4-Ingredient brownies are the ultimate answer to a sweet craving, greedily wrapped in simple, gooey goodness. These brownies are designed to satisfy your chocolate desires without demanding hours in the kitchen. Imagine a decadent treat with a rich, fudgy texture that’s perfectly complemented by a sprinkle of salt (if you choose to add it). The beauty of these 4-Ingredient brownies lies in their simplicity—perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Whether it’s for a spontaneous get-together or a late-night snack, this one-bowl recipe will soon become your go-to.

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
Recipe FAQs
4-Ingredient Brownies

Every time I whip up these brownies, they effortlessly transport me back to carefree afternoons spent in the kitchen with loved ones, sharing giggles and stories while waiting for the unmistakable aroma of baked chocolate to fill the air. They’re a fantastic alternative to store-bought sweets, both easier to make and, trust me, infinitely more satisfying. Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic about these fudgy squares—so don’t wait any longer; let’s bake a batch together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These fudgy brownies come together in just 30 minutes—5 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking!
Irresistible Flavor: The rich cocoa flavor and fudgy texture create a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their shiny top and soft edges, these brownies are sure to impress anyone who sees them.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dessert, a midday snack, or even breakfast indulgence—who says brownies can’t be for breakfast?
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets—just swap in your favorite alternatives!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup butter, or oil: Use unsalted butter for a richer flavor or vegetable oil for a lighter version. This helps create the moist texture.
1 cup sugar: Granulated sugar delivers sweet balance; brown sugar can lend added moisture and depth. You can adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa, preferably Dutch-processed: Dutch-processed cocoa enhances that rich chocolate flavor while giving your brownies a darker appearance.
2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture. Using room temperature eggs helps mix better.
1 teaspoon vanilla: This adds a lovely warmth to the chocolate flavor; use pure vanilla extract for utmost richness.
1/4 cup flour: All-purpose flour is all you need to help bind the ingredients together.
1/4 tsp salt: If you’re using salted butter, skip the salt. If not, this enhances all the flavors nicely.
1/2 cup favorite add-ins: Toss in chocolate chips, chopped dark chocolate, or walnuts for delightful texture and flavor.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Brownies

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 square pan or a 9×5 loaf pan to prevent sticking, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Melt the Butter: In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup of butter, and microwave on high for 1 minute, or until completely melted. Take caution not to overheat it; you want it soft and liquid.

Mix in Sugar and Cocoa: Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of cocoa powder into the bowl. Using a whisk, stir vigorously for about 1 minute until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks shiny.

Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in 2 large eggs, adding them one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined—about 1 minute—until the batter shines brightly.

Add the Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using). Be careful not to overmix. Just blend until the flour is completely incorporated; a few small lumps are fine.

Optional Add-ins: If you want to elevate your brownies, now is the time! Fold in 1/2 cup of your favorite add-ins—chocolate chips or chopped nuts can add both flavor and texture.

Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges appear set and the center is slightly soft. Always err on the side of underbaking to maintain a fudgy texture.

Cool and Cut: Once they’re done baking, let them cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for achieving clean cuts. Once cooled, cut into either 9 large squares or 16 smaller ones, as desired.

Storing & Reheating

Store brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to keep them sealed tightly. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap each brownie securely in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container—these can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 15 seconds until warm, but keep in mind that the texture might slightly change.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure that your butter is melted but not hot, which can cook the eggs and change the texture.
Avoid overmixing your batter once the flour is added; overworking it can lead to dense brownies.
For extra richness, you can double the vanilla for a more pronounced flavor.
If you love a crispy edge, use a metal pan instead of glass.
Get creative with add-ins! Dried fruit or crushed pretzels can provide a unique twist to your brownies.
If you plan to make these ahead, consider refrigerating the batter and baking them fresh before serving for maximum enjoyment!

These 4-Ingredient brownies not only simplify the baking process but also bring joy with each mouthful. The delightful combination of ingredients results in a treat anyone can whip up in no time. And let’s not forget the thrilling opportunity to personalize! Swap out ingredients as you wish, or embellish with frostings and toppings. There’s no limit to the brownie fun you can have! Get ready to wrap up your tasting adventures and savor every bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Absolutely! You can swap in margarine for butter at a 1:1 ratio. Just remember that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Go for a stick margarine for the best results.

What makes brownies fudgy versus cakey?

Fudgy brownies have a higher fat-to-flour ratio and fewer eggs. This recipe yields a dense, moist brownie due to the combination of melted butter and minimal flour.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Sure! You can easily double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Just be mindful that the baking time may increase slightly, so check for doneness.

How do I know my brownies are done baking?

The brownies should have set edges and a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs when they’re perfectly baked. Avoid overbaking for that delightful fudgy texture!

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4-Ingredient Brownies

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

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Description

These 4-Ingredient Brownies are incredibly fudgy and delicious, making them perfect for any occasion. Simple to prepare with rich cocoa flavor, this recipe is ideal for quick desserts at home. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite mix-ins for an extra treat!

Ingredients

Scale

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 add-ins (chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips or walnuts)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 square pan or a 9×5 loaf pan, or line with parchment or foil.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 1 minute. Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder, whisking until the mixture is smooth and the sugar dissolves.
Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla, whisking until the mixture is shiny and well combined.
Incorporate the flour and salt, mixing gently until just blended. Avoid overmixing.
Optionally, fold in your choice of add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for around 20 minutes, checking that the center is slightly set. Avoid over-baking!
Allow to cool completely before cutting into 9 large squares or 16 smaller squares.

Notes

For a richer taste, use high-quality dark chocolate or cocoa powder.
Make sure the butter is properly melted to ensure a smooth batter.
Add-ins can be customized according to personal preference.