Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
• Ensure the batter is smooth, but avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough brownies. The batter should be thick and slightly glossy.
• Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges with a spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack. This will help them set and make cutting easier.
• Once cooled, slice the brownies into squares. Serve them as they are, or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.