Chewy Chocolate Chunk Brownies

Name: Chewy Chocolate Chunk Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chunks

Highlighted under: Heavenly Confections

I absolutely love making these Chewy Chocolate Chunk Brownies! The rich, fudgy texture combined with gooey chocolate chunks creates an indulgent treat that's simply irresistible. Whenever I serve them, I can see everyone’s eyes light up with excitement. Getting the balance of chewy and moist took a few attempts, but I found that using brown sugar adds a depth of flavor while keeping them soft. Whether it's for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, these brownies are my go-to dessert that never disappoints.

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-02-16T11:39:37.541Z

Each time I bake these brownies, I feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. Growing up, my grandmother would whip up a batch whenever I visited, and now I cherish the moment of recreating those memories in my own kitchen. The key to getting them just right is ensuring the butter isn’t too hot when you combine it with the sugar, which helps prevent overmixing and keeps the brownies perfectly chewy.

Another tip is to let them cool completely before cutting. It can be tempting to dig in right away, but letting the brownies rest allows the flavors to develop and the texture to settle, resulting in an even better treat. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Why You Will Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor that satisfies every chocolate lover's cravings
Perfectly chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more
Easy to make, making it an ideal recipe for all baking occasions

Understanding the Ingredients

The core of these Chewy Chocolate Chunk Brownies lies in the ingredients, and each plays a critical role in achieving that perfect fudgy texture. Brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that contrasts beautifully with the bittersweet chocolate chunks. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses, but be aware that the flavor and chewiness may vary slightly.

Using unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar and chocolate chunks. It contributes rich chocolate notes without adding additional sugar. I recommend using high-quality cocoa powder, as it can significantly impact the depth of flavor in your brownies. Dutch-processed cocoa could also be used if you prefer a smoother, less acidic profile.

Baking Techniques for Perfect Brownies

A crucial step in making these brownies is melting the butter carefully. Overheating can cause the butter to separate, resulting in a greasy texture rather than a rich, fudgy base. Melt the butter slowly over low heat and remove it from the heat just when it’s fully melted. This will ensure a smooth consistency when mixed with sugar.

Another vital technique is to avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added to the butter mixture. Only fold until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense and cakey brownies. The mixture should be thick and slightly glossy before adding the chocolate chunks, so keep an eye on the texture.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chunks

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Melt the butter

In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar until well combined.

Add eggs and vanilla

Let the butter mixture cool slightly, then stir in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Mix ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chunks.

Bake the brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the brownies before baking for a delightful salted chocolate contrast.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them further by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. For a touch of decadence, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before serving to enhance the chocolate flavor and add contrast.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added crunch and flavor. Alternatively, a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella into the batter before baking can create a deliciously unique variation.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to preserve freshness, I recommend wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in the fridge, where they can last up to ten days. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

For longer storage, brownies can be frozen for up to three months. Cut them into squares and layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that warm, gooey texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of chocolate chunks?

Yes, using dark chocolate will give the brownies a richer flavor!

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for a week.

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can add a nice crunch and flavor to the brownies!