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 salt

1 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional, for extra fudginess)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and stir until well combined.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

If desired, fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be cautious not to overbake if you want fudgy brownies.

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy!