4-Ingredient Brownies are the kind of treats that comfort you on a rainy day or satisfy that sudden chocolate craving in the middle of the afternoon. These fudgy delights are incredibly simple to whip up, needing just a handful of pantry staples to create something undeniably delicious. With a rich texture that melts in your mouth, every bite feels indulgent, even when you know you’ve made them in just one bowl!

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 remember the first time I stumbled across this recipe—it was a busy weekday, and I wanted a sweet treat without fussing over complicated steps or endless dishes to wash. Combining butter, sugar, cocoa, eggs, and a sprinkle of flour, I discovered that homemade brownies could be quick and wonderfully satisfying. The best part? You can customize them with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, making these 4-Ingredient Brownies a truly versatile dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only a 5-minute prep time, you can indulge your cravings in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: Fudgy richness and chocolatey goodness in every mouthful will leave you wanting more.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These brownies look as good as they taste, with a shiny, slightly crackled top.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dessert, an afternoon snack, or a casual gathering with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjustable with options for gluten-free or dairy-free substitutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup butter or oil: Butter adds a rich depth of flavor, but oil can work if you need a dairy-free option. If using butter, unsalted is preferable.
1 cup sugar: This sweetener gives the brownies their signature sweetness. For a twist, use brown sugar for extra moisture and a hint of caramel.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Ideally, opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother chocolate flavor, but natural cocoa works just as well.
2 large eggs: The eggs provide structure and richness. Ensure they’re at room temperature for optimal mixing.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This addition enhances the chocolate flavor. Use pure vanilla for the best taste.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Just enough to give the brownies structure without being cake-like.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Skip this if using salted butter, but a pinch balances the sweetness beautifully.
1/2 cup favorite add-ins (optional): Get creative here! Chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or walnuts work wonderfully.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Brownies

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

Melt the Butter: Take a large microwave-safe mixing bowl and add 1/2 cup of butter. Microwave it for about 1 minute, or until it’s fully melted. This will create a gooey base for your brownie batter.

Whisk Together: Next, add in 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously for at least a minute. You should see the sugar dissolve, creating a thick, shiny mixture.

Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the two large eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Follow it up with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, whisking for another minute until the batter is combined and glossy.

Add the Flour and Salt: Now, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt (if using). Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The key to fudgy brownies is not overworking the batter!

Incorporate Add-ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in 1/2 cup of your favorite add-ins like chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or nuts. This step is optional, but it adds a delightful surprise in each bite.

Bake to Perfection: Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes. The edges should look set, while the center may still appear a bit soft—a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool & Cut: Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into either 9 large squares or 16 smaller ones. Cutting them while warm can make them crumbly, so patience is key!

Storing & Reheating

Once your brownies are completely cooled, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about two weeks. For freezing, wrap the brownies securely in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months! When you’re ready to enjoy a treat, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to refresh their fudgy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be cautious not to overmix the batter once you combine the flour; it can lead to tougher brownies.
For even more fudginess, try using brown sugar instead of white sugar.
Make sure your eggs are at room temperature; this helps them blend better and creates a smoother batter.
If your brownies are too dense, consider reducing the flour slightly in your next batch.
Feel free to experiment with flavors—adding a pinch of instant coffee to the batter can deepen the chocolate flavor beautifully.

The simplicity of these 4-Ingredient Brownies makes them approachable for everyone, whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro. They’re here to satisfy that sweet tooth without taking up too much of your time. As you whip up a batch, remember that the joy of baking is also in the experimenting! Feel free to try different flavors or add-ins.

You’ll find that every time you make these brownies, you’re creating a little moment of happiness—whether it’s a treat for you, a dessert to share, or a fantastically quick way to indulge in chocolate bliss.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use oil instead of butter for these brownies?

Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with an equal amount of oil. Using a neutral oil like vegetable or canola will keep the flavor consistent while also making the brownies dairy-free.

What’s the best way to know if my brownies are done baking?

To check for doneness without cutting into them, gently shake the pan. If the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle, they’re ready! You can also insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which you can find at most grocery stores. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll be delicious!

Can I add other flavors or spices to the brownies?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with flavor enhancements like a teaspoon of espresso powder, cinnamon, or even a splash of almond extract. These small touches can elevate the chocolate flavor in delightful ways.

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
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These 4-Ingredient Brownies are the epitome of simplicity and flavor. With just cocoa, butter, sugar, and eggs, you can whip up a delicious dessert that satisfies your chocolate cravings. Perfect for gatherings or an easy homemade treat, these brownies promise rich fudginess and a comforting touch.

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 square pan or a 9×5 loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment or foil.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 1 minute. Add the sugar and cocoa powder, then whisk vigorously until the sugar dissolves.
Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Whisk for at least 1 minute until the mixture is combined and shiny.
Stir in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Optionally, fold in your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the center is slightly set. Be careful not to over-bake!
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into 9 large squares or 16 small squares.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, use high-quality dark cocoa powder.
Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
Ensure not to over-bake for that perfect fudgy center.