What is black cocoa powder and where can I buy it? A:

Black cocoa powder is an ultra-dutched cocoa that has been heavily processed to reduce acidity. It has a very dark, almost black color and a smooth, mellow flavor reminiscent of Oreo cookies. It’s less bitter than regular or dark cocoa. You can find it at specialty baking stores, online retailers like Amazon, or King Arthur Baking.

Can I substitute black cocoa powder with regular cocoa powder?

You can, but the result will be a different brownie. Regular or Dutch-process cocoa won’t give you that deep, nearly black color or the distinctive Oreo-like flavor. If you want that dramatic look and unique taste, black cocoa is essential. For a convntional middle ground, try replacing the cocoa with Dutch-process. It will still be fudgy, chewy and amazing.

What are milk chocolate callets?

Callets are small, button-shaped chocolate pieces made by professional chocolate brands like Callebaut. They melt evenly and smoothly, making them ideal for baking. You can substitute them with good-quality milk chocolate chips or a chopped milk chocolate bar.

Why are my brownies still wet in the middle?

These are intentionally dense and fudgy, so they may look underdone when you pull them from the oven — and that’s perfectly fine! They will continue to set as they cool. Always let them cool fully before cutting for the best, cleanest result.

Why does this recipe use both butter and oil?

Butter adds richness and flavor, while neutral oil adds moisture that doesn’t solidify at room temperature the way butter does. Together, they give these brownies a soft, fudgy texture that holds up long after baking.

What does the cornstarch do in brownies?

Cornstarch helps tenderize the crumb without adding lift, keeping the brownies dense and soft rather than cakey. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in final texture.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

The milk chocolate callets are part of what makes these brownies special — their sweetness and creaminess balance the intense black cocoa beautifully. Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chips could be substituted, but the flavor profile and contrast will shift.

Q: How should I store these brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be wrapped individually and frozen for up to 2 months. They actually get fudgier on day two!

Black Cocoa Brownies (Chewy, Fudgy & Deeply Chocolatey)

Black Cocoa Brownies

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Chewy, fudgy Black Cocoa Brownies made with rich black cocoa powder, melted milk chocolate callets, and a butter-and-oil combo that locks in moisture. Cornstarch keeps them soft while the black cocoa delivers a deep, dark, almost Oreo-like chocolate flavor. Milk chocolate callets folded into the batter create a gorgeous color contrast and little pockets of creamy chocolate in every bite. Dense, rich, and exactly what a brownie should be.

Author: Ellen
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale

5 tablespoons (72 grams) unsalted butter
150 grams granulated sugar
100 grams brown sugar
1/4 cup (45 grams) chocolate callets
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup neutral oil (vegetable, grape seed, coconut)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup (63 grams) all purpose flour
1 tablespoon corn starch
3/4 cup (75 grams) black cocoa powder
3/4 cup (128 grams) chocolate callets (milk or semi-sweet)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan on medium-low heat, add butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, chocolate callets and salt. Stir just until the butter is melted. It should look like wet sand. Remove from heat and transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
Whisk in vanilla and oil into the butter/sugar mixture until combined well. Add the eggs and continue to whisk until combined well.
With a silicone spatula, stir in the flour, corn starch and black cocoa powder until just combined. Add the chocolate callets and stir until the callets are evenly distributed. Mixture will be thick.
Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes.

Find it online: https://moderateposh.com/chewy-fudgy-black-cocoa-brownies/