Better-than-Box Fudge Brownies

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. In a medium bowl, add cocoa, applesauce, eggs, salt, baking powder, and vanilla and whisk until well blended and smooth. Add chocolate chips on top, but do not stir in yet.
3. In a separate small bowl, microwave butter until melted (30 seconds). Add sugar, and microwave again for 30 seconds.
4. Pour melted butter and sugar over chocolate chips sitting on cocoa mixture and stir.
5. Add flour and stir until well blended.
6. With a spatula, transfer to a lightly greased 8×8 glass dish.
7. Bake for 25 minutes (check the middle with a toothpick or fork—if comes out clean, brownies are done!).
8. Remove from oven and immediately add sprinkles if desired. Let cool in pan before cutting into 9 squares.