1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the moment the pan goes in. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by greasing it generously or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. A properly prepped pan is essential for achieving those clean-cut brownie squares.

2. Melt the Butter

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Remove it from the heat as soon as it’s fully melted—this prevents it from getting too hot and scrambling the eggs in the next step.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

Immediately add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the warm butter. Stir vigorously until the mixture is glossy and slightly thickened. The heat from the butter helps dissolve the sugar, giving the brownies a smoother texture and glossier finish.

4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix just until everything is fully combined. Do not overmix—this can result in tough brownies. The batter should be rich, thick, and spreadable.

5. Customize with Optional Add-ins

For an extra indulgent touch, gently fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped walnuts. The melted chocolate pockets or crunchy nuts bring texture and depth to the finished product. This step is optional but highly recommended for brownie enthusiasts.

6. Pour and Spread Evenly

Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly into the corners. This ensures uniform baking and a consistent thickness throughout each piece.

7. Bake to Fudgy Perfection

Bake in the center rack for 20 to 25 minutes. The key to the perfect fudge brownie lies in not overbaking. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

8. Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set and enhances their fudgy texture. Once cooled, slice into 9 or 16 squares depending on your preference. For clean edges, wipe your knife between cuts.