Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (1 stick; 113g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 4 ounces (113g) unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (60g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark), optional
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.), optional

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. In a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat.
  3. Whisk in the sugar into the melted chocolate mixture until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and/or chopped nuts, if using.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it.
  7. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.