Dolly Partons Cocoa Rub

Elevate your BBQ game with Dolly Parton’s Cocoa Rub, a bold and flavorful seasoning blend that combines the richness of unsweetened cocoa powder with the smoky depth of smoked paprika and a touch of brown sugar sweetness. This quick and easy rub, ready in just 10 minutes, balances earthy spices like cumin, garlic, and onion powders with a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes. Perfect for beef, pork, chicken, or even hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms, this versatile rub creates a mouthwatering crust that caramelizes beautifully when grilled, smoked, or roasted. Whip up a batch for your next cookout and savor the smoky-sweet, slightly spicy magic of this Southern-inspired recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a small mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened cocoa powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 2

Mix well with a fork or a small whisk until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and no clumps remain.

Step 3

Use the rub immediately by generously applying it to your meat or vegetables of choice. Pat the rub onto the surface to help it adhere, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Step 4

If not using immediately, transfer the rub to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place for up to 1 month.

Step 5

This rub works especially well on beef, pork, chicken, or hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms. Apply before grilling, smoking, or roasting for a smoky, rich flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(47.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	148.4

Total Fat 3.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 1.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 607.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 34.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.0g	0%
Total Sugars 18.5g
Protein 4.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 90.7mg	0%
Iron 5.5mg	0%
Potassium 462.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.0%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 75.1%