My Cocoa Brownies are just as easy as using a mix, but with far better results. They're thick, chewy, fudgy, delicious and made in one bowl.

This is one of those recipes I had to create when brownies were in demand NOW. What makes these the Best Cocoa Brownies? No mixer required, no melting of chocolate and butter, and no fuss.

I wanted this recipe to be as simple as the box mixes. Measure, mix, pour, and bake.

Here we go.

Grab a large bowl.

Add in the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk together until thoroughly combined. Now it looks like the mix from the box.

To that, add eggs, oil, and vanilla (or bourbon because vanilla is so expensive now).

Mix and once incorporated (need to just combine to prevent powder and liquid flying all over the place) mix for 50 strokes. Why 50? Because that's what I remember as a kid.

A bowl of brownie batter ready to be mixed.

Spread in pan. Tap the pan a few times on the counter to allow air bubbles to escape.

Bake about 40 - 45 minutes and test with a toothpick halfway between the edge and center of the pan. There should be a few crumbs attached, but it should not be gooey. I've even baked these in my toaster oven and they come out perfect.

The cocoa brownies never get a chance to cool completely in my house, although they should cool completely before cutting into them. If you wrap these and refrigerate, you'll experience a firmer yet fudgy brownie that's easier to cut. Remember, cool translates to clean-cut. Want them to cool faster? Refrigerate.

TOOLS YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE THE BEST COCOA BROWNIES

THESE COCOA BROWNIES FREEZE WELL

The brownies can be frozen after being tightly wrapped with plastic. Freeze individually for an anytime chocolate fix. I rarely have any left to freeze because these are the best damn cocoa brownies in the world and they disappear quickly.

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Name: BEST COCOA BROWNIES
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup flour; 3/4 cup cocoa powder; 2 cups sugar; 1/2 teaspoon fine salt; 3/4 cup neutral oil; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla (See NOTES)

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BEST COCOA BROWNIES

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A simple brownie recipe that delivers delicious, fudgy, chewy brownies. Uses one bowl and can be prepared in minutes.

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 45

Servings:

Author: Natalie Gregory

Equipment Used

Ingredients

1 cup (130 g) flour
¾ cup (75 g) cocoa powder
2 cups (400 g) sugar
½ teaspoon fine salt
¾ cup neutral oil
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla See NOTES

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325℉.
Spray an 8x8 pan then line with parchment paper. Scrunching up the parchment into a ball and then flattening it makes it easy for it to stay in place and to shape it into the pan.
In a large bowl, add flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk well to combine.
Add in oil, eggs, and vanilla.
Mix until just incorporated then mix for 50 strokes. The batter should be dense, smooth, and shiny. You can use a whisk or spatula to mix.
Spread batter into prepared pan then tap pan once or twice to allow air bubbles to escape.
Bake for 40 - 45 minutes. Test with a toothpick halfway between the edge and center of pan. There should be a few crumbs attached, but it should not be gooey.
Allow to cool completely for a clean cut. Cut into any size bars you like. Enjoy.

Notes

* I like to change it up by substituting bourbon, coffee brandy, or Frangelico for the vanilla. It gives such a delicious flavor. The alcohol cooks off and it's such a small amount. Remember, vanilla is made with vodka so using any of these is no different.

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Nutritional Information

I don't post the nutritional value because I don't trust the accuracy of the nutritional apps. I’m not a nutritionist and don't want to post misinformation.

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Comments

Tiffany

August 21, 2022 at 2:17 am

Best brownies , everrr! I wish I could post my outcome!! Converted the recipe times two, in a 8*18 pan, absolutely beautiful!

- Natalie
  
  August 21, 2022 at 10:17 am
  
  Thank you for commenting! Everyone loves these brownies and they are super easy. 🙂
  
Sharmaine

September 05, 2020 at 11:27 pm

How to bake using an oven toaster?

- Natalie
  
  September 06, 2020 at 9:15 am
  
  I actually bake these in my toaster oven. Just adjust the rack so the pan is centered in the toaster oven. You can check 5 minutes under the time but in my case I've found the baking time to be ok. All ovens are different so check.
  
kaypeabrokebaker

May 25, 2020 at 8:31 pm

This recipe looks good. Was wondering if I could double the ingredients and make in a 13 x 9 rectangular pan?

- Natalie
  
  May 25, 2020 at 10:03 pm
  
  I haven't made it in a 9x13 but feel the middle may not cook and stay very fudgy. You will have to bake longer and risk overcooking the edges (which taste great overcooked by the way). If you try it, please let me know how it comes out. I hope you enjoy it!
  
kathy

September 25, 2016 at 6:30 pm

I tried these brownies with one cup of pecans and the family enjoyed them. The top was crisp like a cookie but they were moist and delicious . I will be making this recipe again.
Thanks for sharing your recipe

- Natalie
  
  September 26, 2016 at 5:16 pm
  
  Hi Kathy!
  I'm so happy you enjoyed them. Those are my go to brownies that are a quick fix for a chocolate craving. Enjoy!

BEST COCOA BROWNIES, EVER

TOOLS YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE THE BEST COCOA BROWNIES

THESE COCOA BROWNIES FREEZE WELL

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