The Best Fudgy Brownies

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1. 1Step 1: Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 325°F (162°C).
2. 2Step 2: Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on opposite sides to help remove the baked brownies from the pan.
3. 3Step 3: Add the butter to a medium saucepan.
4. 4Step 4: Place over medium-low heat and cook until the butter melts completely, then turn off the heat. Stay close, and do not let it brown.
5. 5Step 5: While the butter is hot, stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Stir well until blended. Don't worry if the batter looks gritty. Once you add the eggs later, the brownie batter will become smooth.
6. 6Step 6: Set the saucepan aside to cool until the mixture is warm, not hot, 5 to 10 minutes. Test the temperature by touching the batter, it should still be quite warm, but not too hot that you need to pull away.
7. 7Step 7: Add the cold eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously after each egg.
8. 8Step 8: When the batter looks thick and well blended, add the flour.
9. 9Step 9: Use a spoon to beat the flour into the batter until it is very thick and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. I use a wooden spoon or spatula and beat for 40 to 50 strokes (see video for reference).
10. 10Step 10: If using, stir in nuts or chocolate chips (optional).
11. 11Step 11: Scrape the thick batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly, pushing it into the corners.
12. 12Step 12: Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the edges look set and the middle is slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with somewhat moist batter.
13. 13Step 13: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to ensure they set properly.
14. 14Step 14: To cut them, use a sharp chef's knife, wiping the blade clean after each slice for perfect edges. For even cleaner edges, chill the brownies in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours before slicing.