Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix Butter and Sugar: Stir granulated sugar into the melted butter until well combined. Let the mixture sit for 2–3 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve slightly (this helps form the crackly top).

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.

Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain fudginess.

Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Fold in chocolate chips or chunks if using for extra richness.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (do not overbake to keep it fudgy).

Cool and Serve: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares.