Rich, fudgy brownies with the perfect shiny, crinkly top. This glossy brownie recipe can be made and baked in under an hour. If you love chocolate, you will adore these foolproof brownies that always turn out perfect. With a rich chocolate flavor and a shiny, crackly top, these brownies are a dream come true for any sweet tooth.

After trying so many brownie recipes, I landed on this one because of its incredibly fudgy texture and how easy it is to make. I am obsessed with this recipe, and I am sure you guys will like it too.

In addition to these amazing brownies, you might also want to try The best Brown butter chocolate chip cookies, which are always a hit with kids and adults alike. If you are in the mood for something fruity, The Best Banana Nut Muffin are a great choice for breakfast or a snack. And don't miss out on my Cream Horns made with store-bought puff pastry—an easy yet elegant dessert that impresses every time.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter and oil: The secret to achieving the perfect shiny, crackly top is using both butter and oil. The butter should be melted and hot, which helps create that beautiful finish, while just 1 tablespoon of oil ensures the brownies stay moist and rich.

Flour: A small amount of flour is used to give structure to the brownies without making them cakey. This ensures a dense, fudgy texture.

Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the brownies but also helps create the shiny, crinkly top. The right amount of sugar is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent and contribute to the fudgy texture. They also help in creating that beautiful, crackly top.

Cocoa Powder: Using good-quality cocoa powder provides the rich chocolate flavor that makes these brownies so irresistible.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the brownies. A little goes a long way in making these brownies delicious.

Add-ons

Chocolate Chips or Chunks: For an even richer chocolate experience, stir in some chocolate chips or chunks before baking.

Instant coffee or espresso: Small amount of coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a crunch and nutty flavor.

How to make Foolproof Crinkly Fudgy Brownies

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 or 7x7 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted hot butter and oil. Add the granulated sugar and whisk until well combined.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat about a minutes after adding eggs.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Optional Add-Ons: If using, fold in the chocolate chips or chunks, nuts, or coffee powder.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy your rich, fudgy brownies with the perfect shiny, crinkly top!

Helpful tips

Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for good-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
Melt Butter Properly: Melt the butter until just melted and hot, not boiling, to help create a shiny, crackly top on the brownies.
Don't Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in tough brownies.
Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper to line your baking pan for easy removal and cleanup.
Add Optional Ingredients Thoughtfully: Gently fold in extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel swirls to distribute them evenly without deflating the batter.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure they set properly.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the brownies towards the end of baking time and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies instead of moist and fudgy ones.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Customize your brownies with flavors like mint extract, peanut butter swirls, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
Store Properly: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Double the Recipe: Scale up the ingredients and bake in a larger pan if you need more brownies. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Enjoy Fresh or Warmed: Serve these delicious brownies warm with ice cream or enjoy them on their own with a glass of milk.