Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Melt the butter in an 11×8-inch baking pan directly in the oven.
Remove once melted.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of cocoa, milk, and vanilla extract.
Stir until smooth.
Pour this batter over the melted butter in the pan without stirring.
Mix the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with 1/4 cup cocoa in a separate bowl.
Sprinkle this mixture over the batter evenly.
Again, do not stir.
Carefully pour the boiling water over the entire mixture.
This step gives the cobbler its sauce-like texture as it bakes, so ensure complete coverage without mixing.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Once it’s bubbling and the top is firm, remove it from the oven.
Top with chopped pecans for extra texture.