Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Layer

1. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.

Step 4: Pour Boiling Water Over the Top

1. Carefully pour 1 ½ cups of boiling water over the entire mixture.
2. Do NOT stir—it may look strange, but this step creates a gooey, caramelized layer as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Cobbler

1. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
2. The center should be slightly soft but set—this gives it a gooey, cobbler-like texture.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

1. Let the cobbler sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
2. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.