Creating brownies can often feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re bombarded with lengthy ingredient lists and complex steps. That’s why I’m excited to share this simple recipe for delectable 4-Ingredient Brownies—yes, just four ingredients! These brownies are fudgy, rich, and incredibly satisfying, perfectly hitting that sweet spot for dessert lovers. Each bite brings a chocolatey goodness that rivals any bakery brownie, ensuring you won’t want to reach for store-bought ever again.

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

I still remember the first time I made these brownies; I had a sudden craving and found myself scouring my pantry for ingredients. To my delight, I discovered I had everything on hand. In less than thirty minutes, the smell of chocolate wafted through my kitchen, and I knew I was on to something special. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself after a long day, these brownies are as delightful as they are straightforward. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only five minutes of prep time and a 25-minute bake, you can satisfy your chocolate cravings in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: Expect fudgy, rich brownies that are intensely chocolatey with a slight chew—just like your favorites from the bakery!
Eye-Catching Appeal: Share these brownies with friends or at parties, and watch everyone gravitate toward their glossy chocolatey surface.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for an after-dinner treat, a coffee break snack, or a sweet addition to lunch box surprises.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by swapping in your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup butter: For a rich, buttery flavor. You can substitute with neutral oils like vegetable oil if you prefer a dairy-free alternative.
1 cup granulated sugar: This gives the brownies their sweetness. You can use brown sugar for a softer, more caramel-like flavor.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa is recommended for a deeper chocolate flavor; however, regular unsweetened cocoa will also work!
2 large eggs: They contribute to the brownie’s fudginess and structure. Always use room temperature eggs for the best results.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds depth and richness. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Just enough to help bind everything together without making them cakey. If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works wonderfully!
1/4 teaspoon salt: Optional if using salted butter, but it enhances flavor if you stick to unsalted butter.
1/2 cup favorite add-ins: This could be chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or walnuts for added texture and richness.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Brownies

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 square pan or a 9×5 loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Melt the Butter: In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the 1/2 cup of butter. Microwave it for about 1 minute or until completely melted—watch it closely to prevent splattering.

Mix Sugar and Cocoa: To the melted butter, add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk vigorously for at least a minute until the sugar has dissolved into a smooth mixture.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the two large eggs, one at a time, followed by the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk for another minute or so until the batter is well combined and shiny—this helps create that coveted fudgy texture!

Add Flour and Salt: Gently stir in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, along with the 1/4 teaspoon of salt, being careful not to overmix. Stop once you can no longer see dry flour; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in 1/2 cup of your favorite add-ins, like chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or chopped walnuts, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Spread and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, checking for doneness by seeing if the center is slightly set. Be careful not to over-bake them; they should still look slightly gooey in the middle!

Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into 9 large squares or 16 smaller ones, depending on your sweet tooth!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. You can also freeze these brownies for up to three months—just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, reheating them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds will restore their fudgy texture, making them feel freshly baked!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing once you add the flour; this can lead to denser, cake-like brownies rather than the desired fudgy texture.
If you want to enhance the chocolate flavor, try adding a teaspoon of brewed coffee to the mixture—it brings out the chocolate richness beautifully!
Make sure to let the brownies cool completely before cutting; this helps them set up and prevents them from crumbling.
If you find the brownies are too eggy, you might want to reduce the number of eggs slightly or add a touch more flour.

These 4-Ingredient Brownies are simple to whip up, making them a go-to for all chocolate cravings. With a texture that is undeniably fudgy and a flavor that’s downright luscious, it’s hard not to be enthusiastic about making these. Feel free to get creative with add-ins or toppings; the possibilities are endless! I hope you find joy in making and sharing these brownies. May your kitchen be filled with warmth and delightful aromas!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?

Absolutely! Coconut oil will give your brownies a unique flavor while keeping them moist and fudgy. Just ensure it’s melted and measured in its liquid state for accuracy.

How do I know when they are done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Remember, a little under-baking can result in the perfect fudgy texture!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes, feel free to customize your brownies! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit can add wonderful texture and flavor. Just be mindful of balance so the brownies remain fudgy.

What should I do if my brownies come out too cakey?

If your brownies turn out cakey, it might be due to overmixing or adding too much flour. Next time, try mixing the batter less after the flour is added. Reducing baking time slightly can also help achieve that fudgy consistency.

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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 are a must-try for anyone craving a quick and delicious dessert. With simple ingredients like cocoa, butter, sugar, and eggs, they are irresistibly fudgy and flavorful. Perfect for any occasion, these homemade brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup butter, or oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup favorite add-ins

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 square pan or a 9×5 loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper; set aside.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 1 minute. Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder, whisking vigorously until the sugar dissolves.
Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Whisk for about a minute until well combined and shiny.
Stir in the flour and salt carefully until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
(Optional) Gently fold in your choice of add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes, or until the center appears slightly set. Do not overbake!
Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Ensure the butter is completely melted before combining with sugar and cocoa.
For an extra kick, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips as mix-ins.
These brownies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for several days.