Easy One Bowl Cocoa Brownies (No Mixer)

Name: Easy One Bowl Cocoa Brownies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 170 grams (3/4 cup) butter, melted; 200 grams (1 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar; 90 grams (1/2 cup) brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 40 grams (1/2 cup) cocoa powder, sifted; 70 grams (1/2 cup) plain flour or all purpose flour; Pinch of salt; 75 grams (1/2 cup) chocolate chips, optional

By: Jessica Holmes

Posted: 5/23/21Updated: 5/18/21

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Thick and chewy One Bowl Cocoa Brownies with a crinkly top and a soft, cakey centre. They make for a quick and easy dessert, plus one bowl = less washing up! They’re the easiest brownies ever!

Brownie cravings ❤️

You know those days when you want (or need) a brownie and you want one now? Well these easy Cocoa Brownies are the answer! Made with only cocoa powder, you need just a handful of everyday ingredients to make a batch.

You’ll be rewarded with a deliciously soft and chewy brownie, with a crisp top and plenty of chocolate flavour.

The ingredients for Cocoa Brownies laid out on a purple background

I was on a mission this week. Could you make a delicious chocolate brownie using ONLY cocoa powder? One that still has that crinkly brownie top and a soft, moist centre, and plenty of flavour? The answer is YES.

These brownies are divine. Cakey on the bottom, with a fudgy middle and a wrinkly top. PLUS they’re full of chocolate flavour despite not having any real chocolate in the batter.

They’re the perfect, throw-together-at-the-last-minute dessert. Friends coming over without warning? Need a chocolate fix fast? These One Bowl Cocoa Brownies are the answer.

Why you will love these brownies

They’re super quick and easy to make
You need just a handful of everyday ingredients
You don’t need an electric mixer – just a bowl and whisk
They’re soft, cakey and oh-so-tasty

A glass bowl with egg and butter, beginning to make a brownie batter

Recipe testing

I tried making these brownies a few different ways. Some were too flat, others too dry. I made some with oil instead of butter, but found they lacked flavour. FINALLY I made them with melted butter and boom – the ultimate Cocoa Brownie.

While I’ll always be a huge fan of brownies made with real chocolate, like my Big Batch Brownies, these Cocoa Brownies, are equally delicious. Less fudgy and more cakey, but still a crowd-pleaser.

You’ll also love the simplicity of this recipe. One bowl means easy and fast so you can have a warm chocolate brownie on your plate sooner. Add a dollop of whipped cream or even ice-cream and you have one decadent treat.

I bet you have ALL the ingredients in your pantry to make a batch of these right now! #doit

A glass bowl of chocolate Cocoa Brownies with a whisk

How to make cocoa brownies

Add melted butter to a large mixing bowl, along with the sugars and vanilla. Use a whisk to combine until smooth.
Add eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
Finally, add flour, cocoa powder and salt. Whisk until a thick, smooth brownie batter forms.
Bake until the brownie no longer wobbles in the middle. Leave to cool completely in the pan.

Mix it up

These Cocoa Brownies are so simple to make and use only a few ingredients. But you can easily use them as a base and mix up the flavours. Swirl in dollops of peanut butter or Biscoff cookie spread. Press Oreo cookies into the top or stir through some white chocolate chips. Add some frozen or fresh raspberries or blackberries. Amazing!

A pan filled with chocolate brownie batter

Frequently asked questions

Are these brownies fudgy?

These brownies are more on the cakey side, but they’re delicious. For a more fudgy brownie, you can try my Big Batch Brownie recipe.

What cocoa powder do I use?

I recommend using natural, unsweetened cocoa for this recipe. But Dutch processed cocoa will work too.

Do I have to add chocolate chips?

Not at all. They add an extra pop of chocolate, but these brownies are delicious with or without them.

Close up of the crinkly top of a Cocoa Brownie

More brownie recipes to love

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