Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. For the best results, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This “sling” makes it incredibly easy to lift the entire block of brownies out once they have cooled. - Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir vigorously with a whisk for about a minute until the mixture looks slightly pale. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This step incorporates air and helps create that coveted shiny, crackly top. - Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder directly into the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the mixture together. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of white flour remain. Overmixing at this stage will make the brownies cakey instead of fudgy, so keep your touch light. - Step 4: Add the Walnuts and Chocolate
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chopped walnuts. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the thick batter. The chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness, while the walnuts provide a necessary textural break. - Step 5: Bake and Cool
Spread the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with your spatula. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This patience ensures the fudgy structure sets properly.
- Cook Time: 40 minutes