Easy Fudgy Chocolate Brownies (U.S. Cups)

Ingredients

• 7 oz dark chocolate (about 1 cup chopped)
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter (11 tbsp or 1 stick + 3 tbsp)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional but highly recommended)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Melt chocolate and butter together in a large microwave-safe bowl (in 30-second bursts, stirring between), or over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until smooth.
3. Whisk in the brown sugar while the mixture is warm. Then add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the vanilla.
4. Sift and fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until just combined - do not overmix.
5. Fold in the chocolate chunks/chips if using.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for:
8. 24 minutes for gooey centers
9. 28 minutes for perfect fudgy texture
10. 32 minutes for more cakey but still moist
11. Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or store in an airtight container. (They also freeze well for up to 3 months.)