Southern Chocolate Cobbler

FOR THE BATTER:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
FOR THE TOPPING:
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups boiling water
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Place butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put in oven. Once butter has melted, remove and set aside.
Stir together the 1 1/2 cups sugar, 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Spoon into baking dish over melted butter, but do not stir.
In a separate bowl, mix together the 2 cups sugar and 1/2 cup cocoa powder. Sprinkle over batter in pan. Pour boiling water over topping, but again do not stir.
Bake until top has set, 35-40 minutes. The bottom will be loose and a bit gooey.
Let cool 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!