Indulge in these rich and fudgy brownies, perfect for any occasion.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 baking pan.
Greasing the pan ensures the brownies don't stick and makes cleanup easier.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder and melted butter until smooth.
Using melted butter helps to blend the cocoa powder evenly.
Add the boiling water to the cocoa mixture and stir until well combined.
The hot water helps to bloom the cocoa, enhancing its flavor.
Stir in the sugar and eggs until the mixture is smooth.
Mix gently to avoid incorporating too much air.
Fold in the flour, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined.
Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, so mix until no streaks of flour remain.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Check the brownies a few minutes before the minimum baking time to avoid overbaking.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Cooling allows the brownies to set, making them easier to cut.