### Instructions
1. **Prep Time:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
2. **Melt the Butter:** In a large microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Remove the melted butter from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Whisk Dry Ingredients:** In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
6. **Add Chocolate Chips (Optional):** Gently fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
7. **Bake:** Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
8. **Bake Time:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The brownies should still be slightly fudgy in the center.
9. **Cooling:** Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out and cutting them into squares. This is crucial for fudginess!
### Short Tips
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher brownies. Mix until just combined.
* **Quality Cocoa Matters:** Using a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder will significantly impact the flavor of your brownies.
* **Don’t Overbake:** The key to fudgy brownies is to pull them out of the oven when they’re *just* done. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
* **Room Temperature Eggs:** Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother texture.
* **Storage:** Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
