Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan. Grease your baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step is crucial to prevent your brownies from sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add the sugar mixture and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add the Eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help incorporate air into the batter, giving your brownies a lovely texture.
Step 6: Incorporate Orange Flavor. Mix in the pure orange extract and grated orange zest. The aroma will be intoxicating and set the stage for the flavor explosion to come.
Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 8: Bake the Brownies. Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack. While they cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together sifted powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and finely grated orange zest. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled brownies for an extra touch of sweetness.
