My Favorite Desserts

Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
6. If desired, fold in chocolate chips.
7. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined.
6. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full with batter.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.