You can make this brownie recipe with cocoa powder only--no chocolate needed! My trusted technique guarantees that classic, rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture. Just minutes to prep! Recipe includes a how-to video!
Prep time: PT15M
Cook time: PT23M
Total time: PT38M
Rating
4.93 stars (14 reviews)
Keywords
brownie recipe with cocoa powder
Ingredients
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter (cut into 8 pieces)
½ cup natural cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ rounded teaspoon table salt ((or fine sea salt))
½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional )
Categories
bars
brownies
Dessert
Cuisine
American
Steps
Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9x9 square baking pan with parchment paper (or lightly grease with butter). Set aside.
Whisk the sugar and eggs. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until very well-combined. For shiny, crackly-topped brownies, whisk vigorously, until lightened in color (about 30-45 seconds of vigorous whisking) Set aside.
Melt the butter and bloom the cocoa. In a separate bowl, melt the butter. Immediately whisk in the cocoa to combine (this helps “bloom” the cocoa and gives you a darker chocolate flavor). If using espresso powder, add this here as well.
Combine the sugar and chocolate mixtures. Pour the melted butter mixture into the sugar/eggs mixture and stir until well-combined.
Add the dry ingredients. Add the flour and salt and stir until combined, then stir in the mini chocolate chips (if using).
Spread and bake. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, then transfer to the center rack of 350F (175C) preheated oven and bake for 23 minutes, until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist, fudgy crumbs.
Cool & cut. Allow brownies to cool before slicing and enjoying.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 168 kcal
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Cholesterol: 37 mg
Sodium: 13 mg
Sugar: 19 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.3 g
Reviews
Gina on 2026-09-02 (5 stars): Took these out of the oven, so they’re cooling. They smell so good 😊
I didn’t have any mini chocolate chips, so they were left out.
I will add peppermint chips the next time I make them. I love your recipes, so thank you!!! ☺️
Landry on 2026-08-23 (4 stars): Great recipe! Will be using this as my go to from now on.
The brownies turned out fine. Had to bake for 33 minutes though in a 8x8 pan.
How do I cut down on the sugar without ruining the crinkle top?
Patty on 2026-08-16 (5 stars): So delicious! Easy to make! I'll be making these again.
Rana Hashem on 2026-07-04 (5 stars): Perfect!! Perfect perfect perfect! Tysm! So chocolatey, crispy outside fudgey inside! I used a 26 cm round tray and put it for 5 more minutes in the oven coz my oven sucks a bit, and I used ghee instead of butter, sifted the cacao powder into it, mixed and popped in the microwave for 30 seconds and it did the job ✅ I used ghee cuz I wanted to make it dairy free. It does have an aftertaste though that people may or may not like depending on the person. Oh and I also used pinch of baking soda and cooking oil instead of parchment paper and it miraculously didn’t stick to the pan. Thanks!
