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Equipment

• Mixing bowls (2)
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Sifter
• 8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray
• Spatula for spreading batter
• Cooling rack

INGREDIENTS

For the Brownie Batter:

• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1. Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to ensure easy removal of your brownies. Step 2. Mix the Wet Ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture turns slightly frothy. This step is crucial for that crackly top everyone loves! Step 3. Combine the Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures a lump-free, even texture. Step 4. Blend It All Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle—overmixing can lead to dense brownies. At this stage, you can stir in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor. Step 5. Bake to Perfection Put the batter into the prepared baking pan and distribute it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center yields a few moist crumbs. Remember, an almost underbaked brownie is the secret to the greatest fudginess!  Step 6. Cool and Enjoy Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This ensures clean edges and prevents them from crumbling.

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Tips for the Best Brownie Recipe with Cocoa Powder

1. Quality Matters: Use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich and intense chocolate flavor.
2. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the oven. Overbaking can result in dry brownies, which no one wants!
3. Experiment: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a deeper chocolate taste.

Why Cocoa Powder?

While some recipes call for melted chocolate, this brownie recipe with cocoa powder is simpler but still delicious. Cocoa powder gives these brownies a perfectly balanced flavor and a thicker texture, making them ideal for both chocolate lovers and casual dessert lovers.