Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line the 20cm (8-inch) square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, just until it’s melted and begins to bubble gently. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly, filling your kitchen with a toasty, nutty aroma.

- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is smooth, slightly thickened, and has a glossy appearance—this takes about 2 minutes and fills the air with a sweet, inviting smell.

- Add the vanilla extract and the melted butter to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined and the mixture looks velvety and shiny.

- Sift the cocoa powder into the batter, then fold it gently with a spatula until the color deepens and the mixture becomes thick and glossy.

- Stir in the chopped dark chocolate, allowing it to melt slightly into the batter, creating luscious pockets of chocolate goodness.

- Finally, fold in the flour just until incorporated—be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the brownies tender and fudgy.

- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure a smooth, level surface.

- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs—this indicates a fudgy, chewy texture inside.

- Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps develop that crackly top and dense crumb.

- Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang, cut into squares, and enjoy the dense, chocolatey bites—perfect for a nostalgic treat or Halloween celebration.

Notes
For an extra smoky flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked sea salt on top before baking. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days for maximum fudginess.
