mix for 5 seconds on Speed 4. Scrape the sides of the bowl and repeat.
    • Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. Leave in the tin to cool completely.

    Notes

    RECIPE NOTES & TIPS:
    • Brownies continue to cook as they cool, so pull them out slightly underdone.
    • Use room temperature eggs to prevent the mixture from seizing.
    • Line the tin well for easy removal.
    • Let the brownie cool completely before slicing for neat edges.
    • Want a gooey centre? Bake for the lower end of the time range.
    • Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days.
    • Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
    • Warm slightly before serving for extra gooeyness!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 223IU | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!

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    Comments

    1. Jan says

      December 02, 2024 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      Just made a batch today. Just had to sneak a little piece while they were still warm. Just wonderful & fudgy & delicious!

      Reply
    2. Nicole says

      October 17, 2022 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing!

      Reply
    3. Ros says

      August 20, 2021 at 12:06 pm

      5 stars
      I baked these brownies for a work morning tea and my colleagues LOVED them. I have never had so many compliments before. They were an absolute hit. Best brownie recipe ever!!

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        August 21, 2021 at 7:49 am

        That's absolutely fantastic!!! Well done!

        Reply
      • Sonz says

        April 30, 2023 at 12:56 pm

        5 stars
        This was AMAZING! So easy and delicious - I love that you can use cocoa powder instead of baking chocolate, way easier and versatile. Thank you!

        Reply
        • Lucy says

          April 30, 2023 at 8:37 pm

          I'm so happy you liked it!

          Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 61 votes (46 ratings without comment)

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    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

    More about me →

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