Name: Cocoa Powder Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 9 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed or natural); ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional)

There's nothing quite like biting into a warm, fudgy Cocoa Powder Brownie-these are hands-down the ultimate treat for serious chocolate cravings! Ultra-rich, perfectly chewy, and loaded with deep chocolate flavor, they're everything you want from a classic brownie.

What makes this recipe a must-try? It's ridiculously easy (one bowl!), uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers outrageously decadent results every single time. No need for fancy chocolate bars-cocoa powder brings bold flavor and that crave-worthy fudgy texture.

These brownies are perfect for weeknight dessert emergencies, birthday parties, or whenever you need a chocolate fix fast. This recipe has been my family's go-to for years, and I'm thrilled to finally share it with you!

Freshly baked, glossy Cocoa Powder Brownies with crackly tops

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Incredibly fudgy texture with a shiny, crackly top-just like a bakery brownie!
Made with basic pantry ingredients-no chocolate bars required
Quick and easy one-bowl method-minimal cleanup, maximum reward
Customizable with your favorite mix-ins: nuts, chocolate chips, or candies

Key Ingredients for Cocoa Powder Brownies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

This is the heart and soul of your brownies, giving them their intense, deep chocolate flavor. Choose a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed or natural both work-Dutch gives a richer color, while natural is a bit tangier). Sift it to avoid lumps for the smoothest batter. In a pinch, you can use dark cocoa powder for an even bolder taste.

Butter

Butter brings richness, moisture, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. I recommend unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. Melt it gently-either on the stovetop or in the microwave-to make mixing super easy. If needed, you can substitute with a vegan butter alternative, but the flavor may be slightly less rich.

Sugar

White granulated sugar sweetens the brownies and helps create that signature crackly top. If you like a deeper caramel note, try swapping half the white sugar for light brown sugar. You can also use coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener, though the brownies may be slightly less chewy.

Eggs

Eggs are essential for binding the batter and giving the brownies their structure and chewiness. Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results-they incorporate more smoothly. If you need a vegan option, try a flax egg (though the brownies will be more cakey than fudgy).

All-Purpose Flour

A modest amount of all-purpose flour keeps these brownies dense and fudgy. Don't overmix or you'll end up with cakey brownies! For a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour works great-just keep an eye on baking time, as it may vary slightly.

Instructions for Cocoa Powder Brownies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper if you like extra insurance against sticking.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and glossy. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This step helps create that shiny, crackly top!

Add Cocoa and Dry Ingredients

Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder directly over the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon-stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. If you're using chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). For extra fudgy brownies, err on the shorter baking time.

Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack-this helps them set up for perfect slicing. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then cut into squares and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Make It Extra Chocolaty

For seriously intense chocolate flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chunks before baking. You can also drizzle with melted chocolate after cooling for a bakery-style finish.

Nutty Crunch

Stir in ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a satisfying crunch and extra flavor. Hazelnuts are a delicious twist for fans of chocolate-hazelnut combos!

Gluten-Free Swap

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The brownies will still be super fudgy-just check for doneness a couple of minutes early.

Vegan Brownies

Replace the butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter, and substitute flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 6 tablespoons water). The texture becomes a bit more cakey, but still absolutely delicious.

For more tips on brownie variations, check out this Ultimate Brownie Guide.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Cocoa Powder Brownies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert duo. Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra-indulgent treat. Pair with fresh berries and a hot cup of coffee or cold milk for the ultimate snack.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to keep them extra fudgy. To reheat, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that warm, gooey texture. Brownies freeze beautifully-wrap individual squares tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cocoa Powder Brownies (FAQ)

Q: Can I use Dutch-processed or natural cocoa powder in this recipe?

A: Yes! Both types work well. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a deeper color and slightly smoother flavor, while natural cocoa makes for a classic, slightly tangy brownie. Use whichever you have on hand.

Q: How do I make my brownies fudgier or more cakey?

A: For fudgier brownies, bake a minute or two less and don't overmix the batter. For a cakier texture, add an extra egg or increase the baking powder slightly.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

A: Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9x13-inch pan, adding a few minutes to the baking time. Keep an eye on doneness with a toothpick test.

For more baking tips, visit Serious Eats' Brownie Science.

I hope you're as obsessed with these Cocoa Powder Brownies as my family is! Whether you serve them at parties or as an everyday treat, they're guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate craving. Be sure to leave a comment or a rating if you try this recipe-I love hearing how it turns out for you!

★★★★★ 4.80 from 176 ratings