Rich Fudgy Dark Cocoa Brownies rely on extra dark cocoa powder for their dense, moist texture and deep chocolate flavor. If you love gooey and fudgy brownies rather than cakey ones, give this recipe a try for your next party or picnic, or anytime a chocolate craving hits!
Brownies are one of my favorite things to bake because they are easy, fast and the batter is always so good. Not to mention the fact that they are easy to transport and seem to be the favorite of many.
That said, let it be known that I am a fan of fudge brownies, I don’t like cake brownies because I often find them dry. I’m not sure why that is, but that has been my experience.
For many recipes, brownies are made using chocolate chunks or chips mixed with some or no cocoa powder. This recipe is new to me because the only chocolate is the cocoa powder.
These rich fudgy cocoa brownies still come out moist and delicious, though!
Why you’ll love these Rich Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
Only simple pantry ingredients needed
Deep, dark chocolate flavor
Easily portable (ideal for picnics, bake sales, the holidays, and more)
Fudgy and gooey in the middle and crackly on the tops
Place oven rack in lower third of oven and preheat oven to 325.
Prepare an 8 inch pan with foil or parchment and then spray with cooking spray and set aside.
In a bowl placed over a double boiler with water barely simmering, add sugar, butter and cocoa powder, and salt.
Mix until the butter is melted and mixture is combined.
Remove bowl from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Add the vanilla and mix, then eggs one at a time and stir vigorously after each until the mixture is smooth.
Add the flour and mix until incorporated, 40-50 strokes.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 20-30 minutes. Mine took 30 minutes, but do test for done-ness starting at 20 minutes, test with a toothpick so that it comes out almost clean.
Cool completely and then cut.
If you want clean cutting lines freeze for 20 minutes and then cut.
Tips & Variations
Try different cocoa powder. My brownies were not as sweet as others that I have made because I used extra brute cocoa powder. That was part of what I liked about them! You can easily use different types of cocoa powder, though.
Add some chips. For even more rich melty chocolate flavor, add some chocolate or white chocolate chips to the batter.
Dress them up. Try frosting them with chocolate buttercream or chocolate ganache.
Storage
Rich fudgy cocoa brownies can be stored covered unrefrigerated for up to 3 days, and then refrigerated in an airtight container for about 4 days. If you freeze them, be sure to wrap them in plastic wrap and then store in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months.
¾cupunsweetened dark cocoa powderplus 2 tablespoons
¼teaspoonkosher salt
1teaspoonvanilla extract
2large eggscold
½cupall purpose flour
Instructions
Place oven rack in lower third of oven and preheat oven to 325.
Prepare an 8 inch pan with foil or parchment and then spray with cooking spray and set aside.
In a bowl placed over a double boiler with water barely simmering, add sugar, butter and cocoa powder, and salt.
Mix until the butter is melted and mixture is combined.
Remove bowl from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Add the vanilla and mix, then eggs one at a time and stir vigorously after each until the mixture is smooth.
Add the flour and mix until incorporated, 40-50 strokes.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 20-30 minutes. Mine took 30 minutes, but do test for done-ness starting at 20 minutes, test with a toothpick so that it comes out almost clean.
Cool completely and then cut.
Notes
If you want clean cutting lines, freeze for 20 minutes and then cut.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brownies made with cocoa powder, dark cocoa powder brownies, extra dark chocolate brownies
Given a choice of a dessert, if a brownie is in the mix, most people will choose that. When I have a party and people are bringing a dessert, the majority will bring brownies.
Given a choice of a dessert, if a brownie is in the mix, most people will choose that. When I have a party and people are bringing a dessert, the majority will bring brownies.