Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips (if using). This will give your brownies an extra dose of chocolatey texture and flavor.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares.