1-First Step: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. Spray parchment as well for easier brownie removal after baking.

2-Second Step: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and salt. Sifting the powdery ingredients reduces lumps and ensures uniform mixing.

3-Third Step: Combine Wet Ingredients In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, water, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This wet mixture will form the base of your brownie batter.

4-Fourth Step: Incorporate Dry into Wet Gradually sprinkle the dry ingredient mixture over the wet ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain fudgy texture rather than cakey. The batter will be quite thick.

5-Fifth Step: Transfer and Smooth Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface for even baking and an attractive finish.

6-Sixth Step: Bake to Perfection Bake in your preheated oven for 40 to 48 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep the center fudgy.

7-Final Step: Cool and Serve Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan (about 1 to 2 hours). This cooling period solidifies the center and makes slicing cleaner. Cut into squares and serve. For vegan or gluten-free variations, adapt ingredients from previous steps accordingly.