Easy Chewy Cocoa Powder Brownies

Steps

1. 1Pre-heat your oven to 350°F (conventional / no fan).
2. 2Line a 9x9 light colored metal baking pan with butter / baking spray and parchment paper. The parchment paper should rise to the top of the pan to create "flaps" that can be used to lift the brownies out of the pan after baking and cooling. The butter or baking spray will help the parchment stick to the pan so it doesn't fold into the brownie batter.
3. 3Measure the granulated sugar first, then add it to a food processor. Blitz for 30-60 seconds or until the sugar turns powdery. You may need to shake the bowl/jug along the way.
4. 4Melt the butter in the microwave in 15 second increments.
5. 5Add the melted butter and ground sugar to a bowl. Whisk with a hand whisk for about 60 seconds or until the mixture looks smooth.
6. 6Add the eggs and whisk again until the eggs are fully combined and the mixture looks smooth.
7. 7Now sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt directly into the bowl.
8. 8Gently mix in the dry ingredients using slow folding motions until just combined. Do not over-mix to prevent gluten formation. I like using a rubber spatula for this step.
9. 9Lastly, add in the optional 100-150g chopped chocolate / chocolate chips and fold until evenly dispersed. Do not overmix. I like to reserve some chocolate to press on top of the brownies.
10. 10Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan. It will become thicker with time so you may need to use a spatula to spread it evenly. If you have any reserved chocolate, spread that on and gently press it in now.
11. 11Bake the brownies in the pre-heated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are set but the middle is still a little soft to touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs on it.
12. 12Remove from the oven and let the brownies rest for 20-30 minutes in the pan. Then carefully remove, slice with a sharp knife, serve and enjoy!