Welcome to a world of pure chocolate indulgence with these Cocoa Bliss Brownies. They're rich, fudgy, and just the right amount of gooey. This recipe is all about simplicity, letting the cocoa shine through in every bite.
Butter: Provides richness and moisture, giving the brownies their tender texture.
Sugar: Balances the bitterness of cocoa and helps create a slightly crispy top.
Eggs: Essential for structure, binding the ingredients together and adding a little lift.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor, bringing warmth and depth.
Cocoa Powder: The star of the show, giving these brownies their intense chocolate flavor.
Flour: Adds structure, but just enough to keep the brownies fudgy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
Baking Powder: Adds a touch of lift, keeping the brownies from being too dense.
Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate goodness throughout the brownie.
Walnuts (optional): Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a special treat, drizzle some salted caramel sauce on top. They also make a great base for a brownie sundae, stacked with your favorite toppings.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, grab an 8x8-inch baking pan and give it a good greasing. This will ensure your brownies come out smoothly later on.
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth. It should look like a glossy paste. Crack in the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to give it that aromatic touch.
Now, it’s time to sift in the dry ingredients. Grab your sieve and add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Carefully fold these into the wet ingredients until everything is well combined and you don't see any streaks of flour.
Next up, stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts if you're using them. This is where the magic happens — those chocolate chips are going to melt into gooey pockets of bliss.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Once out of the oven, let the brownies cool in the pan. This might be the hardest part, but it’s worth the wait. Once cooled, cut them into squares and serve.