Name: 4-Ingredient Brownies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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)

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

There’s something truly magical about a warm, fudgy brownie straight from the oven. The rich aroma of melted chocolate wafting through the kitchen beckons you, promising a sweet indulgence that melts in your mouth. Our recipe for 4-Ingredient Brownies embodies this essence beautifully. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also a perfect solution for those unexpected cravings.

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

This easy one-bowl treat is a game changer for anyone who may feel overwhelmed in the kitchen yet wants to whip up something special. Whether you’re in the mood for a midnight snack or need a quick dessert for friends, these brownies hit the spot every time. They come together in under 30 minutes, making them a go-to for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try these!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just 5 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of bake time!
Irresistible Flavor: The deep cocoa flavor combined with buttery richness creates an indulgent taste experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These brownies are irresistibly chocolatey, perfect for impressing guests or just for yourself.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for any setting, whether as a dessert, afternoon snack, or even breakfast treat!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with just a few tweaks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup butter or oil: Butter gives a rich flavor, while oil adds moisture and makes the brownies slightly denser. Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.
1 cup sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the brownies and gives them a beautiful texture. For an alternative, consider coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Preferably Dutch-processed for a deep, rich chocolate flavor that really shines through.
2 large eggs: They bind everything together and provide the structure. Room temperature eggs incorporate better, leading to a smoother batter.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor profile, making your brownies infinitely more delicious.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: This small amount keeps the brownies fudgy without becoming cake-like. You can substitute a gluten-free blend if desired.
¼ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter): Enhances the flavors without making the brownies salty.
½ cup of your favorite add-ins (chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or walnuts): These are optional but incredibly yummy! Feel free to mix and match according to your cravings.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Brownies

Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, grease an 8×8 square pan or a 9×5 loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper or foil for easy removal.

Melt the Butter: In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine ½ cup butter. Microwave the butter for about 1 minute or until it’s completely melted. This will create a luscious base for your brownies.

Combine Sugar and Cocoa: To the melted butter, add 1 cup granulated sugar and ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk vigorously for at least a minute. You want to ensure the sugar dissolves completely, giving your brownies that smooth, chocolatey texture.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Now, introduce the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then whisk everything together for another minute until the mixture is glossy and well-combined.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Gently fold the flour in; avoid overmixing to keep these brownies nice and fudgy.

Fold in Add-Ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the time to fold in ½ cup of your favorite add-ins – think chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit! This adds an extra layer of flavor and excitement to your brownies.

Spread and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the center to be slightly set but not overbaked!

Cool and Cut: Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. After cooling, cut them into 9 large squares or 16 smaller squares, depending on your preference. Enjoy that first warm bite!

Storing & Reheating

These brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week in a tightly sealed container. For freezing, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to refresh their fudgy goodness and warmth.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overmix when incorporating the flour; this can lead to cakey brownies rather than delectably fudgy ones.
Using eggs at room temperature helps the ingredients blend more efficiently, ensuring a smoother batter.
For those who prefer a less sweet brownie, consider cutting the sugar by ¼ cup.
If you desire a more intense chocolate flavor, try using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.
Letting the brownies cool completely before cutting helps achieve clean slices and prevents them from crumbling.

These 4-ingredient brownies truly are a simple pleasure. They’re a delightful treat that invites creativity, whether by adding nuts, chocolates, or even a hint of espresso powder. I encourage you to personalize this recipe to suit your tastes and share your creations with friends and family.

Recipe FAQs

What makes these brownies fudgy?

The combination of butter, cocoa powder, and minimal flour creates a rich, fudgy texture. Avoiding overmixing and monitoring bake time are crucial in achieving that desired consistency.

Can I substitute cocoa powder with chocolate?

Yes, you can use melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder. For every ¼ cup of cocoa, use 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate, but you should reduce the fat (butter or oil) slightly since chocolate has fat content.

What’s the best way to tell when the brownies are done?

Look for slightly set edges and a faint jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

Can I make these brownies vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use vegetable oil instead of butter. Just ensure your cocoa powder is dairy-free as well!

These brownies might be simple, but they pack a punch with their flavor and texture. Get ready to enjoy a chocolate experience that’s both easy and satisfying!

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

4-Ingredient Brownies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

These 4-Ingredient Brownies are a delightful dessert filled with rich cocoa flavor. Made simply with butter, sugar, cocoa, and eggs, this easy recipe ensures you have a delicious treat with minimal effort, perfect for any occasion.

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 adds-ins (chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips or walnut)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 square pan or a 9×5 loaf pan or line with parchment or foil; set aside.
In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for 1 minute.
Add the sugar and cocoa powder to the melted butter, whisking vigorously for about 1 minute until fully dissolved.
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla, whisking for at least 1 minute until the mixture is shiny and well combined.
Stir in the flour and salt until fully combined, being cautious not to overmix.
Optionally, fold in 1/2 cup of any desired add-ins like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes until the center is set, taking care not to over-bake.
Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.