1-Getting started: Getting started with this fudgy brownie recipe is straightforward and fun, ideal for beginners or those in a rush. First, preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy removal later. This step ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out without sticking.

2-Melting the butter and mixing: Next, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, making sure it doesn’t brown. Then, stir the hot melted butter with the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt until everything blends together; the mixture might look gritty at this point, but that’s okay. Let it cool until it’s warm but not hot, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes, to avoid cooking the eggs too soon.

3-Add the cold eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each to incorporate them fully.

4-Beat in the all-purpose flour with a wooden spoon until the batter turns thick, glossy, and begins to pull away from the pan sides, about 40 to 50 strokes.

5-Fold in the chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips if you want that extra touch.

6-Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan.

7-Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the edges set but the center still looks slightly wet; check with a toothpick for moist batter.

8-Finally, cool completely before slicing, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours for cleaner cuts.