How to Make Brownies with Cocoa Powder (2024)

Would you believe that brownies made with just cocoa powder can be rich, fudgy, and irresistible?

This post will teach you how to make absolutely delicious brownies with cocoa powder. They’re quick, easy, and only require one bowl.

Cocoa Powder Brownies

Today I’m sharing an easy, one-bowl cocoa powder only brownie recipe.

This is the recipe you can make from scratch when you’re craving something chocolate. It is about to become your go-to recipe when you are in a hurry.

A while back, I shared a homemade brownie mix that is great to keep on hand, and the best made-from-scratch brownies are a popular reader favorite. They’re perfect for when you need something, extra decadent, for a special occasion.

Today’s recipe uses the same ingredients as the homemade brownie mix, only it is written for when you want those brownies now and don’t want to make up a batch of mix ahead of time.

What are the ingredients for a brownie?

This recipe uses pantry staples. If you keep your house stocked with everyday baking essentials, you’ll be prepared whenever a chocolate brownie emergency arises.

For this cocoa powder brownie recipe you’ll need:

• butter (or oil)
• white sugar
• eggs
• vanilla extract
• unsweetened cocoa powder (I like dutch process, but I’ve used regular and it’s great too!)
• all-purpose flour
• baking powder
• salt

One quick note on the cocoa powder. I like to use dutch process because I think it has a richer, less sharp flavor that is more similar to what you get in a box mix. It’s also darker in color.

The picture below shows the color of the brownies if you use regular cocoa powder. Please note that this recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder for baking, not “powdered hot chocolate cocoa mix.”

Brownie Recipe with Cocoa Powder

Start by melting your butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. You can also use oil or substitute half of the butter for oil. I like the flavor that butter gives, but oil makes them a tad moister.

Next, whisk in the sugar, and make sure the mixture is cooled almost to room temperature. (You don’t want to scramble your eggs)

Add your room temperature eggs and vanilla. (Room temperature so they don’t solidify your butter back into a lump.) And beat well.

I recommend using a hand mixer on high for a minute or two here. Beating well at this stage forms that crackly signature brownie crust.

Add the cocoa, flour, and baking powder, and mix until combined. Pour into a greased or parchment-lined 9 x 13-inch pan and bake at 350 F for 28 minutes or so. Ta da. Warm, homemade, fudgy brownies.

How To Make Brownie Bites

You can also use this basic brownie recipe to make Brownie Bites. Simply spoon the brownie batter into grease mini muffin tins, filling them about ½ full. Bake for about 12 minutes or so until set.

A HALF batch of this recipe will fill an 8×8-inch pan. Bake for 24 minutes or until set.

I recommend trying these Smores Brownie Bites or Buckeye Brownie Bites.

Want a few more fun options? Try these Snicker’s Brownie Bites from Butter with a Side of Bread or these Salted Caramel Brownie Bites from Live Well Bake Often.

{originally published 2/6/19 – recipe notes and photos updated 1/6/21}

Here are some of my other favorite go-to brownie recipes for when I want something a little more indulgent.

Mint Brownies with Ganache

Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirled Brownies

Cookie Dough Brownies