Preheat oven to 350°F and spray 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray
In a microwave safe dish melt the butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until the butter is completely melted.
¾ cup + 3 tbs unsalted butter
Stir cocoa powder into melted butter making sure there are no clumps. Set aside.
¼ cup cocoa powder
While butter mixture is cooling, in a separate small bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
1 cup all purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
In a stand mixer, or using a hand mixer, mix together the butter mixture (it’s okay if it’s still warm), sugar, vanilla, and red food coloring. Then add the eggs one at a time, letting each egg become fully incorporated into the batter before adding the next.
2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 oz red food coloring, 4 large eggs
By hand, with a large rubber spatula or mixing spoon, fold in the flour mixture. Folding in the flour will help the brownie batter keep the air in it.
Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake for 27-33 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool completely before frosting and cutting.