Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.2.

Step 2

Put the butter and chocolate in the top of a double boiler (or in a metal pan set over a pot of boiling water) and stir until melted and smooth. Set aside.3

Step 3

Whisk together the sugar, vanilla extract and eggs until combined.4

Step 4

Whisk the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.5

Step 5

Combine the dry ingredients, then fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.6

Step 6

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.7

Step 7

Bake brownies for 35-38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs sticking to it.8

Step 8

Remove brownies and allow to cool completely.9

Step 9

If frosting the brownies, combine all the ingredients for the frosting except for the powdered sugar in a small sauce pan. Heat mixture on low until cocoa is dissolved and incorporated, then turn heat to medium to bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat and immediately pour into a heat-proof glass bowl. Whisk in the powdered sugar then spread frosting evenly over the brownies and allow to cool.10

Step 10

Cut brownies into squares.