Fudgy Brownies

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

Optional Add-ins
1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips or chunks
1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the melted butter. Beat until smooth and well combined.

Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks and nuts if you're using them.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (avoid over-baking).

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.n.