Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Melt Butter: In a mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop until completely melted.

Combine Ingredients: Stir in the granulated sugar into the melted butter. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If desired, fold in chocolate chips.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve.