Prepare the Brownies

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir until fully incorporated.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix!
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into shapes.

Cutting the Football Shapes

1. Use a Cookie Cutter: Once the brownies have cooled, use a football-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the shapes.
2. Alternative Method: If you don’t have a cookie cutter, use a knife to cut ovals by hand.

Decorating the Brownies

1. Frosting (Optional): If you want extra chocolate flavor, spread a thin layer of chocolate frosting on top of each brownie.
2. Create the Laces: Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, pipe white icing onto each brownie in the shape of football laces—one long horizontal line with three shorter vertical lines crossing over it.
3. Let It Set: Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before serving.