Basic Brownies

Brownies are essential to my happiness, so naturally, nailing a go-to brownie recipe was crucial. I've found that this one is not only insanely simple, it also produces perfectly fudgy, slightly cakey but super moist brownies every time. Plus it's a great basic recipe that can be modified with the addition of nuts, chocolate chips, candies, cheesecake batter... you name it.

Basic Brownies
½ cup butter
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup all purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt 
¼ teaspoon baking powder

Preheat oven to 350° and grease and flour an 8-inch square pan. 

Melt butter in a large saucepan and remove from heat. Stir in sugar, eggs and vanilla. Beat in the remaining ingredients and spread in prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. 

photography by Angelica Golden