Best-ever Pecan Brownies

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

Whisk together the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until well combined and slightly pale, about 2 minutes.

Stir the melted butter and vanilla into the egg mixture until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and cocoa powder to remove any lumps.

Fold the flour-cocoa mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula or whisk until just combined; do not overmix.

Gently fold the chopped pecans into the batter until evenly distributed.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs; the brownies should still be slightly fudgy.

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.