These perfect fudgy brownies tick all the boxes: rich with a deep chocolate hit, crunchy with nuts, and pretty as a picture with that signature shiny crinkly top.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan with cooking spray. Line with parchment paper, letting two sides overhang (this will make it easier to unmold the fudgy brownies later on.)
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Set aside ½ cup (85 g) of the chocolate chips, then add the remaining chocolate to the melted butter. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool while you go on to the next steps.
Sift the flour and cocoa powder together into a medium bowl, when whisk to thoroughly combine. Set aside.
Break the eggs into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or into a large mixing bowl, if using a hand mixer, and beat on low speed until smooth. Add the sugar and stir at low speed until incorporated, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture is pale and thick. Turn the speed back down to low and slowly add the reserved melted butter and chocolate mixture. Using a spatula, fold the flour and cocoa mixture into the batter and mix just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the nuts all over, then top with the reserved chocolate chips. Finish with a sprinkle of fleur de sel or sea salt flakes.
Bake for about 22 minutes, or until the edges of the brownies look dry and crunchy and the center is shiny and barely set. The brownies should look dry but still very soft if you tap the center with the tip of a finger (the brownies will finish setting while they cool.) Keep a close eye on the brownies from 20 minutes on because only a few minutes separate fudgy brownies from cakey brownies!
Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely to room temperature before cutting.
SERVING: Serve these perfect fudgy brownies at room temperature, or zapped in the microwave for a few seconds if they were refrigerated. These brownies are absolutely decadent served warm, topped with Sicilian-Style Vanilla Bean Gelato.
STORAGE: These perfect fudgy brownies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the brownies, in an airtight container, for up to 2 months.
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