Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray an 8x4-inch bread pan with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with a little butter.
• Place the 1/4 cup (56 g) salted butter (cut into 4 pieces) in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave until melted, about 30 seconds. Let the butter cool slightly.
• Add the 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar to the melted butter and stir or whisk until combined.
• Add the 1 large egg and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
• Measure 1/4 cup (36 g) all-purpose flour by scooping and leveling. Measure 3 Tbsp (18 g) unsweetened cocoa powder. Add both dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined—stop when there are no large streaks of flour. If using chocolate chips (1/4 cup / 42 g chocolate chips or 3 Tbsp mini chips), fold them in when the dry ingredients are almost fully incorporated.
• Pour the batter into the prepared 8x4-inch pan and spread it into an even layer.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), about 18–23 minutes.
• Let the brownies cool in the pan about 15–20 minutes before removing and cutting into 3 brownies.