Best-Ever 5 Ingredient Brownies Recipe
These best-ever 5 ingredient brownies are rich, fudgy, and incredibly easy to make with simple pantry staples. With just a handful of ingredients including sugar, eggs, butter, cocoa, and flour, you can whip up a decadent treat that bakes up with a perfectly moist, fudgy interior and a slightly crisp top. Optional vanilla extract adds depth, and stirring in chocolate chips gives an extra melty chocolate boost. This straightforward recipe yields delicious homemade brownies that are perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar (420 grams)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup salted butter, melted (226 grams)
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder (62 grams)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (98 grams)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a 9×9 inch metal baking dish with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and eggs on high speed with an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture feels smooth to the touch. Whisk in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until a thick, uniform batter forms. Optionally, stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips at the end.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 33-38 minutes until the top looks set. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should have moist crumbs but no wet batter. The edges will be mostly clean. Avoid overbaking as the brownies will firm up while cooling.
- Serve and Store: Let the brownies cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing to achieve the best fudgy texture and neat slices. Serve warm if desired, but they will be softer. Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use a metal baking dish for best results as it conducts heat evenly.
- Vanilla extract is optional but recommended to enhance flavor.
- You can add 1 cup chocolate chips for extra chocolatey brownies.
- Do not overbake – the brownies will continue setting as they cool.
- Allow cooling before slicing for clean cuts and proper fudginess.