Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with cocoa powder until smooth.
- Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until glossy and well combined.
- Stir in flour and salt. Fold in chocolate chips.
Step 2: Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before topping.
Step 3: Decorate
- Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave (30-second intervals, stir in between).
- Drizzle over cooled brownies in a zigzag or swirl pattern.
- While still wet, top with patriotic M&M’s, sprinkles, or dried fruit.
Step 4: Slice & Serve
- Let topping set, then slice into squares or stars using cookie cutters for extra flair.
- Serve on a festive tray or pack for picnic-ready dessert magic!
Notes
🥄 Variations
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend Extra Fudgy: Add 1 tbsp espresso or brewed coffee Blondie Version: Use your favorite blondie base and swap cocoa for more vanilla Nutty Add-in: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans Marshmallow Swirl: Drop marshmallow fluff before baking for gooey texture 🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp: Store in airtight container up to 4 days Fridge: Keeps for up to a week; bring to room temp before serving Freezer: Wrap and freeze for up to 2 months—great for prepping ahead Make-Ahead: Bake a day early, decorate before serving ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I double this recipe?
Yes—use a 9×13 pan and adjust bake time to 35–40 minutes. Can I use boxed mix?
Sure! Just jazz it up with festive toppings and added chocolate chips. What kind of cocoa works best?
Dutch-processed gives the richest flavor, but natural works too. Can kids help decorate?
Absolutely—it’s a fun and colorful way to involve them! How do I cut brownies cleanly?
Chill slightly and use a hot knife, wiping between cuts. Can I add frosting instead?
Yes—a cream cheese or buttercream topping works great. Are these overly sweet?
They’re rich but balanced, thanks to the dark cocoa base. Do M&M’s melt in the oven?
That’s why we add them after baking—keeps them pretty! How do I make star shapes?
Use a metal cookie cutter after cooling completely. What’s a fun serving idea?
Stack brownies on skewers with marshmallows and strawberries for brownie kebabs! 🏁 Conclusion
These 4th of July Brownies are everything you want in a holiday dessert—rich, chewy, festive, and fast to make. Whether you’re celebrating with fireworks or just enjoying the day off, this treat adds a perfect pop of red, white, and blue to your dessert table. 🎇🍫🇺🇸 Bake them once and they’ll become a new Independence Day tradition!
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend Extra Fudgy: Add 1 tbsp espresso or brewed coffee Blondie Version: Use your favorite blondie base and swap cocoa for more vanilla Nutty Add-in: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans Marshmallow Swirl: Drop marshmallow fluff before baking for gooey texture 🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp: Store in airtight container up to 4 days Fridge: Keeps for up to a week; bring to room temp before serving Freezer: Wrap and freeze for up to 2 months—great for prepping ahead Make-Ahead: Bake a day early, decorate before serving ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I double this recipe?
Yes—use a 9×13 pan and adjust bake time to 35–40 minutes. Can I use boxed mix?
Sure! Just jazz it up with festive toppings and added chocolate chips. What kind of cocoa works best?
Dutch-processed gives the richest flavor, but natural works too. Can kids help decorate?
Absolutely—it’s a fun and colorful way to involve them! How do I cut brownies cleanly?
Chill slightly and use a hot knife, wiping between cuts. Can I add frosting instead?
Yes—a cream cheese or buttercream topping works great. Are these overly sweet?
They’re rich but balanced, thanks to the dark cocoa base. Do M&M’s melt in the oven?
That’s why we add them after baking—keeps them pretty! How do I make star shapes?
Use a metal cookie cutter after cooling completely. What’s a fun serving idea?
Stack brownies on skewers with marshmallows and strawberries for brownie kebabs! 🏁 Conclusion
These 4th of July Brownies are everything you want in a holiday dessert—rich, chewy, festive, and fast to make. Whether you’re celebrating with fireworks or just enjoying the day off, this treat adds a perfect pop of red, white, and blue to your dessert table. 🎇🍫🇺🇸 Bake them once and they’ll become a new Independence Day tradition!