Cocoa powder is an essential baking ingredient. Our brownies, cakes and cookies would be nothing without it. The thing is, though, cocoa powder also can be kind of confusing.

Understanding the Context

There are two types on ... Taste of Home on MSN: What’s the difference between cocoa and Dutch-processed cocoa? If you're a chocolate lover who also enjoys baking, it's important to know the differences between natural and Dutch-processed cocoa powders—and when to use each. Can I substitute regular unsweetened cocoa powder for Dutch cocoa without any changes to the recipe?

Key Insights

This is actually a very common question that we hear people ask all the time. The simple answer is ... Natural cocoa powder is lighter in color, has a higher acidity of about 5 pH, and because of that acidity, has a sharper chocolate flavor. Dutch-process powder is natural cocoa powder that has been ... Fudgy, glossy, and just a little crunchy, these cookies turn a childhood favorite into something even better.

Final Thoughts

Get the recipe for Cosmic Cookies. White chocolate and crushed peppermints make this the perfect holiday indulgence. Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Stir and set aside. Using ...