Easy Homemade Brownies Made with Cocoa Powder

These Easy Homemade Brownies using cocoa powder make the perfect fudge brownies that are rich in chocolate flavor. . Honestly, I rarely buy brownie mix anymore as this recipe is so easy! You can also change up this recipe with a lot of variations if you wish.

This homemade brownies from scratch are made with pantry stables and take a just a little bit longer to make than a boxed brownie mix, but these fudgy brownies made from cocoa powder are worth it.

Homemade desserts are wonderful this time of year. 

Why You Will Love This Homemade Brownie Recipe

Tasty. These easy brownies are great when you are looking for a tasty dessert that is full of rich chocolate flavor. Baked brownies are a favorite dessert because the brownies are cakey and fudgy at the same time. ​

Easy Recipe. These easy moist brownies are made with simple ingredients and only take a couple more steps than brownies from a boxed mix.

Versatile. You can easily change this easy dessert up by adding nuts, chocolate chips or other ingredients to the brownies.

Ingredients

• all purpose flour
• white sugar
• butter - I use unsalted butter
• eggs - Use room temperature eggs for even mixing and a light, airy batter.
• cocoa powder
• vanilla extract
• baking powder
• salt

Amounts listed in recipe card

Equipment

• large bowl
• medium bowl
• electric mixer or stand mixer
• square pan
• sharp knife

How to make Cocoa Powder Brownies

Step 1 - Prepare pan and heat overn.

Step 2 - In a medium mixing bowl, mix wet ingredients on medium speed and set aside.

Step 3 - In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Add eggs and mix on low, scraping sides of the pan often.

Step 4 - Pour into prepared brownie pan and bake as directed.

Step 5 - Let cool and cut into squares.

This brownie recipe comes together wonderfully quickly for a plateful of delicious chocolate treats!

Aren't baked brownies the best? For another delicious brownie recipe, try these Red Velvet Brownies from my friend Cara.

Variations on this Brownie recipe

Homemade Brownies with Frosting - Make a little buttercream frosting for your brownies and make them extra decadent. All you need is 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of milk and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Just mix all in a small bowl and add the milk last. Whip until smooth and spread over baked and cooled brownies. 

Homemade Brownies with Nuts -  You can add ½ cup of your favorite chopped nuts to this recipe. Just blend into the batter before baking.

GF Brownies - If you want a great brownie without gluten, try these Gluten-Free Brownies from my friend Erin.

Serving Suggestion - Serve with a scoop of ice cream and whipped cream if you like.

Baking Tips

• I use unsweetened Cocoa Powder for this recipe as the sugar allows for a nice sweet dessert. Dutch-processed cocoa powder contains an alkali to neutralize acids and can also be used. 
• Baking time may vary. It is normal for the brownies to have crackly tops.
• For the perfect brownies, dip a knife in hot water after each cut.
• Make Ahead - Place the dry ingredients into a sealed container and you just made your own brownie mix! This also makes a fun gift if you put the mix in mason jars with a cute tag and instructions.
• Chocolate - Use high-quality chocolate or cocoa powder with at least 60% cocoa content for intense chocolate flavor.
• Parchment - Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
• Make a double batch and freeze brownies for later.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use margarine in place of butter?

For best results use real butter - it adds richness and depth of flavor compared to margarine or butter substitutes.

Does it make a difference if I bake my brownies in a glass pan or metal pan?

A glass pan will insulate heat more than metal pan, so your brownies might take a few minutes longer to bake if using a glass pan.

How Should I store my Browines?

Store in an airtight container.

More Great Chocolate Recipes

• Chocolate Chip Blondies – A classic throwback bar cookie like mom used to make.
•  Caramel Pecan Bar Recipe – a wonderful treat that is a cross between a cookie and a blondie, but better!
• Coconut Magic Bars - A Made easily in minutes, these tasty coconut chocolate bars are ready in about 15 minutes.

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Easy Homemade Brownies

 

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