Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the brownies bake evenly and get that perfectly fudgy texture.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter until it’s smooth and creamy. This should only take about 30-45 seconds in the microwave. Let it cool slightly before moving on to the next step.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s light and fluffy.

Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This will help avoid lumps and ensure that your brownies have that perfect texture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Pour the brownie batter into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, making sure the edges are smooth.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. For extra fudgy brownies, aim for the lower end of the baking time.

Once the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!