Brownie Squares with Sugar Dusting

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

These brownie squares deliver a rich, fudgy texture balanced by a light dusting of powdered sugar that adds a delicate sweetness. Combining cocoa, melted butter, and both granulated and brown sugars creates a deep, chocolatey flavor. Baked until just moist, they remain soft inside with a slightly crisp edge. Ideal for parties or cozy treats, they're easy to prepare and can be enhanced with chocolate chips or nuts. Cooling fully ensures clean slices, while the sugar dusting adds an elegant finish.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:59:00 GMT
Warm, gooey Brownie Squares dusted with powdered sugar, a perfect American dessert for any occasion. Save
Warm, gooey Brownie Squares dusted with powdered sugar, a perfect American dessert for any occasion. | meadowplate.com

Decadent, fudgy brownie squares topped with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar—perfect for dessert tables, parties, or an indulgent treat.

I have always enjoyed making these brownies for family gatherings because they never fail to impress and disappear fast.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar, 2/3 cup (120 g) packed light brown sugar, 3 large eggs room temperature, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Topping: 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl sift together flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Step 3:
In a large bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
Step 4:
Add eggs one at a time whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 7:
Bake for 22 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8:
Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 9:
Lift brownies out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares.
Step 10:
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
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These brownies bring back wonderful memories of sharing sweet moments with my family during holidays.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for an extra special treat.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.

Variations

For extra richness fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking.

These rich Brownie Squares with their light powdered sugar topping look irresistibly soft, ready to be enjoyed. Save
These rich Brownie Squares with their light powdered sugar topping look irresistibly soft, ready to be enjoyed. | meadowplate.com

This recipe delivers rich, fudgy brownies every time perfect for any dessert occasion.

Recipe FAQs

What makes these brownie squares fudgy?

The combination of melted butter, a mix of granulated and brown sugars, and cocoa powder creates a dense, moist texture that gives these squares their fudgy quality.

Why is it important not to overmix the batter?

Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher brownies instead of a tender, fudgy texture.

How does the powdered sugar dusting enhance the squares?

The powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness and an attractive, delicate finish that visually contrasts with the rich chocolate base.

Can I add extra ingredients to customize the flavor?

Yes, folding in chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking adds texture and deeper flavor to the squares.

What is the recommended baking time for optimal texture?

Baking for 22–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs ensures a tender, fudgy interior without drying out.

How should these squares be stored?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and moisture.

Brownie Squares with Sugar Dusting

Fudgy brownie squares topped with a light powdered sugar dusting, perfect for sweet indulgence.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Recipe by Ella Whitcombe


How Tough Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 16 Portions

Diet Preferences Meatless

What You Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
02 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
03 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
04 3 large eggs, room temperature
05 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Topping

01 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting

How To Make

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth.

Step 04

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 05

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 06

Transfer Batter and Smooth: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top with a spatula.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center yields moist crumbs.

Step 08

Cool and Remove: Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Lift brownies out using parchment overhang.

Step 09

Portion and Finish: Cut into 16 squares and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Tools Needed

  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Sifter or fine mesh sieve
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Details

Review each item for allergens, and reach out to a medical professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter). May contain nuts if added.

Nutrition Info (each serving)

Details are meant for general information, not for medical purposes.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 2 g