Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Oven mitts
• Toothpick or skewer
• Cooling rack
• Knife

Materials

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Safety

• Wash your hands and clean the counter, bowl, and tools before starting.
• Preheat the oven carefully and use oven mitts when handling the hot pan.
• Do not leave the oven unattended for long periods while baking.
• Keep raw batter and eggs away from ready-to-eat foods.
• Let the brownies cool before cutting to avoid burns and crumbling.

Steps

1. Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

   Check: The oven is fully preheated. · The pan is evenly greased or lined and ready for batter.

2. Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar.
   • Add the eggs and vanilla extract.
   • Whisk or stir until the mixture looks smooth and well combined.

   Check: There are no visible streaks of egg. · The mixture looks glossy and evenly mixed.

3. Step 3: Add the dry ingredients

   • Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to the bowl.
   • Stir gently until just combined and no dry pockets remain.

   Check: No loose flour or cocoa remains in the bowl. · The batter is thick and evenly mixed, not overly beaten.

4. Step 4: Fill the pan

   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
   • Spread it into an even layer with the spoon or spatula.

   Check: The batter reaches the corners of the pan. · The top looks level for even baking.

5. Step 5: Bake the brownies

   • Place the pan in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for about 20-30 minutes, checking near the end.
   • Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.

   Check: The top looks set. · A toothpick shows moist crumbs rather than wet batter.

6. Step 6: Cool and cut

   • Remove the pan using oven mitts.
   • Place it on a cooling rack or heat-safe surface.
   • Let the brownies cool before slicing into squares.

   Check: The pan has cooled enough to handle safely. · The brownies hold their shape when cut.