Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13" baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper with an overhang on the sides and spray again. This will make it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan after baking. Set the pan aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl stir together melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

Step 3

Sift in flour and cocoa. Add the salt and espresso powder, if using, and stir until just combined. Don't over mix. Fold in 1 cup of chopped chocolate. Spread evenly into prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped chocolate on top of the brownies.

Step 4

Bake for 25-30 minutes on the middle rack in the oven until the brownies are just set to touch. Don't over bake the brownies. They will set up as they cool. Remove from oven and let cool before cutting into squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.