Description
These Cocoa Powder Brownies offer a classic, rich, and fudgy treat made with simple ingredients like melted butter, cocoa powder, and sugar. Perfect for any occasion, they bake up moist and chocolaty with a tender crumb. Optional nuts or chocolate chips add extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat everything together until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to remove lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Mix Batter: Gently stir the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until the batter comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you are using them, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—when it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are ready.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares for serving.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, bake closer to the 20-minute mark.
- For cakier brownies, increase the baking time slightly beyond 25 minutes.
- These brownies are delicious topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
