Some desserts don’t need a big introduction—just one bite of these brownies and you’ll know you’ve struck chocolate gold. These fudgy, cocoa-rich treats are made with pantry staples and finished with a light dusting of cocoa powder on top, giving them a bakery-style flair and an extra hit of chocolate magic.
Whether you’re baking for friends or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here), these brownies hit that sweet spot between indulgent and effortless.
⏱ Prep Time 10 minutes ｜ 🔥 Cook Time 25 minutes ｜ 🍽 Servings 16 ｜ 🌱 Difficulty Level Easy ｜ 📦 Storage Tips Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Ingredients List
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for batter)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Sift in 1/2 cup cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle with extra chips if using.
- Bake for 22–26 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan. Once cool, sift 1 tablespoon cocoa powder over the top before slicing.
Recipe Notes / Tips
- Use a fine-mesh sieve to dust cocoa evenly across the brownies.
- Want a decorative touch? Lay a fork or stencil on top before dusting.
- Try Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer, darker flavor.
Nutrition Info (approx. per square with topping)
- Calories: 190
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 17g
FAQs
- Q: Will the cocoa powder topping taste bitter?
- A: It adds a rich contrast. Use lightly, or mix with powdered sugar for a sweeter finish.
- Q: Can I skip the chips?
- A: Yes—these brownies are still rich and fudgy without them.
- Q: Can I add frosting?
- A: Absolutely—but keep the cocoa dusting light so it doesn’t overpower the topping.
Dusted your brownies with a little cocoa flair? Snap a shot of your bakery-worthy batch and tag it with #the_food_pedia on Instagram! 🍫☁️📸
