Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (100g) dark brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup (4 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips or chocolate chunks (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, making sure some of the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later.
2. Melt the butter in a large bowl using the microwave, a double boiler, or a small saucepan on the stovetop. While the butter is still warm, add both sugars and whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Whisk until fully blended and glossy.
4. Add the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda to the bowl, along with the chocolate chips if using. Gently fold everything together until no dry streaks remain.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out without raw batter but still has a few moist crumbs.
6. Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and serve as-is or with your favorite toppings.