Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350º F. This ensures that your brownies will bake evenly. While the oven heats up, take a moment to line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help you easily lift the brownies out later.
Melt the butter and chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, along with the cocoa powder and both types of sugar. Microwave for about 30 seconds and stir until everything is smooth and combined. This mixture should be glossy and rich.
Add the eggs: Crack the eggs into the chocolate mixture, one at a time. Make sure to stir well after each addition until fully incorporated. Your batter should become thick and creamy.
Incorporate dry ingredients: Now, stir in the salt, espresso powder, and flour. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. You want a smooth batter without lumps but not too much air incorporated.
Pour and spread: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top. If you’re adding chocolate chips or chopped pecans, fold them in gently before pouring.
Bake the brownies: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is shiny, crackly, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool the brownies: Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps them set. After cooling slightly, lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cut and serve: Once completely cool, cut the brownies into squares or any size you prefer. Serve them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!