Pat's Rich Cocoa Squares 🍫✨

Indulge in the chocolatey goodness of Pat's Rich Cocoa Squares! These delightful squares are moist, rich, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect treat for any chocolate lover. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet, these squares will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a truly delightful experience! 🥛☕

Ingredients

For the batter

• 2/3 cup salad oil
• 3/4 cup sweetened cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups cold water

For the topping

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great!)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the salad oil, sweetened cocoa powder, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until well blended.

2. Add in the sugar and mix again until combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cocoa mixture, alternating with cold water. Mix until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.

🥄 For a smoother batter, mix on low speed and gradually increase to medium. This helps to incorporate air without overmixing, which can toughen your squares.

5. Pour the batter into an ungreased 11x17x1 inch cookie sheet with a rim. Spread it evenly.

6. Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped nuts over the top of the batter.

7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8. Let the squares cool before cutting them into even pieces to serve.

🍽️ Drizzle with chocolate syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!

Variations

• Nut-Free: Simply omit the nuts or replace them with a mixture of seeds for a delicious crunch without allergens. 🌱
• Double Chocolate: For an extra chocolatey treat, add an additional 1/2 cup of chocolate chips directly into the batter. 🍫🍫
• Minty Fresh: Add 1 tsp of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing mint chocolate flavor. Perfect for the holidays! 🎄
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for a better texture!

Enjoy your sweet creations and don’t forget to share with friends and family! 🥳