36 Cocoa Powder Recipes All Chocolate Lovers Need to Know

If you're hankering for something sweet, try one of these cocoa powder recipes. We'll show you how to make cookies, cakes, brownies and more with the pantry staple.

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Chocolate Buttermilk Squares

Every time I take these squares to a potluck, my pan comes back clean. At home, they vanish as fast as I make them. —Clarice Baker, Stromsburg, Nebraska

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Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 16 servings.
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I are big fans of Irish cream, so I wanted to incorporate it into a brownie. I started with my mom's brownie recipe, then added frosting and ganache. These decadent treats are the result, and we really enjoy them! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 brownie: 295 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

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Chocolate Cream Pie

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Our teenage son, John, has done lots of 4-H baking. This old-fashioned chocolate cream pie recipe with a flaky crust was his favorite thing to make. —Mary Anderson, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 488 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 184mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.

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Cannoli Cake

Total Time 55 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A luscious, chocolate-studded cannoli filling separates the tender vanilla layers of this rich cake, which starts with a package mix. It’s best when served well chilled.—Antoinette Owens, Ridgefield, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 591 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.

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Chocolate Macadamia Macaroons

Total Time 35 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: This perfect macaroon has dark chocolate, chewy coconut and macadamia nuts and is dipped in chocolate—sinful and delicious! —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 136 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Tangerine Chocolate Semifreddo

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I wanted a new frozen treat for my family, I came up with this citrusy, chocolaty version of classic Italian semifreddo. For an elegant presentation on special occasions, top each serving with whipped cream, a tangerine section and baking cocoa. —Claire Cruce, Atlanta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without whipped cream and cocoa): 376 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 327mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Delicious Potato Doughnuts

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I first tried these tasty treats at my sister's house and thought they were the best I'd ever had. They're easy to make, and the fudge frosting tops them off well. When I make them for friends, the recipe is always requested. —Pat Davis, Beulah, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 doughnut: 226 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 185mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Chocolate Espresso-Nut Torte

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 14 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love chocolate and nuts, and they come together deliciously in this torte. Serve it with sweetened whipped cream or your favorite ice cream. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 387 calories, 32g fat (13g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
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Chocolate Lover's Mousse Torte

Total Time 55 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With layer after luscious layer of creamy filling and cake, Chocolate Lover’s Mousse Torte proves irresistible every time. —Brenda Fisher, Stella, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 409 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Classic Chocolate Cake

Total Time 50 min
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe was on a can of Hershey's cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it, and I've been making it ever since. I make all my cakes from scratch, and this is one of the best! —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 257 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Fudge Cookies

Total Time 35 min
Servings about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a snack for serious chocolate lovers. These enticing cookies are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, somewhat bittersweet and very chocolaty. I usually make them to share at get-togethers. Otherwise, I'd eat them all myself! I'm always asked for the recipe. —Delaine Fortenberry, McComb, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 148 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

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Mocha Cake

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Without a doubt, this is the best cake I've ever made. It's a decadent dessert that I share with everyone I can! —Katherine DeLoach, Visalia, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 730 calories, 35g fat (21g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 100g carbohydrate (75g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.

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Hot Chocolate Tiramisu

Total Time 35 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Instead of using coffee and rum, I let cinnamon shine in this tiramisu. It's best if eaten within two days—if it even lasts that long! —Cathy Geniti, Saratoga Springs, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 638 calories, 46g fat (25g saturated fat), 199mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
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Chocolate Almond Cake

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Fluffy white homemade frosting tops this rich chocolate almond cake. Sliced toasted almonds on top add a little crunch. —Sherri Gentry, Dallas, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 370 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Truffle-Filled Cookie Tarts

Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I made chocolate truffles as a Christmas tradition for many years. I created this recipe to incorporate my truffles into the center of fudgy cookies. It was a hit with friends and family.—Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 tart: 171 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Nana's Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Frosting

Total Time 40 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Even though Nana is no longer with us, her treats bring me so much joy every time I bake them. For a more indulgent version, double the frosting and pile it on high! —Chekota Hunter, Cassville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 cupcake: 253 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Napoleon Cremes

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: For the annual Christmas open house we host, I set out a buffet with lots of food and candies like these lovely layered treats. They're so creamy, and with a green pistachio layer of pudding peeking out, they're very merry. —Gloria Jesswein, Niles, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 116 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, trace fiber), 1g protein
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Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: If you delight in the taste of chocolate, then this is the cheesecake for you. Every creamy bite melts in your mouth. It's so impressive yet not difficult to prepare-I whip up this dessert each time I want a yummy treat for my family, friends or co-workers. —Mary Jones, Cumberland, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 411 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Brownie Bourbon Bites

Total Time 35 min
Servings about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Chocolate and chopped pecans flavor these simple, spirited treats. Make a double batch so you can give some as gifts and savor the rest!—Paula Kirchenbauer, Newton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 110 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Total Time 40 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This moist chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 482 calories, 28g fat (7g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Chocolate Amaretti

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These classic almond paste cookies are like ones you'd find in an Italian bakery. My husband and children are always excited when I include these goodies in my holiday baking lineup. —Kathy Long, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 92 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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One-Bowl Chocolate Cake

Total Time 50 min
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This cake mixes up quickly and bakes while we enjoy our dinner. My son, David, loves to help decorate it. —Coleen Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece (calculated without frosting and sprinkles): 297 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Skillet Brownies

Total Time 40 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a fun and festive way to serve brownies. Family and friends will love topping their pieces with whipped cream and strawberries. —Johnnie McLeod, Bastrop, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 409 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Turtle Brownies

Total Time 45 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Homemade brownies are a sweet addition to the appetizer table on game day. Your guests might forget the score, but I guarantee they'll remember these treats! —Sherry Miller, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 brownie: 330 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Mini-Chip Cocoa Pancakes

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Whip up a batch of cocoa pancakes dotted with mini chocolate chips to satisfy your chocolate cravings first thing in the morning. Yum! —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 3 pancakes (calculated without whipped cream): 489 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
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Hot Fudge Cake

Total Time 55 min
Servings 9 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a wonderful way to top off a great meal—a rich chocolaty cake that's not overly sweet. Mom served it with a scoop of ice cream or cream poured over. I'd always have room for a serving of Hot Fudge Cake. —Vera Reid, Laramie, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 253 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Peanut Butter-Chocolate Cake Rolls

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 cake rolls (12 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator: Who knew something this impressive could start with a cake mix! The mini chocolate chips add a tasty crunch to each slice. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
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Chocolate Maple Bars

Total Time 45 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My family runs a maple syrup operation, and I'm always looking for new ways to incorporate maple syrup into my cooking and baking. These bars are delicious! —Cathy Schumacher, Alto, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 bar: 143 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

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Contest-Winning Chocolate Angel Food Cake

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I take this different kind of angel food cake to church bake sales, it goes before I can get it on the table! I've always enjoyed cooking, especially baking. My other hobbies are embroidery, counted cross-stitch and taking care of my flowers and garden (I love to can). My husband and I are retired to our farm home; we have three sons, all grown, and four grandchildren.
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 344 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

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Egg-Free Double Chocolate Banana Muffins

Total Time 35 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Looking to use up brown bananas, I swapped my usual banana bread for these chocolate banana muffins when my youngest developed an egg allergy. You’d never know they’re egg-free! —Danielle Siero, Wixom, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 muffin: 246 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.

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Hot Chocolate

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 653 calories, 49g fat (32g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.

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Frosted Brownies

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: A neighbor brought over a pan of these rich fudge brownies along with the recipe when I came home from the hospital with our baby daughter. I asked her how to make brownie frosting like that, and I've made them ever since for family occasions, potlucks and parties at work. —Sue Soderlund, Elgin, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 brownie: 277 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Double Delights

Total Time 40 min
Servings about 15 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: You get the best of both worlds with these chocolate and vanilla cookies. They're an appealing addition to any cookie tray. I usually serve them at the holidays, when they're often the first cookies to disappear, but you can have them any time of year. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 62 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Chocolate Beet Cake

Total Time 55 min
Servings 15 servings
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 509 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 534mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (58g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Warm Chocolate Melting Cups

Total Time 40 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These little cakes have become a favorite of our guests. They are always surprised that such a chocolaty dessert is so light­—less than 200 calories apiece! —Kissa Vaughn, Troy, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 dessert: 197 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
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Malted Chocolate & Stout Layer Cake

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: If you want a dessert that will take the cake at a St. Patrick's Day celebration, look no further! The rich chocolate cake is incredibly moist and has a nice malt flavor that's perfectly complemented by the Irish cream frosting. —Jennifer Wayland, Morris Plains, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 821 calories, 48g fat (29g saturated fat), 220mg cholesterol, 760mg sodium, 90g carbohydrate (64g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.