Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Once melted, stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

Bake:

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The brownies should be soft and gooey in the center.

Cool and Serve:

Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 16