Best-Ever 5 Ingredient Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These best-ever 5 ingredient brownies are rich, fudgy, and incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of indulgent brownies that satisfy any chocolate craving. Perfect for beginners and busy bakers alike!

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, but recommended)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a 9×9-inch metal baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and eggs with an electric mixer on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture feels almost smooth.
3. Step 3: Whisk in the melted butter and vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently until combined into a thick batter.
5. Step 5: (Optional) Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips if desired.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 33-38 minutes. The top should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center will have moist crumbs but no wet batter.
7. Step 7: Let the brownies cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow them to set and develop their fudgy texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use a metal baking dish for best even baking results, but glass works too—just watch the baking time.
• If you want extra indulgence, fold in nuts or chocolate chunks along with the chocolate chips.
• For a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
• Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix smoothly and rise well.

Storage

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They can also be refrigerated for about a week if you prefer. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that just-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch more salt to the batter to keep the flavor balanced.

Why do my brownies come out dry sometimes?

Overbaking is the most common reason for dry brownies. Keep an eye on the texture by checking with a toothpick as described, and remember that brownies continue to set as they cool.

Best-Ever 5 Ingredient Brownies Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies (approximately 2-inch squares) 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These Best-Ever 5 Ingredient Brownies are a classic, fudgy, and rich chocolate treat made with simple pantry staples. With just sugar, eggs, butter, cocoa powder, and flour, plus optional vanilla and a pinch of salt, you’ll have irresistibly chewy, moist brownies that bake up perfectly every time. This straightforward recipe delivers luscious, chocolaty brownies that are great for any occasion, and can be customized easily with chocolate chips if desired.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2/3 cup cocoa powder (62 grams)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (98 grams)
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar (420 grams)
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup salted butter, melted (226 grams)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch metal baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang to easily lift the brownies out after baking.
2. Mix Sugar and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat for 3-4 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture feels almost smooth when rubbed between your fingers.
3. Add Butter and Vanilla: Whisk in the melted salted butter and vanilla extract if using, blending thoroughly to combine.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Fold in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt gently until you achieve a thick, even batter. Optionally, stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips for extra chocolate bursts.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 33 to 38 minutes. The brownies are done when the top looks set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with thick, moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
6. Cool: Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. This allows the brownies to set fully and improves slicing.
7. Serve and Store: Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into squares. Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• The recipe lists technically 7 ingredients if you include salt and vanilla, but both are minimal additions to the core 5 ingredients.
• Use a metal baking dish for best heat conduction and even baking.
• Be careful not to overbeat the batter after adding dry ingredients to avoid tough brownies.
• Chocolate chips can be added for more texture and richness if desired.
• Cooling time is essential for clean slices and the ideal fudgy texture.
• Oven temperatures can vary; monitor the doneness indicators closely to prevent overbaking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 33-38 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: easy brownies, 5 ingredient brownies, fudgy brownies, simple chocolate dessert, homemade brownies