Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

Rich, fudgy, chocolatey brownies with a crackly top, made in one bowl with cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Always a good idea.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (85 g) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Gently melt the butter, then let it cool for a couple of minutes.
3. Whisk the sugar into the melted butter. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each, followed by the vanilla.
4. Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the brownies less tender.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
6. Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Allow the brownies to cool before slicing. For especially fudgy brownies, let them cool completely before cutting.

Tips for perfect brownies: use good-quality cocoa powder or chocolate for the best flavor; don't overmix the batter; check for doneness a few minutes early; let them cool completely for the fudgiest texture; and for thicker brownies, bake in a slightly smaller pan or reduce the baking time.

Halloween twist: turn these into Spooky Graveyard Brownies! Cover with chocolate frosting, crushed chocolate cookies for "soil", candy eyeballs, gummy worms, and cookie tombstones. Same great brownies. A little more boo!