Fudge Brownies

1. 1
   prep

   Preheat oven and prepare the baking pan.

   1.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   2.Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lifting.

   3.Lightly grease any exposed sides of the pan with butter.
2. 2
   mix

   Melt butter and chocolate together.

   1.Combine chopped dark chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

   2.Stir gently until completely melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.

   3.Remove from heat and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

   TIPUse the lowest heat setting — chocolate scorches easily. A double boiler is even safer.
3. 3
   mix

   Whisk sugar into the chocolate mixture.

   1.Pour the slightly cooled chocolate-butter mixture into a large mixing bowl.

   2.Add granulated sugar and whisk vigorously until fully incorporated and the mixture looks glossy.

   3.The mixture will be thick and grainy at this stage — that is normal.
4. 4
   mix

   Beat in eggs and vanilla.

   1.Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the batter is smooth and shiny.

   2.Whisk in vanilla extract.

   3.Beat the batter vigorously for about 1 minute — this creates the signature crackly top.

   TIPWhisking the batter vigorously after adding eggs dissolves more sugar, which forms that shiny, crackly crust on top.
5. 5
   mix

   Fold in dry ingredients.

   1.Sift cocoa powder and all-purpose flour together into the bowl.

   2.Add salt.

   3.Use a spatula to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter just until no streaks of flour remain.

   4.Do not overmix — stop as soon as the batter comes together.

   TIPOvermixing develops gluten and makes brownies cakey instead of fudgy. Fold gently and stop early.
6. 6
   bake · ~28 min

   Bake the brownies.

   1.Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.

   2.Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 26-28 minutes.

   3.A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs — not wet batter.
7. 7
   rest

   Cool completely before slicing.

   1.Remove the pan from the oven and place on a wire rack.

   2.Let brownies cool completely in the pan, at least 30 minutes.

   3.Use the parchment overhang to lift out the entire slab.

   4.Slice into 8 squares with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

   TIPBrownies cut best when completely cool or even chilled. For ultra-clean slices, refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting.

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