Cocoa powder is a staple ingredient in many brownie recipes, providing the deep chocolate flavor that makes brownies irresistible. It comes in two main varieties: unsweetened cocoa powder and Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Unsweetened cocoa powder offers a lighter color and a less intense chocolate flavor, while Dutch-processed cocoa gives a richer, darker brownie. Depending on your preference, you can choose either type for this recipe.

To make these delicious brownies, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (43g) unsweetened cocoa powder (or Dutch-processed for richer flavor)
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (28ml) vegetable oil (for extra moisture)
1 and 1/3 cups (265g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk (for added richness)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
3/4 cup (128g) chocolate chips (for extra chocolatey goodness)

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract into the melted butter. Mix until well combined.
Add Eggs: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the eggs and yolk one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until smooth.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to cakey brownies.
Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor.

Pour Batter into Pan: Scrape the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes. The edges should look firm, while the center remains slightly underbaked for that fudgy texture. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. This cooling step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid cakey brownies.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different. Remove the brownies when they still have a slight jiggle in the center.
Cool Before Cutting: Patience is key! Letting the brownies cool completely will help them set and make cutting easier.

This fudge brownie recipe with cocoa powder is not only simple to make but also yields deliciously rich and fudgy results that will impress anyone. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a chocolate craving, these brownies are sure to delight. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the decadence of homemade fudge brownies!

Now that you have the perfect recipe, it's time to bake and enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade fudge brownies. Don't forget to share your creations with friends and family—they'll be begging for seconds!