Homemade Brownies

Here’s a simple recipe for delicious homemade brownies:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the Butter:
   • In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove it from the heat as soon as it’s melted.
3. Add Sugar and Eggs:
   • Stir in the granulated sugar into the melted butter until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
   • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, using a wooden spoon or a mixer on low speed. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts:
   • If desired, fold in chocolate chips or chunks and chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
7. Transfer to Baking Pan:
   • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
9. Cool:
   • Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.