Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (75g) premium black cocoa powder
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This “sling” allows you to lift the brownies out easily once they are cool. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or non-stick spray for extra security.
- Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar. Beat them vigorously for about two minutes. This process helps dissolve the sugar, which creates that coveted shiny, crackly top on your finished brownies.
- Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients Add the four eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract. Continue to whisk until the mixture looks pale and slightly thickened. Using room temperature eggs ensures the batter emulsifies perfectly without curdling the melted butter.
- Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Sift the black cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt into the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter. Stop as soon as you see no more streaks of white flour. Overmixing at this stage will make the brownies tough rather than fudgy. If you are using chocolate chips, fold them in now.
- Step 5: Bake and Cool Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Do not overbake! Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure the center sets perfectly.
- Cook Time: 40 minutes