4th of July Brownies

Recipe By:

Alexandra

Posted:

June 3, 2025

Updated:

June 3, 2025

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These 4th of July Brownies are the perfect patriotic dessert to impress at your Independence Day celebrations. With a rich, chocolaty crunch on the outside and a soft, fudge-like center, these brownies are not just delicious but also visually appealing. Each bite reveals a colorful surprise inside, making them ideal for festive gatherings, care packages, and family BBQs. Their vibrant colors and delightful flavors will certainly make your holiday memorable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps that even beginner bakers can follow with ease.
Deliciously Decadent: The combination of chocolate and sandwich cookies creates a mouthwatering treat that everyone loves.
Festively Fun: The red and blue filling brings a festive spirit to your holiday table, perfect for 4th of July festivities.
Versatile Options: These brownies can be served as individual treats or in a pan for easy sharing at parties.
Creative Touch: Get creative with food coloring and toppings to customize these brownies for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools for an organized baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Non-stick cooking spray
12-cup brownie pan or 9×13 baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool ensures that the batter is mixed thoroughly and achieves the right fluffy texture.
Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for efficient preparation of ingredients without mixing them up.
Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents the brownies from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy removal and clean-up.

Ingredients

These patriotic brownies have a chocolaty crunch outside, a soft, fudge-like interior, and a colorful sandwich cookie hidden inside. A tasty treat for fourth of July celebrations and care packages!

Ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup baking cocoa powder
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon espresso powder
– ⅔ cup butter-flavored vegetable shortening
– 2 cups granulated (white sugar)
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup mini chocolate chips
– 27 chocolate sandwich cookies (Newman’s Own, Oreos)
– Food coloring gel (Americolor Sky Blue and True Red)
– Decorative sugar or sprinkles

How to Make 4th of July Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookies

Twist apart the cookies and scrape the filling into three small bowls.
Mash the white filling with the back of a spoon until smooth. Add a drop of red or blue food coloring gel to the other filling bowls and mix until smooth and evenly colored.
Transfer each filling into the corner of separate small sandwich bags.
Snip a small piece off each bag’s corner, then pipe alternating colors onto half of each cookie.
Top with the other half of the cookie to form a sandwich, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Coat your brownie pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder. Set aside.
In an electric mixer bowl, combine shortening, sugar, and eggs. Beat until light in color and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Gradually add in the flour mixture until combined.
Stir in mini chocolate chips.

Step 3: Assemble the Brownies

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter into each brownie cup.
Gently press a sandwich cookie into the center so that the batter comes up around its edges.
Top each cookie with another tablespoon of batter; smooth it out to cover completely.

Step 4: Bake

For individual brownie cups: Bake for 12-15 minutes; for a 9×13 pan: bake for 20-25 minutes.
The toothpick test does not work well due to cookie centers; if the top feels firm, they’re done.

Step 5: Cool & Store

Remove from oven; cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Store brownies at room temperature in an airtight container or zip lock bag for up to two weeks.

Enjoy these delightful 4th of July Brownies as they add sweetness to your holiday celebrations!

How to Serve 4th of July Brownies

These 4th of July brownies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some fun and festive ways to serve them during your celebrations.

Individual Brownie Cups

Serve each brownie in its own cup for a portable treat. This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling.

Topped with Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each brownie. This adds a creamy texture that complements the fudgy interior perfectly.

Ice Cream Sundae Style

Create a sundae by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the brownie. Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent dessert.

Festive Platter

Arrange brownies on a colorful platter. Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Dessert Bar

Set up a dessert bar where guests can customize their brownies. Provide toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or caramel sauce for added fun.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

Serve brownies alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the brownies beautifully.

How to Perfect 4th of July Brownies

Perfecting your 4th of July brownies can elevate them from good to great. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your brownies turn out fantastic every time.

Use room temperature ingredients: Let your eggs and butter reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of light and fudgy ones.
Check oven temperature: Make sure your oven is calibrated correctly. Baking at the right temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect brownie texture.
Cool completely before cutting: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into them. This helps them set and results in cleaner cuts.
Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add different types of chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture variations.
Store properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and fudginess.

Best Side Dishes for 4th of July Brownies

While these 4th of July brownies are a star on their own, serving them with delightful side dishes can enhance your dessert table. Here are some great options to consider:

Grilled Peaches: Juicy peaches grilled until caramelized make a sweet contrast to chocolatey brownies.
Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of strawberries, blueberries, and bananas adds vibrant colors and flavors.
Patriotic Parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and mixed berries in clear cups for a beautiful presentation.
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream is always a hit paired with warm brownies.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats add elegance and complement the brownie’s chocolate flavor.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast that balances the sweetness.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn slathered in butter is a summertime favorite that pairs well with any dessert.
Caprese Salad Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a savory bite amidst sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 4th of July Brownies can be fun, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your batch. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter that rises well.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make brownies tough. Mix until just combined for a fudgy texture.
Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your brownies. Since they have a cookie inside, the toothpick test may not work well. Check for a firm top instead.
Not using non-stick spray: Failing to grease the pan can lead to sticking. Use non-stick cooking spray liberally for easy removal.
Skipping cooling time: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This ensures clean edges and better presentation.

Refrigerator Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing 4th of July Brownies

Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating 4th of July Brownies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place brownies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Place a brownie in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare your 4th of July Brownies a day in advance. Just store them properly in an airtight container.

What type of sandwich cookies should I use?

You can use any chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos or Newman’s Own. The choice will affect the flavor slightly, so pick your favorite!

How do I customize my brownies?

Feel free to add different colors of frosting or sprinkles on top! You might also try adding nuts or other types of candy inside the brownie batter.

Can these brownies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is suitable for baking.

How do I know when my brownies are done?

Look for firm tops rather than relying solely on the toothpick test, as the cookie inside may affect doneness indicators.

Final Thoughts

These 4th of July Brownies are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their surprise filling. They’re perfect for celebrations or as gifts. Feel free to customize them with different colors or toppings according to your event theme! Enjoy making this festive treat!