Cocoa powder brownies are a classic treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With rich, chocolatey flavor and a simple, easy-to-follow recipe, these brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s get baking and enjoy a delicious dessert that everyone will love!
Why We Love This cocoa powder brownies
Cocoa powder brownies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these brownies are incredibly simple to make and always deliver a satisfying treat. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
- Rich Flavor: Cocoa powder gives these brownies a deep, intense chocolate taste, making them the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up these brownies in no time—perfect for when that chocolate craving hits!
- Versatile: While delicious on their own, these brownies are a great base for adding your favorite extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, cocoa powder brownies are sure to impress. Their fudgy texture and irresistible flavor make them a hit every time.
These brownies are a go-to recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get baking!
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and flavor. You can use salted butter but reduce the added salt.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the brownies. Don’t substitute with brown sugar if you want the right texture.
Eggs – Bind everything together and create a fudgy texture.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Gives the brownies their rich chocolate taste.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the brownies.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder – Helps the brownies rise slightly for the perfect texture.
Instructions
Now that you’ve got all the ingredients, it’s time to bring everything together! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have perfect cocoa powder brownies in no time.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Melt the butter in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, then let it cool.
Mix the wet ingredients: Combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold everything together.
Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check with a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and cut: Let the brownies cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Pro Tips for cocoa powder brownies
Want to take your cocoa powder brownies to the next level? Here are a few expert tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies—keep it light for that soft, fudgy texture.
Use Room Temperature Eggs: For the best results, let your eggs come to room temperature before adding them to the batter. This helps them incorporate better, ensuring a smoother texture.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right heat. If your brownies are baking too quickly on top, consider covering them with foil to prevent burning while the center finishes cooking.
Let Them Cool Completely: I know it’s tempting, but let your brownies cool completely before cutting them. This allows them to set and ensures clean, beautiful slices.
Customize the Texture: For a more cake-like brownie, increase the flour slightly, and for an extra fudgy treat, add a bit more butter or reduce the flour. It’s all about personal preference!
Add Extra Flavors: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, walnuts, or a pinch of sea salt for added flavor and texture. Experiment with these variations to find your perfect brownie combo!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are so many fun ways to customize your cocoa powder brownies! Here are some creative variations that will take your brownies from delicious to extraordinary:
Chocolate Chip Brownies: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness in every bite. You can even sprinkle some on top for a pretty, glossy finish.
Nutty Brownies: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds are a great addition for some crunch. Add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the batter for a delicious contrast to the fudgy texture.
Peanut Butter Swirl: For a peanut butter-chocolate combo, add spoonfuls of peanut butter to the batter and swirl it with a knife before baking. The result? A rich, nutty flavor throughout.
Mint Chocolate Brownies: If you love mint, add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter. You can also top the brownies with mint chocolate chips or drizzle them with melted mint chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cocoa powder brownies are perfect just as they are, but if you’re looking to elevate your dessert game, try these delicious serving ideas to add an extra touch of indulgence:
A Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve your brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or mint ice cream. The creamy texture is the perfect contrast to the rich, fudgy brownies.
Whipped Cream or Marshmallow Fluff: Top each brownie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or marshmallow fluff for a fluffy, sweet finish. You can even add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for a little extra flavor.
Fresh Berries: For a refreshing contrast, serve your brownies with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The tartness balances the sweetness of the brownies beautifully.
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FAQs about cocoa powder brownies
How can I make my cocoa powder brownies extra fudgy?
If you’re aiming for ultra fudgy brownies, there are a couple of tricks to keep in mind. First, reduce the baking time slightly—underdone brownies tend to have a richer, more dense texture. Second, use a bit more butter and less flour to create that soft, gooey center. Adding an extra egg yolk can also help intensify the fudginess!
Can I use milk chocolate cocoa powder for brownies?
You can certainly use milk chocolate cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder, but keep in mind that it will add more sweetness to the brownies. You might want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly to balance the flavor. The result will be a slightly sweeter and creamier brownie.
Can I use this recipe for a brownie mix instead of homemade?
If you’re short on time, you can swap the homemade ingredients with a brownie mix. Simply follow the mix’s instructions and add a little extra cocoa powder (about 2 tablespoons) to enhance the chocolate flavor. While the texture might differ slightly, you’ll still get that rich, indulgent taste!
Why are my brownies dry and crumbly?
Dry brownies can be a result of overbaking or too much flour. Be sure to check your brownies toward the lower end of the suggested baking time to avoid overcooking them. Also, try not to pack the flour too tightly when measuring—sifting it beforehand can help ensure the right texture.
cocoa powder brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup 50g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup 60g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Preheat the oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the brownies bake evenly and get that perfectly fudgy texture.
Melt the butter
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter until it’s smooth and creamy. This should only take about 30-45 seconds in the microwave. Let it cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
Mix the wet ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s light and fluffy.
Add the dry ingredients
- Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This will help avoid lumps and ensure that your brownies have that perfect texture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Pour and spread
- Pour the brownie batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, making sure the edges are smooth.
Bake the brownies
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. For extra fudgy brownies, aim for the lower end of the baking time.
Cool and cut
- Once the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!