Fudgy Brownies

Ingredients

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (bar)
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (12 tablespoon)
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs (large size at room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup dutch-process cocoa powder (or unsweetened natural )
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven, and heat to 350°F (177°C), then line an 8-inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. 2

   Break up the chocolate into chunks. Melt half of it in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals until they are completely melted.

3. 3

   Add the sugar and butter to a large bowl, then whisk on low speed until well combined or until the mixture is smooth, has lightened in color, and has significantly increased in volume. It should take about 1-2 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until just incorporated. Whisk in the melted chocolate (warm, not hot).

5. 5

   Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, and add the remaining chopped chocolate. Fold it all together with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The resulting batter will be very thick. Overmixing will make the brownies turn cakey.

6. 6

   Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 20 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the pan.

7. 7

   Bake the brownies until the edges look dry and the middle looks slightly underbaked; 20 to 30 minutes. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.

8. 8

   Cool completely before removing from the pan so the brownies can be set before cutting into squares.