Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture if preferred.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder until everything is evenly mixed.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure the brownies stay soft and tender.

Add the Chocolate Chips (Optional):

6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in the chocolate chips gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Brownies:

7. Transfer to the Baking Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
9. Cool: Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares once fully cooled.