For consistent brownies, spoon cocoa powder lightly into a measuring cup, level the top and avoid packing it down. A kitchen scale and the recipe’s gram weight are more accurate when available.
Use the recipe’s method
If the recipe lists grams, weigh that amount directly. If it lists cups, fill the measuring cup gently with a spoon rather than digging a firmly packed scoop out of the container.
Level with a straight edge
Sweep off the excess with a straight utensil, keeping the cocoa loose. Cocoa can be lumpy, so sift it if the recipe calls for sifting; do not confuse a cup of sifted cocoa with cocoa sifted after measuring.
Check the rest of the recipe
Too much cocoa can make brownies drier and more bitter. Before reducing sugar or adding liquid, confirm whether your main problem was an inaccurate cocoa measurement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I measure cocoa like brown sugar?
Usually no. Brown sugar is often packed by recipe instruction, while cocoa powder is not packed unless specifically directed.
Related: why bloom cocoa powder in melted butter.
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