There’s something utterly satisfying about a rich, fudgy brownie, and when it’s made with just four simple ingredients, it becomes even more irresistible. This easy one bowl fudgy cocoa brownie recipe brings together the magic of cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, and butter—or oil, depending on your preference—all mixed up in a single bowl for effortless cleanup. They’re conveniently quick to whip up, making them perfect for a last-minute treat or a sweet craving. Each bite offers a delightful chewiness, a glossy crust on top, and an intense chocolate flavor that simply melts in your mouth.

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 tried making these brownies; I had a sweet tooth, a little spare time, and not much in the pantry. With just a half-hour to spare, I transformed my cravings into an incredibly easy dessert. Not only did they satisfy my chocolate urges, but they also became a beloved recipe passed around among friends. So, if you’re looking for an uncomplicated yet delightful dessert, these 4-Ingredient Brownies are calling your name! Gather your ingredients and get ready for a chocolate experience that’s familiar yet lovingly homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just 30 minutes, from prep to oven.
Irresistible Flavor: A perfect blend of chocolatey richness and gooey texture.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Thick, fudgy squares that look as good as they taste.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for an afternoon snack, dessert after dinner, or a cozy movie night.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt to your needs—just swap the butter for oil if desired.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup butter, or oil: Either works great here! Butter gives a rich flavor, while oil can make the brownies extra fudgy.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens and provides that lovely chewy texture, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa, preferably Dutch processed: Dutch processed cocoa creates a deeper flavor profile, but regular cocoa works just fine too.
2 large eggs: These bind everything together and create that perfect brownie texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla: A little vanilla enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
1/4 cup flour: A small amount helps structure the brownies without making them cakey.
1/4 tsp salt: Optional if you’re using salted butter, but adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
1/2 cup favorite add-ins: Think chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or walnuts for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Brownies

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

Melt the butter: In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup of butter and microwave it for about 1 minute, or until fully melted.

Combine sugar and cocoa: Next, sprinkle in 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of cocoa powder. Whisk vigorously for at least a minute until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. You’re aiming for a glossy texture here!

Add eggs and vanilla: Crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk again until the mixture is shiny and smooth, letting the excitement build for the fudgy goodness ahead.

Incorporate flour and salt: Gently stir in 1/4 cup of flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix! You want to preserve that delightful texture.

Optional add-ins: If you like, fold in your favorite add-ins now, such as 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or walnut pieces. This is where your creativity can shine!

Spread and bake: Pour your luscious brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is slightly set (a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter).

Cool and slice: Allow your brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares. You can slice them into 9 large squares or 16 smaller ones, depending on how decadent you want each piece to be!

Storing & Reheating

To store your brownies, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you want to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully—just wrap them tightly and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The fudginess might change slightly after freezing, but a quick warm-up refreshes their gooey goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the batter; it can lead to a cakier texture instead of that rich fudginess you want!
Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation; cold eggs can affect the final batter consistency.
Always check for doneness a minute or two early; you want those edges slightly set with a soft center for maximum fudginess.
If you like a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch more salt to balance the sweetness.
Make ahead? You can prepare the brownie batter the night before and bake it fresh the next day!

The simple allure of these fudgy treats is hard to resist. They promise speed, simplicity, and sensational flavor, making them a go-to option for any chocolate lover. A little experimentation with add-ins or variations only adds to the fun of these uncomplicated brownies!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these brownies without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the two eggs with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/2 of a mashed banana for a vegan-friendly option while still keeping that desirable texture.

What can I use instead of cocoa powder?

If you want a different flavor, consider using carob powder as a caffeine-free alternative. Just keep in mind that it will change the taste profile slightly.

How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. If it comes out clean, they may be overdone, so keep an eye on them, especially toward the end of the baking time.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

Using gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour can make these brownies gluten-free while keeping that fudgy texture intact!

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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 delightful treat with their rich chocolate flavor and simple preparation. Perfect for a quick dessert or whenever you crave homemade goodness!

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)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F. 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 and whisk vigorously for about a minute until the sugar dissolves.
Add the eggs one at a time, then add 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, being careful not to overmix.
(Optional) Fold in 1/2 cup of your choice of nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, or any desired add-ins.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the center is just set. Take care not to over-bake!
Cool completely before cutting into 9 large squares or 16 small squares.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and increase the cocoa to 3/4 cup.
Store brownies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Add-ins can vary based on personal preference, so feel free to experiment.