Best Easy Fudgy Sourdough (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
03 - ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - ½ cup (120g) sourdough starter discard (or active sourdough starter)
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
08 - ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process recommended)
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon baking powder

→ Mix-ins

11 - ½ cup (90g) dark chocolate chips or chunks

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 7 X 11-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sourdough starter discard. The mixture may appear slightly lumpy, which is normal.
03 - In another bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Fold in the chocolate chips.
05 - For a long fermentation process, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for 12-24 hours before baking. This step is optional.
06 - Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, keeping the center slightly soft. The brownies will firm up as they cool.
07 - Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 30 minutes after cooling. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

# Notes:

01 - If your sourdough discard is very thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk to adjust the batter consistency.
02 - The sourdough discard enhances the chocolate flavor without being overtly sour.
03 - Experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts, caramel swirls, or peanut butter for variety in flavors.