Cocoa Brownies

When I first tried these brownies I couldn't believe how chocolatey they were given they only contained cocoa rather than melted chocolate. It's the combination of cocoa with a ridiculous amount of sugar that give these brownies such a good flavour and fudgey texture. I prefer these simply and with no other flavours added (except sometimes a few chopped walnuts). The traditional melted chocolate based brownie's are better for trying out different flavours, my personal favourite being chunks of chocolate coated turkish delight stirred through the batter.

These also make great last minute presents when cut to size and placed in a pretty box. I often make these when I don't have time to do my usual presents of chocolate truffles or macarons!

 

65g cocoa
140g salted butter
250g sugar (either caster or light brown)
pinch of salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
65g plain flour
50g chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat the oven to 160°C
Melt together the cocoa, butter, sugar and salt until hot enough that when you dip your finger into the mixture you have to take it out again pretty quickly
Set aside and leave to cool to just warm
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to combine
Continue beating for another 40 strokes with a wooden spoon
Pour into a lined 8x8” tin and bake for 25mins