The World’s Best Brownies

2 1/2 sticks butter, room temperature
8 oz. semi sweet baking chocolate bar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tablespoon espresso powder
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons salt
6 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a dark metal 9 x 13” pan with nonstick spray.

Combine the chopped chocolate bar, 1/4 cup of the cocoa powder, and the espresso powder. Set aside.

Melt the butter, approximately 30 seconds, in the microwave. Immediately pour the hot melted butter over the chocolate bars, cocoa powder, and espresso powder. Cover this so the hot butter will melt the chocolate. Wait about two minutes, then stir until the chocolate bar is completely melted and smooth.

In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and eggs. Beat on medium to high for 10 minutes.

While the mixer continues to run, slowly pour in the slightly cooled butter/chocolate bar/espresso mixture. Beat until just incorporated and smooth. 

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and the remaining 1/2 cup of cocoa powder. Add to the mixing bowl and beat on low until the flour/cocoa is incorporated. Do not over mix! 

Pour the batter into the prepared 9 x 13“ pan. Smooth top. Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and drop it on your countertop three times. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the center is almost set. The center may seem to be a little under baked but it will set up as the brownies cool. Place the brownies on a cooling rack to cool completely.

Brownies may be eaten plain or topped with the “Perfect Chocolate Buttercream Frosting.” The frosting recipe is posted as a separate recipe.