Fudgy Discard Brownies With Cocoa

Name: Fudgy Discard Brownies With Cocoa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Highlighted under: Sweet Homemade Goodness

I recently perfected my recipe for fudgy brownies using cocoa powder, and they turned out incredibly delicious. With each bite, I can taste the rich chocolate flavor combined with a hint of nostalgia from using ingredients that usually get tossed aside. These brownies are not only easier to make than traditional ones, but they also use up any leftover ingredients I have. If you're looking for a quick, indulgent treat that doesn't go to waste, these brownies are the perfect solution.

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-10T17:29:35.514Z

As I was rummaging through my pantry, I found some leftover cocoa powder and thought, why not make brownies? I love experimenting in the kitchen, especially with recipes that allow me to use what I already have. The result was a batch of fudgy cocoa brownies that not only satisfied my sweet tooth but also made my kitchen smell heavenly.

Using melted butter instead of oil gave them a richer flavor, while the addition of a bit of espresso powder intensified the chocolate taste. I also learned that letting the brownies cool before slicing makes them even fudgier! Trust me; this is a must-try recipe that you'll want to share with friends and family.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Incredibly fudgy texture that you can't resist
Perfect way to use up leftover cocoa and pantry staples
Simple to make, and they come together quickly

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in these fudgy brownies plays a specific role in achieving the desired texture and flavor. The melted butter not only helps to create a rich, moist brownie but also aids in the mixing process by allowing the sugar to dissolve more thoroughly. The granulated sugar contributes sweetness, but it also influences the fudginess, allowing the brownies to develop a slightly chewy interior when baked correctly.

Eggs are crucial as they provide structure and richness. The two eggs in this recipe help form that perfect balance between a dense brownie and a light crumb. If you need an egg substitute, you can use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg, but keep in mind that this may affect the final texture slightly.

Tips for Perfect Brownies

When mixing the wet ingredients, be careful not to overbeat once the eggs are added. Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, leading to a cakey texture instead of a rich, fudgy one. Aim for just combined; the batter should be thick and glossy when you're ready to incorporate the dry ingredients.

Another crucial step is baking. You want to keep an eye on the brownies as they bake. The sweet spot is around 20-25 minutes; however, ovens can vary, so start checking at the 20-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they're done. If it comes out clean, the brownies may be overbaked and could turn out dry.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful treat!

Fudgy Brownies Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Don’t forget to gather everything you need before you start!

Instructions

Follow these steps for brownie bliss!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the sugar. Stir well until combined. Then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature; they are delightful either way!

Enjoy your delicious brownies!

Pro Tips

For even gooier brownies, try adding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter before baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. To keep them fresh and fudgy, place a slice of bread in the container; it helps retain moisture. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-lock bag, where they can be kept for up to three months.

To enjoy your frozen brownies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will bring back their warm and gooey texture, making them taste freshly baked.

Serving Suggestions

While these brownies are delightful on their own, there are many ways to elevate your serving experience. Consider topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the top, or adding a sprinkle of sea salt for a contrast in flavor. Fresh berries or whipped cream can also complement the chocolate beautifully.

For a fun twist, you could experiment with adding mix-ins to the batter, such as chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or even swirls of peanut butter before baking. These add extra flavor and texture, making each bite more interesting while maintaining the fudgy nature of the brownies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can melt dark chocolate and replace it with cocoa powder, but adjust the sugar as needed because dark chocolate is usually less sweet.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Keep them 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?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute each egg with a 'flax egg' made from 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal and 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.