Description
This Chocolate Frosted Brownies recipe yields rich, fudgy brownies topped with a smooth and creamy chocolate frosting. Perfectly moist and packed with chocolate flavor, these homemade treats are simple to prepare and ideal for dessert or any chocolate craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
Chocolate Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to add bursts of melted chocolate in each bite.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges with a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool the Brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan to set properly before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a saucepan over low heat, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Stir in 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/4 cup milk, whisking until smooth and fully blended.
- Finish the Frosting: Remove the saucepan from heat, then mix in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until you achieve a creamy, spreadable frosting consistency.
- Frost the Brownies: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Let the frosting set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter before baking.
- Using dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder will yield a richer chocolate taste.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
