Fudgy Chocolate Chip Brownie Bars

These Fudgy Chocolate Chip Brownie Bars are everything I crave when I want a rich, chocolatey treat with a soft, gooey center and a slightly crisp top. Loaded with chocolate chips and made with pantry staples, this easy recipe delivers bakery-style brownies in under an hour. Whether I’m baking for a party or just satisfying a sweet tooth, this is one recipe I always come back to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these brownies hit that perfect balance between chewy and fudgy. The use of both melted and whole chocolate chips makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth good. They’re simple to prepare, don’t require any special equipment, and turn out consistently delicious every single time. Plus, they make the kitchen smell like heaven.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 tablespoons butter

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

2. In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, I melt the butter with 1½ cups of the chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. I let it cool slightly.

3. In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. I slowly pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine.

5. In a separate bowl, I stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

6. I fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—being careful not to overmix.

7. I gently stir in the remaining 1½ cups of chocolate chips.

8. I pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

9. I bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).

10. I let the brownies cool in the pan before slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–16 brownie bars depending on how I slice them. It takes 15 minutes to prep and 30–35 minutes to bake, for a total time of around 50 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

• For a mocha twist, I add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter.

• I swap half the semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate chips when I want to mix it up.

• To make it extra decadent, I top the baked brownies with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt.

• For gluten-free brownies, I substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

storage/reheating

I store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, I microwave a square for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a hand mixer or do I whisk by hand?

I usually whisk by hand for this recipe—it’s easy and gives the perfect texture. But a hand mixer on low speed works fine too.

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, but they’ll make the brownies a bit sweeter and less rich. I prefer semi-sweet for that deep chocolate flavor.

How do I know when they’re done?

I look for the edges to be set and the center to be slightly soft. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. I double everything and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. I usually increase the baking time by about 5–10 minutes, checking for doneness.

Why are my brownies dry?

They’re likely overbaked. I always start checking at the 30-minute mark and remove them once a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs.

Conclusion

These Fudgy Chocolate Chip Brownie Bars are the kind of treat I can always count on—rich, easy, and totally satisfying. Whether I serve them as a dessert, pack them for a picnic, or sneak one with my coffee, they’re an indulgent little slice of chocolate heaven.