Making brownies is one of life’s simple joys, especially when you can whip up a batch with just four ingredients. These 4-Ingredient Brownies are not only easy to prepare but also deliver a moist, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite. No fuss, no complicated techniques, and definitely no lengthy lists of ingredients. You’ll find yourself craving these rich, chocolatey squares any time of the day, whether it’s for a late-night snack or a delightful dessert after dinner.

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 made these brownies; it was a rainy afternoon, and I suddenly had the urge for something sweet but didn’t want to go through a whole baking ordeal. With just a handful of pantry staples, I transformed my kitchen into a mini-bakery. The aroma of cocoa wafting through the air was irresistible, and watching that glossy batter come together in one bowl was nothing short of satisfying. You’ll love how this recipe makes mouthwatering brownies while saving both time and effort—let’s get to it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: It takes just 5 minutes to prep and 25 minutes in the oven for irresistible brownies.
Irresistible Flavor: Rich cocoa paired with a buttery finish gives these brownies a heavenly taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Perfectly fudgy and moist, they’ll look great on any dessert table.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for every occasion—whether it’s a family gathering or a midnight snack!
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free needs with a simple flour swap.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup butter, or oil: For a rich, moist texture. Butter enhances flavor while oil keeps them fudgy—choose based on your preference!
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the brownies. Granulated sugar works best, but you could use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa, preferably dutch processed: For deep chocolate flavor; dutch processed cocoa gives a smoother taste. Regular cocoa works, but the flavor might be slightly different.
2 large eggs: Adds structure and richness. Always use room temperature eggs as they mix better.
1 teaspoon vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors. Pure vanilla is always best!
1/4 cup flour: Just enough to bind the ingredients together. You can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness. If you’re using salted butter, you can skip this.
1/2 cup favorite add-ins (chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips or walnuts): Enhance texture and flavor according to your taste. Feel free to mix it up!

How to Make 4-Ingredient Brownies

Preheat your oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your 8×8 square pan or 9×5 loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy removal of your brownies later.

Melt the butter: In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup butter and microwave for 1 minute, watching closely until it’s completely melted. This step saves time and fewer dishes!

Combine sugar and cocoa: Stir in 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, whisking vigorously for at least a minute. You want to ensure the sugar dissolves fully, resulting in a smooth batter that’s ready for the eggs.

Add the eggs and vanilla: Crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk for another minute until the batter becomes shiny and entrancing.

Incorporate flour and salt: Gently fold in 1/4 cup of flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using), being careful not to overmix. The batter should look glossy and slightly thick.

Add your mix-ins: If you feel like elevating your brownies, fold in 1/2 cup of your favorite add-ins, like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit! This is totally optional but adds a lovely texture contrast.

Spread and bake: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the center is set but still soft. Be cautious about over-baking to keep that fudgy texture!

Cool and cut: Let your brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. You can choose to make 9 large squares or 16 smaller bites—whatever suits your craving!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your brownies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them a bit longer, move them to the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for about a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in foil for up to 3 months. To enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but keep in mind that reheating may slightly change the texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing after adding the flour to keep your brownies tender.
Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter—this makes incorporation easier.
Don’t skip the cooling step; allowing them to rest will ensure a fudgier brownie.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swirling in peanut butter or caramel before baking for a flavor twist.
Keep an eye on the oven; checking them a couple of minutes before the recommended time can prevent over-baking.

These 4-Ingredient Brownies are simply delightful—rich, fudgy, and incredibly chocolatey. As you find your rhythm in making them, don’t hesitate to explore different add-ins and flavors. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have at home; baking is all about creativity! I hope you gather your loved ones around to share these tasty treats. Happy baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and you’ll enjoy fudgy goodness without the gluten.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Check for doneness by touching the center lightly; it should be slightly set but still soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes! Allow the brownies to cool completely, then wrap them well or place them in an airtight container to freeze for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for butter?

You can use oil, like vegetable or coconut, in place of butter if you prefer a dairy-free option or simply want to cut down on saturated fat.

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: Lina
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 an easy and delicious treat packed with rich chocolate flavor. Perfect for satisfying dessert cravings and simple to prepare!

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 (chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips or walnuts)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F. 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 mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for 1 minute. Add the sugar and cocoa powder, whisking vigorously for at least a minute until the sugar dissolves.
Add the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla, whisking for at least 1 minute until well combined and the batter is shiny.
Stir in the flour and salt until fully combined, taking care not to overmix.
(Optional) Fold in 1/2 cup of nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, or any desired add-ins.
Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until the center is slightly set, being careful not to overbake!
Cool completely before cutting into 9 large squares or 16 small squares.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and add a pinch of sea salt to the batter.
Feel free to customize your brownies with nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits according to your taste.
Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before slicing to achieve clean edges.