Best-Ever 5-Ingredient Brownies
These brownies are rich, fudgy, and impossibly easy—made with just 5 ingredients from grandma’s old recipe book. They deliver bakery-style results with no fuss, perfect for a cozy evening or celebration.
Equipment
- 9x9-inch Metal or Ceramic Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Hand Mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1.25 cups granulated sugar
- 3 eggs room temperature
- 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder use high quality for best flavor
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
Optional Ingredients
- 0.25 tsp salt optional, enhances flavor
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional, for deeper flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, beat sugar and eggs together for 3–4 minutes until pale and slightly thick.
- Add melted butter and vanilla (if using), and mix until smooth and glossy.
- Sift cocoa powder, flour, and salt (if using) into the wet ingredients. Fold in gently until no dry spots remain.
- Pour the batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 33–38 minutes, until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool in pan for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For even richer flavor, brown the butter before adding. Add mix-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts for variety. Best served warm with ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 1.3mg
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