Making fudgy brownies is straightforward, and by following these simple steps, you’ll have delicious treats in no time:

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

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

3. Mix Sugar and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until the mixture is smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes of whisking.

4. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

5. Combine with Butter: Gradually add the melted butter to the egg mixture, stirring continuously until fully incorporated.

6. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.

7. Fold Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

8. Mix in Optional Ingredients: If you’re using chocolate chips and/or chopped nuts, fold them in at this stage for an extra treat.

9. Pour into Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

10. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

11. Cool: Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These steps will yield fudgy brownies that are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.