When it comes to satisfying that sweet tooth, nothing quite matches the allure of brownies. Their fudgy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and the way they almost melt in your mouth make them an all-time favorite. Today, I’m eager to share a version that’s incredibly easy and doesn’t require you to stock the pantry with a long list of ingredients. Created in a single bowl, these 4-ingredient brownies are a simple solution to your dessert cravings. You’ll love how quickly they come together and how little fuss is involved in the process—perfect for those late-night chocolate cravings or unexpected guests.

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

The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalism. With just four main ingredients—yes, you read that right—you can whip up a delicious batch in no time flat. You might find yourself making these brownies over and over again because they are not just easy and straightforward, but also an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Each bite delivers a burst of chocolate flavor that rivals even the fanciest bakery offerings. It’s time to grab your mixing bowl and start baking these 4-ingredient brownies that are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just five minutes of prep time and 25 minutes in the oven—less than 30 minutes total!
Irresistible Flavor: Fudgy, rich, and oh-so-chocolatey, with a shiny crust that beckons you to take a bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These brownies look as good as they taste—a nice sheen on top and a perfect, soft center.
Flexible Serving: Great for snack time, dessert at dinner, or a lovely coffee break treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Use oil for a dairy-free option or add in your favorite nuts for extra crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup butter or oil: This is the fat that makes your brownies rich and fudgy. If you prefer a lighter option, vegetable oil works just as well.
1 cup granulated sugar: This ingredient provides sweetness. Consider using coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper, richer taste that really elevates these brownies.
2 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together, adding to that fudgy texture. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a warm note that enhances the chocolate flavor.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This small amount gives just the right structure while keeping the texture soft.
1/4 tsp salt: If your butter is unsalted, this small addition balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
1/2 cup add-ins: Chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or walnuts can provide extra flavor and texture. Feel free to switch up the toppings as you like!

How to Make 4-Ingredient Brownies

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 square pan or a 9×5 loaf pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Melt the Butter: In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, place 1/2 cup of butter and microwave it for about 1 minute, or until it’s completely melted. You can also use oil if you prefer, which will yield slightly different-but-delicious results.

Mix Sugar and Cocoa: Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the melted butter. Whisk vigorously for at least one minute until the mixture is well-blended and glossy, indicating the sugar has dissolved properly.

Incorporate Eggs & Vanilla: Crack 2 large eggs into your cocoa mixture, adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract as well. Whisk this mixture for about one minute until it’s combined and shiny. This is crucial for achieving that fudgy texture that everyone loves.

Stir in Flour & Salt: Gently stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and the salt. Mix just until you no longer see flour; overmixing can result in dense brownies, and we want them light and fudgy!

Add Your Favorite Mix-ins: If desired, fold in 1/2 cup of your favorite add-ins. Whether you choose chopped dark chocolate, walnuts, or chocolate chips, this step adds a delightful surprise in every bite.

Spread and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula. Bake for around 20 minutes. Look for the edges to start to set but the center should still look slightly gooey—it will firm up as it cools.

Cool and Cut: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 9 larger squares or 16 smaller squares. Patience is key here—cooling helps ensure they cut nicely!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your brownies fresh at room temperature, seal them in an airtight container, where they’ll last for about 3-4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week, ensuring they’re well wrapped to prevent them from drying out. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months; simply wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Note that freezing may alter the texture slightly; refreshing them in the microwave brings back that fudgy goodness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour. It’s crucial for achieving that soft, chewy texture.
Make sure your ingredients, especially eggs, are at room temperature; this helps everything mix smoothly.
If your brownies look a bit underbaked when the timer goes off, trust your instincts! They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Want an even stronger chocolate flavor? Opt for double the cocoa powder—just make sure to slightly reduce sugar accordingly.
Feel free to experiment with different flavored extracts like almond or hazelnut for a fun twist!

Nothing quite beats the comfort of a warm, fudgy brownie, especially one that comes together with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or treating yourself, this simple recipe will surely make an impression. I invite you to get cooking and enjoy the delicious results of your 4-ingredient brownies!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cocoa powder?

Absolutely! While Dutch-processed cocoa gives a smooth and rich flavor, natural cocoa powder can also be used. The main difference is in the acidity levels, but either will yield great results.

How do I know if my brownies are done?

The best indicator is a slightly set edge and a center that still looks a tad underbaked. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—not completely clean.

Can these brownies be made gluten-free?

You can easily make these brownies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that your other ingredients, like add-ins, are also gluten-free.

What’s the best way to serve these brownies?

These brownies are fabulous on their own, but serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert! Alternatively, dust with powdered sugar for a simple but beautiful presentation.

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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 delicious 4-Ingredient Brownies are the perfect homemade treat. They feature a fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. With minimal prep time and ingredients, these brownies are sure to impress all chocolate lovers!

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)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. 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 1 minute. Add in the sugar and cocoa powder, whisking vigorously for at least a minute until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the eggs one by one and then the vanilla, whisking for at least 1 minute until the batter is shiny and well combined.
Stir in the flour and salt until fully combined, being careful not to overmix.
Optionally, fold in your choice of 1/2 cup of nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, or any desired add-ins.
Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the center is slightly set. Be cautious not to over-bake!
Allow to cool completely before cutting into 9 large squares or 16 smaller squares.

Notes

Ensure the butter is melted completely for best results.
Be careful to not overmix after adding flour to maintain a fudgy texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.