Description

A kid-friendly, small-batch brownie recipe that yields rich, fudgy brownies with a signature shiny, crackly crust. Perfect for baking with children and easy to clean up.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup (85g) all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional: Coarse sea salt for sprinkling on top

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Grease the parchment lightly.
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until liquid. Let it cool for a minute so it is warm but not hot.
Add the granulated sugar and eggs to the melted butter. Whisk vigorously for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and slightly fluffy. This step is crucial for the crackly top.
Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the flour, cocoa powder, and fine sea salt. Fold gently with a spatula just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix. Fold in optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top looks set and crackly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Lift them out using the parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and slice into squares. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt if desired.

Notes

Whisking the eggs and sugar vigorously is the key to achieving the crackly top. Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to keep the brownies fudgy rather than cakey. For best results, use room temperature eggs and measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. Brownies freeze well for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie square
Calories: 180
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 120
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 24
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3

Keywords: small batch brownies, fudgy brownies, crackly top brownies, kid-friendly baking, easy dessert, chocolate brownies, gluten-free option