Chewy Chocolate Chunk Brownies

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Ideas

I absolutely love making these chewy chocolate chunk brownies whenever I crave something sweet and indulgent. The rich, fudgy texture combined with the bursts of chocolate chunks creates a decadent treat that never disappoints. Each bite is truly a chocolate lover's dream! I enjoy experimenting with different toppings, like a sprinkle of sea salt or a swirl of caramel, which elevates the flavor even more. Honestly, there's nothing like the aroma of freshly baked brownies filling my kitchen on a cozy afternoon.

Tabitha Collins

Created by

Tabitha Collins

Last updated on 2026-02-16T06:25:36.987Z

When I first attempted to create these brownies, I knew I wanted them to have that perfect balance of chewy and fudgy. One of the key factors I found was not to overmix the batter; this keeps them tender and ensures that they have those delightful chunks of chocolate throughout. There’s something so satisfying about pausing to watch them bake, filling my kitchen with the warm scent of chocolate.

After multiple tries, I discovered that using both cocoa powder and melted chocolate gives the brownies a deeper flavor. I also recommend letting them cool in the pan before cutting, as this step makes them easier to slice and enhances their chewiness. They have become a favorite treat not just for me but for friends and family as well!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
  • Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality chocolate chunks can significantly enhance the flavor of your brownies. Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate with a cocoa percentage that you enjoy. This choice will ensure that each bite is rich and indulgent, complementing the fudgy texture beautifully. Avoid chocolate chips if possible, as they often have stabilizers that prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a less satisfying texture.

Another key ingredient is the unsalted butter. It provides the necessary fat for moisture and richness. Always use room temperature butter to ensure it incorporates smoothly into the batter when mixed with the sugar and eggs. This will help in achieving the perfect fudgy consistency without any lumps.

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

When pouring the batter into the prepared pan, I recommend smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Watch for visual cues during baking; the edges should look set, while the center may still appear slightly underbaked. Remember, the brownies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they’re perfectly chewy.

If you're unsure about your oven's accuracy, consider using an oven thermometer. Oven temperature can affect baking times, and an inaccurate oven can lead to dry brownies or uneven baking. Adjust the baking time based on your observations, keeping in mind that every oven behaves a bit differently.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to prepare for a delightful baking experience.

Brownie Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup (170g) chocolate chunks

Now that you have everything ready, let's move on to the next steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious brownies.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat once melted.

Mix Ingredients

Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the melted butter.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.

Mix Together

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined.

Add Chocolate Chunks

Fold in the chocolate chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade chewy chocolate chunk brownies with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream!

Pro Tips

  • For an extra touch, consider adding nuts or a swirl of peanut butter on top before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These chewy chocolate chunk brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with various toppings. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side transforms them into a decadent dessert. For a salty-sweet combination, consider sprinkling a few flakes of sea salt on top just before serving.

Experimenting with flavor pairings can yield delightful results. For instance, adding a swirl of peanut butter or caramel into the batter before baking creates pockets of unexpected richness. This not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also adds a fun texture contrast.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, which makes them excellent for make-ahead treats. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Cut the cooled brownies into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer, and you can take out individual portions whenever a craving strikes.

To thaw frozen brownies, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave them for about 15 seconds on a low setting. You'll be amazed at how refreshing they taste, maintaining their moisture and flavor even after freezing!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?

Yes! Using cocoa powder adds a rich flavor, but for extra fudginess, consider incorporating both.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I add for variations?

You can try adding nuts, caramel swirls, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for different flavor profiles.

Secondary image

Chewy Chocolate Chunk Brownies

I absolutely love making these chewy chocolate chunk brownies whenever I crave something sweet and indulgent. The rich, fudgy texture combined with the bursts of chocolate chunks creates a decadent treat that never disappoints. Each bite is truly a chocolate lover's dream! I enjoy experimenting with different toppings, like a sprinkle of sea salt or a swirl of caramel, which elevates the flavor even more. Honestly, there's nothing like the aroma of freshly baked brownies filling my kitchen on a cozy afternoon.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Tabitha Collins

Recipe Type: Classic Baking Ideas

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 16 brownies

What You'll Need

Brownie Ingredients

  1. 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
  2. 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  3. 2 large eggs
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  6. 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1 cup (170g) chocolate chunks

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Step 02

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat once melted.

Step 03

Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the melted butter.

Step 04

In a separate bowl, combine the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined.

Step 06

Fold in the chocolate chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.

Step 07

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 08

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra touch, consider adding nuts or a swirl of peanut butter on top before baking.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g