Easy to whip up and decadently fudgy, these 4-Ingredient Brownies will soon become your go-to dessert recipe. With just four essential ingredients—and a couple of extras if you’re feeling adventurous—you’ll have a rich, chocolatey treat that’s ready to devour in no time! Picture biting into a warm brownie with a gooey center and a crackly top—absolute bliss! The best part? No special skills or lengthy instructions needed, making these brownies perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make 4-Ingredient Brownies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
4-Ingredient Brownies

I still remember the first time I made these brownies. It was a rainy afternoon, and I craved something chocolatey and comforting. With minimal effort and just a few pantry staples, I was able to bake a batch that filled my kitchen with the most wonderful aroma. They turned out so rich and luscious, it was hard to believe they only used four simple ingredients. Trust me—once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how something so delicious could be so easy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can have these brownies in the oven in just 5 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: Rich cocoa and buttery goodness create an indulgent, fudgy delight.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The shiny, crackly top will impress your family and friends.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for an after-school snack, a party dessert, or even breakfast with a coffee!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt with gluten-free flour or nuts for extra crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup butter: For that rich, buttery flavor; oil can be used as a substitute if needed.
1 cup granulated sugar: Brings sweetness; can adjust slightly depending on your preference.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch processed cocoa is best for a deeper chocolate flavor.
2 large eggs: Important for binding and creating that chewy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Just a little helps to set the brownies without making them cakey.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness; omit if using salted butter.
1/2 cup favorite add-ins: Chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or walnuts are great for added texture.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Brownies

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 square pan or a 9×5 loaf pan, or line it with parchment or foil for easy removal later.

Melt Butter: In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup of butter. Microwave it for about 1 minute, or until it’s completely melted. This step is crucial; melted butter contributes to that fudgy consistency.

Mix Sugar & Cocoa: Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the melted butter. Whisk vigorously for at least 1 minute until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Incorporate Eggs & Vanilla: Crack in the 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk well for around a minute until everything is combined and the batter looks shiny.

Add Flour & Salt: Gently stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until fully combined. Just be careful not to overmix; we want that brownie texture, not a cake!

Fold in Add-Ins: If you’re using them, this is the moment to fold in 1/2 cup of your preferred add-ins—chocolate chips or chopped nuts will elevate these brownies to the next level, adding delightful textures.

Bake: Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, but keep an eye out! The center should be slightly set—avoid overbaking for that perfect fudginess.

Cool and Cut: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into 9 large squares or 16 smaller pieces, depending on how indulgent you’re feeling!

Storing & Reheating

You can store your brownies at room temperature for up to 4 days—just keep them in an airtight container. If you prefer a chillier snack, refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, these brownies freeze beautifully with a maximum storage time of 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to refresh their fudgy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation; it helps in achieving a smooth batter.
Make sure not to overmix after adding flour—this is key to keeping the brownies chewy.
If you want a less sweet dessert, cut back on the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that might alter the texture a bit.
Feel free to experiment with different add-ins; dried fruits, or other chopped nuts can change up the flavor profile.
For a richer flavor, you can top your brownies with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt right after baking—just a pinch for a sweet-and-salty contrast!

These brownies are not only easy to make and incredibly delicious, but they also allow you to get creative in the kitchen. Feel free to try new add-ins, or even drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent treat. Don’t shy away from making them your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate?

Absolutely! In this recipe, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder does the trick perfectly, delivering that rich chocolate flavor without the need for chocolate bars.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached—not wet batter! Keep in mind they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, and you’ll have a delightful gluten-free treat.

How can I make these brownies more fudgy?

To achieve extra fudginess, try swapping half of the flour with an additional 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. Reducing the baking time slightly also helps keep them gooey.

Now that you have this easy recipe at your fingertips, gather your ingredients and treat yourself (or someone special) to these delectable brownies. They’re sure to impress! Enjoy your baking adventure and savor every rich, chocolatey bite!

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4-Ingredient Brownies

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These 4-Ingredient Brownies combine simple ingredients for a fudgy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich cocoa flavor and quick preparation that makes these brownies a beloved go-to dessert for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

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1/2 cup butter, or oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa, preferably dutch processed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt, leave out if using salted butter
1/2 cup favorite adds-ins (chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips or walnut)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F and grease an 8×8 square pan or a 9×5 loaf pan, or line it with parchment or foil; set aside.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 1 minute. Add the sugar and cocoa powder, whisking vigorously for at least a minute until the sugar has dissolved.
Add the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla, whisking for at least 1 minute until the mixture is well combined and shiny.
Stir in the flour and salt until fully combined, being cautious not to overmix.
Fold in your choice of add-ins such as nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips if desired.
Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the center is just set, avoiding over-baking.
Allow to cool completely before cutting into 16 small squares or 9 large squares.

Notes

Ensure the butter is completely melted for a smooth batter.
Avoid over-baking to keep brownies fudgy and moist.
Feel free to experiment with different add-ins for variety.