Description

Cocoa powder is the dry, unsweetened product made by grinding cocoa beans and removing most of the cocoa butter. It’s commonly used in baking, desserts, and drinks.

Here’s a quick overview:

Types of Cocoa Powder

Natural cocoa powder

Light brown

More acidic and bitter

Reacts with baking soda in recipes

Dutch-processed (alkalized) cocoa

Darker color, smoother flavor

Less acidic

Often used in recipes calling for baking powder

Black cocoa

Very dark, almost jet-black

Ultra-Dutch-processed

Used in Oreo-style cookies

Common Uses

Brownies and cakes

Hot cocoa and mochas

Chocolate frostings

Smoothies

Homemade chocolate sauce

Dusting desserts

Nutrition (per tablespoon, approximate)

~12 calories

~1 g protein

~1 g fat

~3 g carbs

Rich in antioxidants and minerals (magnesium, iron)

🍫 Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
Ingredients (8×8 inch pan)

½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup (200 g) sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp baking powder (optional—omit for extra fudgy)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch pan.

In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.

Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder (if using). Stir just until combined—don’t overmix.

Spread the batter into the pan.

Bake 20–25 minutes for fudgy brownies, or 25–30 minutes for cakier brownies.

Cool at least 10–15 minutes before cutting.

Tips

Add ½ cup chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.

For chewier edges, slightly underbake.

Sprinkle flaky salt on top before baking for a gourmet finish.