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Cocoa Brownies

Cocoa Brownies
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These Cocoa Brownies are rich, fudgy, and irresistibly chocolaty treats. Made with simple pantry staples and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of fudgy and chewy texture with a crisp, crackly top. Customize them with nuts, chocolate chips, or dietary modifications like gluten-free or vegan options. Ideal as a quick snack or for special occasions, you can enjoy delicious homemade cocoa brownies in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for variation)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds (Nutty Delight)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chunks or chips (Extra Chocolatey)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or chili powder (Spiced Cocoa Twist)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Gather and measure out all your ingredients to ensure a smooth mixing process.
  2. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan or microwave, gently melt the butter until just liquefied. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dry ingredients. This helps maintain a smooth batter and prevents cooking the eggs during mixing.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Sifting helps avoid lumps and creates a lighter texture in your brownies.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Whisk the eggs and vanilla extract into the melted butter, then gradually fold this mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir until just combined—overmixing can toughen the brownies.
  5. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging. Avoid overbaking to keep that fudgy texture.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let your cocoa brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step helps the fudgy texture to set, making the brownies easier to cut and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use quality unsweetened cocoa powder for richer flavor and better color.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense, tough brownies.
  • Check oven temperature with an oven thermometer to prevent dry edges.
  • Allow brownies to cool fully before slicing for proper texture.
  • Experiment with toppings like sea salt, powdered sugar, or melted chocolate drizzle for added flair.

Nutrition

Keywords: cocoa brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate treat, easy brownies, homemade brownies, gluten-free brownies, vegan brownies (optional), chocolate dessert

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/cocoa-brownies/