Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal, or lightly grease the pan.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat.
- Mix in the sugar and cocoa powder. To the melted butter, add the granulated sugar and cocoa powder. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Cool the mixture slightly for a few minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from cooking when they are added to the mixture.
- Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, incorporating each egg fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients. Sift together the flour and salt, then fold them into the chocolate mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. The batter will be thick.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts (if using). If you’re adding chocolate chips and/or nuts, now is the time to fold them into the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake; the goal is fudgy brownies.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. The brownies will be very soft when hot but will set as they cool.
- Serve and enjoy! Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve. These brownies are incredibly rich and decadent on their own, but feel free to top them with ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special treat.
These viral chocolate brownies are not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to make. They strike the perfect balance between a crispy crust and a fudgy interior, making them a hit for any occasion. Enjoy baking and indulging in your delicious creation!