Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F, and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line the dish with parchment paper.

Step 2

Use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar in a medium until light and fluffy.

Step 3

Add the eggs, vanilla, and milk, and beat until combined.

Step 4

Sift the flour, cocoa, and salt into a separate bowl, and whisk to combine.

Step 5

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, along with the chopped nuts if desired, and beat or stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish

Step 7

Bake for 20 to 35 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the pan from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Step 9

Cool the brownies completely before slicing and removing them from the pan.