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#### **Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
#### **Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients**
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
#### **Step 4: Fold in Optional Add-ins**
6. If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the batter now. This will give your brownies even more texture and richness.
#### **Step 5: Bake the Brownies**
7. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The brownies should have a slightly crisp top and a soft, fudgy interior.
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– **Serve with Ice Cream:** Fudge brownies are absolutely delicious when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, fudgy brownie and the cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible.
– **Top with Fresh Berries:** For a slightly fresher twist, top your brownies with fresh raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the fruit balances out the richness of the brownies.
– **Make it a Brownie Sundae:** Add a few more toppings like hot fudge, chopped nuts, and a cherry to turn your brownies into a full-fledged sundae.
### **Tips for Perfect Fudge Brownies**
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** For the best texture, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This allows them to blend more easily and create a smoother batter.
– **Don’t Overbake:** Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. If you want them to stay fudgy, remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will result in dry, cakey brownies.
– **Chill for Clean Slices:** For perfectly neat slices, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. If you’re in a rush, you can even pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
– **Customize the Recipe:** Feel free to mix in chocolate chunks, swirl in peanut butter, or even add marshmallows for a s’mores-inspired brownie.
### **Storing Leftovers**
– **At Room Temperature:** Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and fudgy!
– **In the Refrigerator:** To extend freshness, you can refrigerate the brownies for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.
– **Freezing:** If you have a lot of brownies left, or if you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap each brownie square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
### **Final Thoughts**
