Gemma’s Chewy Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove the pan from heat.
3. Mix in sugar: Stir the sugar into the melted butter until well combined.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add dry ingredients: Mix in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using chocolate chips or chunks, fold them in at this point.
6. Pour into pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake; the brownies should still be slightly soft in the middle.
8. Cool: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your chewy, fudgy brownies! If you’re looking for variations, you can add nuts, swirl in caramel, or even sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before baking for an extra touch.