Easy Gooey Brownies

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add dry ingredients: Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Add chocolate chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, if using, for extra gooeyness.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares.