Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly right from the start. While the oven is heating, grease your baking pan (typically an 8x8-inch square pan) or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed milk and melted butter until they’re fully combined. The condensed milk will add that rich sweetness, and the butter provides the smooth texture that makes these brownies so indulgent.

Next, mix in the sugar and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. The vanilla adds a warm depth of flavor, enhancing the richness of the brownies.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Sifting ensures there are no lumps in your dry ingredients and helps create a smooth brownie batter. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.

If you’re adding extra chocolate chips or chunks, fold them in now. The more chocolate, the better, right? This extra layer of chocolate will melt into the brownies, giving them an extra indulgent bite.

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Keep in mind, for an ultra-fudgy brownie, you want to slightly underbake them. If you prefer a more cake-like texture, bake for a few extra minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once your brownies are out of the oven, let them cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Cooling them allows the flavors to settle and ensures they’re easier to slice without falling apart.