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BEST COCOA BROWNIES, EVER

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RECIPE PRINT PIN

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.

A stack of brownies.

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.

  • Dry ingredients for cocoa brownies.
  • 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.

  • Brownie batter in a pan.
  • Baked cocoa brownies.

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 THESE INCREDIBLE COCOA BROWNIES

Bowl

Whisk

Spatula

Parchment paper

Baking pan

Cooling rack

Two long stacks of 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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A bunch of cut brownies.

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A bunch of cut brownies.

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 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16
Author: Natalie Gregory

Equipment Used

1 Large Bowl
Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ¾ cup neutral oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla or bourbon*

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Line a 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, add flour, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk well to combine.
  • Add in oil, eggs, and vanilla.
  • Mix until just incorporated then mix for 50 strokes. Batter should be dense, smooth, and shiny.
  • 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 not gooey.
  • Allow to cool completely for a clean cut.

Notes

*   Sometimes I use coffee brandy or Frangelico and it gives such a delicious flavor. The alcohol cooks off and it's such a small amount. Remember, vanilla is made with vodka so this is no different.
Did you make this recipe? Tag @thegeneticchef and use #thegeneticchef and tell me all about it!

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Comments

  1. Tiffany

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

    Reply

    • Natalie

      Thank you for commenting! Everyone loves these brownies and they are super easy. 🙂

      Reply

  2. Sharmaine

    How to bake using an oven toaster?

    Reply

    • Natalie

      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.

      Reply

  3. kaypeabrokebaker

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

    Reply

    • Natalie

      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!

      Reply

  4. kathy

    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

    Reply

    • Natalie

      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!

      Reply

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