If you're anything like me, brownies are a non-negotiable comfort bake. There's just something about a fudgy square of rich chocolate goodness that makes everything feel better. These gooey dark chocolate brownies are exactly that-dense, moist, and packed with deep chocolate flavor.
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I've tested this recipe more times than I can count, and every single time, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool before cutting. Trust me, the smell alone will test your patience!
If you love this recipe, you'll also want to try the easy peanut butter swirl brownies for another chocolatey treat.
Ingredients you'll need
- 200g / 14 tablespoon unsalted butter (1 ¾ US sticks)
- 200 g / 1 ¼ cups dark chocolate chips (7 oz)
- 1 cup (175g) brown sugar, loosely packed
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (75g) plain flour
- ¼ cup (30g) cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 180g/6oz dark chocolate block (optional), chopped into chunks (bittersweet or semi-sweet cooking chocolate)
Alternative stir-in option: 1.5 cups roughly chopped walnuts (or other nuts).
Step-by-step instructions
Prep the pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan). Spray a 20cm / 8″ square tin with oil and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang to make lifting the brownies out easier later.
Melt the butter and chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, add butter and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy (about 1 minute 30 seconds for me).
Mix in sugar, vanilla, and eggs
Stir in the sugar and vanilla. Once combined, whisk in the eggs until the batter looks shiny and thick.
Fold in dry ingredients
Add the flour, cocoa, and pinch of salt. Stir until everything is smooth.
Add the extras
Fold in the chopped dark chocolate (or nuts if using). Pour the batter into your prepared tin, smoothing the top.
Bake
- 24 minutes → very gooey center
- 28 minutes → fudgy but still moist (my personal go-to)
- 32 minutes → a more set, cake-like brownie
Tip: if you skip the extra chocolate chunks, reduce the baking time by about 2 minutes.
Cool before cutting
Let the brownies rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out with the parchment overhang. Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days-or freeze for up to 3 months.
Top tips for the best brownies
- Don't overbake: The edges should look set, but the center will still be a little soft when you take them out. They'll firm up as they cool.
- Use good chocolate: Since chocolate is the star here, go for bittersweet or semi-sweet baking chocolate instead of cheap candy bars.
- For neat slices: Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts.
Storage & freezing
These brownies taste amazing on day one but might be even better the next day once the flavors settle. Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap squares individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They'll keep well for up to 3 months.
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📖 Recipe
Gooey Dark Chocolate Brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These gooey dark chocolate brownies are dense, fudgy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool before slicing-but trust me, they're worth the wait!
Ingredients
- 200g / 14 tablespoon unsalted butter (1 ¾ US sticks)
- 200 g / 1 ¼ cups dark chocolate chips (7 oz)
- 1 cup (175g) brown sugar, loosely packed
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (75g) plain flour
- ¼ cup (30g) cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 180g/6oz dark chocolate block (optional), chopped into chunks (bittersweet or semi-sweet)
- Alternative stir-in option: 1.5 cups roughly chopped walnuts (or other nuts)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan). Spray a 20cm / 8″ square tin with oil and line with parchment, leaving an overhang.
- In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate chips in 30-second microwave bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in sugar and vanilla. Whisk in eggs until shiny and thick.
- Fold in flour, cocoa, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in chopped chocolate (or nuts if using). Spread batter into tin.
- Bake: 24 min = very gooey, 28 min = fudgy, 32 min = more set.
- Cool 10 minutes in pan, then lift out with parchment. Cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Don't overbake-the edges should look set while the center stays soft. Use quality bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate. For neat slices, wipe your knife between cuts. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg






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