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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
Made these and they are delicious. Hopefully they last til Sunday, or more will be made. The best my family sai
Glad to hear that everyone’s been loving the brownies, Judy.
Oh my gosh these are so good! Bordering on having too much unsweetened cocoa flavor so I may try cutting it back a bit. But super moist and decadent.
I’m glad you’ve been loving the brownies, Diane. Happy baking.
These were disappointing. They aren’t quite as chocolatey as I would have liked, a little grainy, and way too soft even after the full bake time and cooling. I’m definitely not a fan of cakey brownies but these had no structure at all.
Sorry to hear that the brownies didn’t turn out well for you. Did you omit/substitute any ingredients? In any case, I hope your next baking project turns out wonderfully.
I have made these a few times, and we love them! I add a cup or so of chopped walnuts or pecans. Perfect!
Love this recipe! It’s so good and my definite go-to. You won’t be disappointed if you make these!
I’m glad the brownies were a hit, Julia. Happy baking!
Haha my brownies look like a mini cake, the only thing I changed was I used 1 cup sugar to 1 cup light brown sugar, it smells great I did the full 32 minutes it was a very thick recipe, it’s got a very soft feeling I can’t wait for it to cool down and try it
I’m glad to hear that the recipe turned out well, Samantha. Happy baking, and enjoy the brownies!
I’ve made these brownies 3 or 4 times and they have come out perfect every time! My husband absolutely LOVES it when I make these.
I use oil instead of butter, and then I top off the brownie mixture with chocolate chips 🙂
I was wondering though, if these would work in a muffin tin?
Hi, Liza! The brownie mixture should work in a muffin tin, although you may need to change the cook time. I’m glad to hear that you and your husband are loving the brownies.
These turned out fudgey and delicious for me! I love a fudge brownie and these were perfect. I halfed the recipe but it needed more than the 24 minutes stated in the recipe. I think I did a total of 35 minutes. It could just be my crappy oven.
I’m glad the brownies turned out so well for you, Cheryl. Your altitude could also be affecting the cook time. Happy baking!
I used regular unsweetened cocoa, since I had that on hand. Normally I would add walnuts but didn’t have any, so I added pecans. Delicious!
Every other recipe I found called for chocolate chips. As much as I love chocolate chips, I don’t always have them on hand, so I am so glad I found this one. They are great without added chocolate!
I’m glad to hear that you’ve been enjoying the brownies, Barbara. Sometimes chocolate chips just aren’t available, but even if they are, this is still a great option. Adding pecans sounds like a tasty idea. Enjoy, and happy baking!
The recipe is so easy to follow, and I love that it has very little ingredients!
They were DELICIOUS and everyone complimented them (even tho I used off brand ingredients); soft and fudgy
I’m so glad the brownies turned out well for you, Didi! Enjoy, and happy baking.