Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
2. Make the Cobbler Batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. The batter will be thick and almost cake-like.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cocoa powder, and hot water. Stir until the sugar and cocoa are dissolved. The sauce will be thin and liquidy.
4. Assemble the Cobbler:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula (it’s okay if it’s thick).
Slowly pour the chocolate sauce over the top of the batter. Do not stir! The sauce will sink to the bottom and create a gooey chocolate layer as it bakes.
5. Bake the Cobbler:
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is set, and the center is still soft and fudgy. The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the top should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Serve:
Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!