Gooey Hot Cocoa Mix Brownies

I’m generally someone who bakes things from scratch (and I'm all about accuracy in baked goods), but happened to find myself with a hankering for brownies (almost always the case) and I was all out of cocoa powder. As luck would have it though, deep in the back of the pantry just the thing to serve as a stand-in (and save the day): hot cocoa mix!

These aren’t airy, light, cakey brownies though - so be forewarned. If you’re looking for rich, gooey, fudgy brownies - almost headed down the road to molten chocolate cake (oozy center and all) these are the brownies for you!

* NOTE *
Brownies and other baked goods are usually made with unsweetened cocoa powder, not something you would want to eat on its own! Hot cocoa mix, however, contains some sugar, and often milk powder, etc. and is a lovely treat heated with milk or water (whatever you prefer), but isn’t usually used in baking

Software:

• 1 cup flour (all purpose)
• 1 cup hot cocoa mix (probably 5-6 packets if you have that type (you’d want to measure the contents; I would use only plain, not with marshmallows or fun things, but feel free to experiment!))
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Large pinch salt
• 2 eggs
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6oz (3/4 cup) chocolate chips (I’m using mini ones)
• Cooking spray/oil/a bit more butter (to grease your pan)
• Optional add-ins (I didn’t add any of these, but they’re all fun options!) - 1/4 teaspoon of:
  • instant coffee or espresso powder
  • cinnamon
  • cayenne
  • chocolate extract
  • peppermint extract

Hardware:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk/spoon/something to mix with
• 8” x 8” baking dish