Before we begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cobbler bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended. This dry mixture will serve as the foundation of your chocolate cobbler recipe, so be sure it’s thoroughly mixed.

Now, add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Use a spoon or spatula to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and consistent. You want the batter to be thick but still pourable.

Grease a 9-inch square or round baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the batter into the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter might seem a bit dense, but that's perfectly fine—it will bake up wonderfully!

Here’s where the magic happens! Gently pour the hot water over the batter. Do not stir—let the water settle on top. As it bakes, the water will create that dreamy, gooey sauce layer at the bottom.

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the top will form a crust, and the center will begin to bubble, signaling it’s ready. You want the cobbler to have a firm, golden top with a soft, molten center beneath.

After baking, let the chocolate cobbler cool for a few minutes. This helps the gooey sauce settle, making it easier to scoop and serve.

For the ultimate treat, serve the cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the hot, fudgy cobbler with the cold ice cream is heavenly!