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Would you believe that brownies made with just cocoa powder can be rich, fudgy, and irresistible?
This post will teach you how to make absolutely delicious brownies with cocoa powder. They’re quick, easy, and only require one bowl.
Cocoa Powder Brownies
Today I’m sharing an easy, one-bowl cocoa powder only brownie recipe.
This is the recipe you can make from scratch when you’re craving something chocolate. It is about to become your go-to recipe when you are in a hurry.
A while back, I shared a homemade brownie mix that is great to keep on hand, and the best made-from-scratch brownies are a popular reader favorite. They’re perfect for when you need something, extra decadent, for a special occasion.
Today’s recipe uses the same ingredients as the homemade brownie mix, only it is written for when you want those brownies now and don’t want to make up a batch of mix ahead of time.
What are the ingredients for a brownie?
This recipe uses pantry staples. If you keep your house stocked with everyday baking essentials, you’ll be prepared whenever a chocolate brownie emergency arises.
For this cocoa powder brownie recipe you’ll need:
- butter (or oil)
- white sugar
- eggs
- vanilla extract
- unsweetened cocoa powder (I like dutch process, but I’ve used regular and it’s great too!)
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
One quick note on the cocoa powder. I like to use dutch process because I think it has a richer, less sharp flavor that is more similar to what you get in a box mix. It’s also darker in color.
The picture below shows the color of the brownies if you use regular cocoa powder. Please note that this recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder for baking, not “powdered hot chocolate cocoa mix.”
Brownie Recipe with Cocoa Powder
Start by melting your butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. You can also use oil or substitute half of the butter for oil. I like the flavor that butter gives, but oil makes them a tad moister.
Next, whisk in the sugar, and make sure the mixture is cooled almost to room temperature. (You don’t want to scramble your eggs)
Add your room temperature eggs and vanilla. (Room temperature so they don’t solidify your butter back into a lump.) And beat well.
I recommend using a hand mixer on high for a minute or two here. Beating well at this stage forms that crackly signature brownie crust.
Add the cocoa, flour, and baking powder, and mix until combined. Pour into a greased or parchment-lined 9 x 13-inch pan and bake at 350 F for 28 minutes or so. Ta da. Warm, homemade, fudgy brownies.
How To Make Brownie Bites
You can also use this basic brownie recipe to make Brownie Bites. Simply spoon the brownie batter into grease mini muffin tins, filling them about 1/2 full. Bake for about 12 minutes or so until set.
A HALF batch of this recipe will fill an 8×8-inch pan. Bake for 24 minutes or until set.
I recommend trying these Smores Brownie Bites or Buckeye Brownie Bites.
Want a few more fun options? Try these Snicker’s Brownie Bites from Butter with a Side of Bread or these Salted Caramel Brownie Bites from Live Well Bake Often.
How to Make Brownies with Cocoa Powder
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter melted
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup cocoa powder* see note
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan** with butter or line with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Make sure the butter mixture is almost room temperature and then add the eggs and vanilla.
- Beat until well incorporated. Beating in the eggs well is what forms that signa mture brownie crust on top.
- Add the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Whisk until incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 350° F for 28-32 minutes or until center is set. Let cool at least slightly before cutting into bars.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 2/6/19 – recipe notes and photos updated 1/6/21}
Here are some of my other favorite go-to brownie recipes for when I want something a little more indulgent.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirled Brownies
Any idea the nutritional value?
I used the dutched cocoa and found them to be way to dark. (Not like any box mix I’ve ever used) I also found them to be more cakey and not fudgey. I didn’t pack the flour and used 3/4 butter and 1/4 vegetable oil. I baked for only 28 min on 350. If you like dark chocolate cakey brownies, these are for you. I’ll stick with a boxed mix which is my preference.
Did you scoop the flour out of the container with the measuring cup? or spoon it into the cup with a spoon?
My brownies did turn out chewy or fudgy at all. Foes it matter what type of baking dish used?
We’re they more soft and cake like?
They were more cakey, but really dry
I think it’s an issue with how the flour was measured. I spoon it into the cup. Did you by chance use the measuring cup to scoop it up? That can pack in way more flour than the recipe calls for.
Mine were very dry! No crinkly top at all. They were like a n overcooked cake. I didn’t scoop the flour. I spooned it into the cup and leveled it with a knife like always. They were not overcooked. They were asked for 18 minutes. Not sure what happened. I need to find my original brownie recipe. I never have given a negative review but felt that I should this time.
This sounds like the brownies may have overbaked, as all ovens are different. Did you check them ahead of time? They shouldn’t have turned out that way, Kim. I can appreciate your frustration, but it’s hard to guess what went wrong without being in your kitchen with you.
I tried making these using Spenda…awful
Thanks for sharing your results. Hope you find a good splenda brownie recipe.
Made the batter took over said time to bake but smells AMAZING so far can’t wait to try them
splenda (or any other fake sugar) is not a substitute for real sugar. the amounts needed will be different, the texture will be different….everything about the dessert will be different, and it wont be different in a good way. if you want a sugar free dessert, then you should look for sugar free dessert recipes..
hey Donna why you be using splenda??????????
The recipe went together very quickly. It made a chewy, fudgy brownie – just what we were craving.
LOVE how fudgey these are! Need to make ASAP!
I need these brownies in my life!!! Oh My YUM
These turn out perfect every time!
Made these with my regular cocoa and they were amazing. I’ll have to give them a try with dutch process cocoa next time!
I love this Recipe! It’s so fudgy! I made a cannabutter for this and used it as an alternate to just regular butter. The most comforting and delicious brownies you’ll taste for awhile. Will make these again!
I’m so glad that you loved the brownies! Happy baking.
wow these really have my mouth watering! so much better than a box!!
i agree