Bittersweet Cocoa Brownies

By stancec44

Brownies made with cocoa powder are softer on the inside than those made with bar chocolate. I like the tart and lively flavor of natural cocoa powder here; Dutch-processed gives a mellower flavor. Try both types to see which you like best.

Ingredients

• 2-1/4 oz. (3/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1-1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. table salt
• 5 oz. (10 Tbs.) hot melted unsalted butter
• 2 cold large eggs
• 1-1/2 oz. (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup broken walnut or pecan pieces (optional)

Details

Servings 16
Adapted from finecooking.com

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan (preferably metal) with foil across the bottom and up two opposite sides of the pan.

In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the cocoa, sugar, vanilla, salt, and hot melted butter with a hand mixer or with vigorous strokes of a whisk. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until the batter is thick and lightened in color, 1 to 2 min. Add the flour and stir with a rubber spatula just until blended. Fold in the nuts, if using. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake until the top is puffed and slightly crusted and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a little fudge batter clinging to it, 28 to 30 min.

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a rack. Lift the ends of the foil to remove them. Invert the brownies on a tray and peel off the foil. Turn the brownies right side up on a cutting board and cut into squares (wipe the knife between each cut, as the brownies will be soft and sticky).