1cup(8 ounces) unsalted butter, chopped into 1- 2-inch pieces
2tablespoonsDutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
8ouncesdark chocolate, (between 63% and 73% cocoa), from whole fèves or a high-quality chocolate bar, hand broken into pieces
1cup(4.5 ounces) all-purpose flour
1/2teaspoonkosher salt
4large eggs
1cuptightly packed (7.5 ounces) dark brown sugar
1cup (7 ounces) granulated sugar
2teaspoonspure vanilla extract
Instructions
Position a rack in the centre of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch cake pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the pan's two long sides.
Place the butter and cocoa powder in the top of a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl set over a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan filled with a few inches of simmering water (be sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water). Cook over medium heat to melt the butter.
While the butter melts, in a food processor, pulse the chocolate for a few seconds at a time until roughly chopped. Add the chocolate to the butter and cook, using a heatproof rubber spatula to stir the mixture and scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally, until the butter and chocolate have melted and combined, about 10 minutes. Set the double boiler or bowl on a wire rack and let the chocolate mixture cool while you prep the other ingredients.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the eggs, sugars, and vanilla. Whisk on low until combined, 1 to 2 minutes, using a rubber spatula to scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl as necessary. Increase the mixer to medium and slowly pour in the chocolate mixture, aiming for the sides of the bowl as opposed to the whisk. Continue whisking on medium until the batter is smooth, about 1 minute.
Sprinkle the dry ingredients over the batter all at once and use a rubber spatula to mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use an offset spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the brownies comes out with a few crumbs attached. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing
Run a butter knife or offset spatula along the edges of the pan and use the overhanging parchment as handles to lift the brownies out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into 15 - 20 rectangles. The brownies can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.