Name: Cocoa Powder Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups (238g) granulated sugar; 1/3 cup (78ml) vegetable oil; ¼ cup (59ml) milk; 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 cup (140g) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (40g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; ¾ cups (168g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus additional for garnish; Flakey Sea Salt garnish (optional)

If you’re searching for the ultimate homemade treat that never fails to impress, look no further than these Cocoa Powder Brownies. They deliver all the fudgy richness and crave-worthy flavor of your favorite boxed brownies—but with a truly homemade touch and a short list of staple pantry ingredients. From that shiny crinkle top to their irresistibly chewy edges and dreamy chocolate centers, these brownies are everything a brownie should be, and they come together in just 40 minutes!

Cocoa Powder Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Cocoa Powder Brownies is just how straightforward the ingredients are. Each component plays an important role: the sugar gives crackly tops, the oil ensures a moist crumb, and cocoa powder brings a deep, chocolatey flavor you won’t forget. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these brownies to life.

Granulated Sugar (1 ¼ cups): Essential for sweetness and that irresistible shiny, crinkle top.
Vegetable Oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the brownies moist and tender without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
Milk (¼ cup): Adds just enough richness and helps everything blend smoothly.
Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the chocolate with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
Large Egg (1): Binds the batter and adds richness and structure.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Gives the brownies substance without making them cakey.
Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (½ cup): The star of the show, delivering bold chocolate color and flavor—don’t skimp here!
Baking Soda (¼ teaspoon): Lifts the brownies just enough so they aren’t too dense.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips (¾ cup, plus more for garnish): Provide melty chocolate bites in every square and make the top extra tempting.
Flakey Sea Salt (optional, for garnish): For a final flourish and a sophisticated salty crunch that makes the chocolate pop.

How to Make Cocoa Powder Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Before you dive into making batter, set yourself up for brownie greatness. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab an 8-inch square baking pan. For easy removal and neat slices, generously grease it and line the bottom with parchment paper, letting the ends overhang for a convenient “brownie lift” later. A properly prepared pan is key to perfect Cocoa Powder Brownies!

Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, pour in the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until the mixture looks glossy and blended. This step ensures the sugar begins to dissolve and makes for that classic shiny top every Cocoa Powder Brownie fan craves.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Crack in the large egg, and beat just until it disappears into the mixture—about 30 seconds is plenty. Don’t overmix! The egg binds the batter and helps create a rich, fudgy texture without making the brownies tough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, natural unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Give them a good stir so everything’s evenly distributed. This ensures even rise and a consistent chocolate flavor throughout your Cocoa Powder Brownies.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and use a spatula to gently fold everything together until just combined—no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, or the brownies might turn out dense instead of chewy and tender.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and fold gently to distribute. These melty pockets will make your Cocoa Powder Brownies extra indulgent. Save a handful to sprinkle on top for bakery-style looks and flavor.

Step 7: Bake

Scrape the thick batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Scatter those reserved chocolate chips on top, and slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Don’t overbake—remember, brownies keep baking a little as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Once out of the oven, let your Cocoa Powder Brownies cool in the pan to set up completely—patience is key for clean slices! If you want to finish with a flourish, sprinkle them with flakey sea salt before cutting. Cut into squares and get ready to enjoy some serious chocolate bliss.

How to Serve Cocoa Powder Brownies

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flakey sea salt can transform your Cocoa Powder Brownies from classic to next-level. You can also dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle on a little melted chocolate, or top them with fresh berries for a pop of color and tang.

Side Dishes

You’ll never go wrong serving these brownies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. For a fancier touch, try a scoop of espresso gelato or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream—they complement the deep chocolate flavor perfectly!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or simply want to shake things up, try layering brownies and whipped cream in parfait glasses for a playful dessert. Cut them into bite-sized squares for party platters, or use them as a decadent layer in homemade ice cream sandwiches. Cocoa Powder Brownies are as versatile as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Brownies keep wonderfully at room temperature for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container, stacking with a sheet of parchment between layers if needed—this helps preserve their moist, chewy texture and keeps them from sticking together.

Freezing

If you want to save Cocoa Powder Brownies for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready for a chocolate fix, you can thaw brownies in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a quick treat.

Reheating

For that just-baked feel, warm individual brownies in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. This brings back their gooey, fudgy center and makes the chocolate chips delightfully melty. Serve with ice cream for instant dessert happiness!

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa powder?

You can substitute Dutch-process cocoa, but it will alter both flavor and texture. Dutch-process has a milder, deeper chocolate taste and changes the brownie’s rise, so stick with natural cocoa for best results in Cocoa Powder Brownies.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The best way is the toothpick test: insert it into the center, and you want to see moist crumbs but no wet batter. Remember, brownies solidify as they cool, so it’s okay if they look slightly under-set when hot.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Watch the baking time, as larger pans sometimes need a few extra minutes, but start checking at around 28-32 minutes.

Why did my brownies turn out cakey instead of fudgy?

Too much mixing or overbaking could be the culprits. Mix the batter just until everything is combined and keep a close eye on bake time for perfect Cocoa Powder Brownies with a dense, chewy bite.

How can I make these brownies extra gooey?

For maximum gooeyness, bake them a minute or two less, and be generous with chocolate chips. If you love molten centers, try swirling in a spoonful of Nutella or peanut butter before baking!

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the homemade comfort of Cocoa Powder Brownies—they’re quick to make, absolutely delicious, and sure to become a repeat favorite. Give this recipe a spot in your dessert rotation and share the sweet joy with family and friends!