Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until combined.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
• Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt; fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Fold in chocolate chips if using. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
• Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.