Cocoa Fudge Brownies

If you are looking for brownies full of deep chocolate flavor with fudge-like centers and chewy edges, these Cocoa Fudge Brownies might be your new favorite (they’re totally mine!). Cocoa powder and a little instant coffee powder make them extra chocolatey, while the addition of butter, oil, and brown sugar make them rich and chewy.

I love that these are sturdy enough to wrap up and throw in a picnic basket. We are having such nice weather here (finally!) I might be inspired to pack some hummus, veggies, and brownies to enjoy by the river. I hope you have sunshine wherever you are!

Cocoa Fudge Brownies

(9 – 12 brownies)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup canola oil

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon instant coffee powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

powdered sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 350º F

Whisk the granulated white and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl. (Use one larger than I’m showing you in the photos, I was wishing I had!) Add the melted butter and oil and whisk until well combine. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir the cocoa powder, flour, coffee powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet. (This is the stage I really wished I had a bigger bowl). The batter will be quite thick. Stir until it is shiny.

Stir the chocolate chips into the batter.

Coat an 8″ x 8″ baking pan with cooking spray. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 25 – 30 minutes. The center should be firm when you gently shake the pan. Cool for at least 30 minutes before you cut them into squares.

Sift powdered sugar over the brownies, if desired. Cover tightly between servings.

It’s been a tough, strange week, and “chop wood, carry water” has been my mantra. I found myself saying it out loud, sort of out of the blue, and it helped immensely. I knew that I would end up in the depths of depression if I didn’t keep myself moving, get the house chores done, and take Davy for his walks. I also allowed myself some rest and indulgence as I escaped into Succession and Daisy Jones and the Six on TV and ate really delicious brownies. There’s a fine line between self-care and self-destruction, though. When confidence and inspiration have left the building and grief and hopelessness take hold, be good to yourself, but still chop that wood and carry that water to get you to the other side. I’m much happier as I head into the sunny weekend.