Description

These best-ever 5 ingredient brownies are rich, fudgy, and incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of decadent brownies perfect for any occasion. They have a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate intensity with a moist, chewy texture that sets to a fudgy consistency once cooled.

Ingredients

Scale

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, but recommended)

Instructions

Make the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a metal 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the sugar is almost completely dissolved and the mixture feels smooth between your fingers. Whisk in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding gently until you have a thick, uniform batter. Optionally, stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips for extra richness.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 33-38 minutes. The brownies are done when the top appears set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. A toothpick from the edge should come out mostly clean. Avoid over-baking to maintain fudgy texture as they will continue to set while cooling.
Serve + Store: Allow the brownies to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to let them firm up to a fudgy consistency. They taste great warm but won’t hold their shape if cut immediately. Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

Notes

Use a metal baking dish for even baking; glass pans can affect baking time and texture.
If you want to keep it strictly 5 ingredients, the salt and vanilla are optional but highly recommended for flavor balance.
Baking times may vary by oven; rely on visual cues and toothpick tests to judge doneness.
For extra chocolatey brownies, stir in chocolate chips before baking.
Room temperature eggs create a better emulsion for a smoother batter.

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

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