Easy Brownies

Mix everything in just one bowl. Using a large microwavable mixing bowl cuts down on the washing-up, though you can still use separate bowls if you wish.

This basic recipe yields the proper sort of chocolate chip brownies — soft and fudgy inside, with a glossy and crackly top.

INGREDIENTS: — for 16 brownies

225g unsalted butter
255g semi-sweet chocolate chips (divide into 175g and 50g)
100g granulated fine sugar
150g brown sugar
1 tbs vanilla extract
1 tsp salt
3 eggs
175g all-purpose flour
27g cocoa powder
Nonstick cooking spray or extra butter for greasing (optional)

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 180℃.
Put butter and 175g chocolate chips into a large, microwaveable bowl. Microwave mixture on high for 1½ minutes. Let cool for 3 minutes before whisking together.
Into the same bowl, add both granulated and brown sugars, vanilla and salt. Stir to combine. Whisk in the eggs.
Sift flour and cocoa powder into the bowl and fold with spatula until just combined. Do not overmix! You don’t want your brownies to be tough or chewy. Gently fold in the remainder of the chocolate chips till they are more or less evenly spread through the batter.
Line a 23cm (9 inch) square pan with baking (parchment) paper. Preferably, cut the paper to a size larger so that it overlaps the the edges of the baking pan. Baking paper does not always need to be greased. But if necessary, use butter, nonstick spray or other neutral tasting cooking oil.
Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes. To test for doneness, insert toothpick or skewer. You should see some moist crumbs attached.
Holding the ends of the baking paper, lift brownie from pan and place on a cooling rack to cool, before cutting into 16 pieces.

NOTES:

If using salted butter, omit the added salt.
This recipe will produce brownies that are not overly sweet. You can add more sugar if preferred.
I use grams instead of cups for this recipe, to be more accurate.
Use a good brand of chocolate chips for best results. You can also use the same amount of your favourite bar of dark or milk chocolate, chopped into small pieces.