Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the brownies bake evenly.

Grease an 8x8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, mixing until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This will help evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix as this can affect the texture of the brownies.

If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter. This adds extra richness and a delightful chocolatey texture.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy!