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Basic Cocoa Powder Brownies

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  • #7731

A brownie is like a blank canvas! This recipe gives you a simple and delectable base for whatever work of art you dream up: Ice cream, berries, peanut butter sauce, oh, the choices!


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  30-60 minutes
Rating: 5/5

8 reviews
4 comments

ingredients

1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts, optional

directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Add the butter to a 9x13 baking dish. Place in the oven to melt.

When melted, remove the pan from the oven and place on a heat-proof surface. Let cool.

Add the sugar to the melted butter and mix well. Stir in the eggs until incorporated.

While stirring, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Mix until blended.

Stir in the vanilla and nuts, if using.

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until set in the middle.

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before cutting into squares..

Store the brownies in an airtight container.

added by

Jeri Manthey, CDKitchen Staff
Read more: Brownies, A Legacy in Chocolate

recipe tips


Try adding a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the batter.

Garnish with sea salt flakes after baking for a sweet and salty contrast.

Experiment with different types of nuts, like walnuts, pecans, or almonds

common recipe questions


Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of flour like whole wheat flour for a healthier option or a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free version. The texture might vary slightly with different flours.

Is there a substitute for cocoa powder?

If you don't have cocoa powder, you can use 4 ounces of unsweetened baking chocolate. Melt it with the butter before adding the other ingredients.

How can I make these brownies more chocolatey?

To make the brownies more chocolatey, you can add chocolate chips or chunks to the batter, or increase the amount of cocoa powder slightly.

Can I add other mix-ins besides nuts?

You can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or dried fruit like cherries or raisins.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The brownies are done when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake as they will continue to set as they cool.

Can I make these brownies in a different size pan?

Yes, you can use a different size pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan will result in thicker brownies that may need more time, while a larger pan will make thinner brownies that bake faster.

How should I store leftover brownies?

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What are some serving suggestions for these brownies?

Serve these brownies with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added indulgence.


nutrition data

434 calories, 25 grams fat, 51 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams protein per serving.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. Noname REVIEW:

    Personally, having 12 tbs of cocoa powder is a bit to strong. But it was still pretty good.

  2. Ruthie REVIEW:

    I went to “state” every year that I made these brownies! Thank you for refreshing my memory on the recipe!

  3. ConSpliffy

    Thank you

  4. dvanalmen REVIEW:

    I made these 4-H Brownies when I was in 4-H. My family fell in love with them also. We always are making them. Yum yum

  5. ShelBell

    Can I not bake this without sifting? I don't own a sifter.

    • You can, but the texture will be different. If you have a fine mesh strainer you can use that to sift.

  6. Marimar

    am i suppose to mix the butter with the other ingredients or is that just so that the brownies wont stick to the pan>

    • You melt the butter in the baking pan and stir the other ingredients into that pan (saves dirtying a bowl!)

  7. Valerie REVIEW:

    We made these but turned them into "Everything Brownies". Topping: 1/4 cup each: chopped peanut butter cups, dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, chopped caramel pieces, miniature marshmallows. Follow the "Basic Brownies" baking instructions (reduce temp to 300F if using a glass pan). When brownies are baked, remove from oven and immediately top with topping ingredients evenly sprinkling them over the brownie base. Return to oven for 5 minutes or until the toppings begin to soften. They will not melt completely. Absolutely to die for.

  8. Paula W REVIEW:

    These brownies were amazingly good and very easy to make! I used Hershey's Dark cocoa which gave them a rich chocolate flavor that wasn't too sweet. I also omitted the walnuts.

  9. Anel REVIEW:

    These brownies were a hit at work but unfortunately my mixer couldn't say the same thing. Guess I will use dough hooks next time!

  10. Farzana REVIEW:

    Oh My God!!!! Thank you Tara for such a superb and simple recipe. I and my family gobbled the brownies down before I managed to make the custard!!! Superb. Lost recipe and found it on the web again!! Phew!!!!

  11. musiclova2325 REVIEW:

    thank you ! its very good tastein

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