Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate bake-at-home treat, Chocolate Frosted Brownies will surely earn a spot in your heart (and recipe box). These brownies are everything good: thick and fudgy, with a shiny crackle top, and layered with a creamy, decadent chocolate frosting that melts perfectly into every bite. This recipe doesn’t call for fancy ingredients or chef-level skills, but the end result is pure homemade indulgence – a dessert that feels nostalgic, comforting, and always a little bit special. Enjoy these classic squares with family or friends, at parties or for a weeknight pick–me–up; they’ll have people begging for the recipe and sneaking back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Chocolate Frosted Brownies truly stand out is how approachable each ingredient is, yet how essential they all are for the magic to happen. Every component adds to the texture, flavor, or that irresistible look, so don’t skip a thing!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Gives the brownies a rich, moist base and helps blend the other ingredients smoothly.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and builds that delicate, crackly brownie top.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and just the right amount of chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for frosting): Brings warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor in both the brownies and the frosting.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup + 3 tablespoons for frosting): This is where the deep chocolate flavor shines, so choose a good quality cocoa for best results.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): The foundation of the brownie’s body; just enough for fudgy, never cakey, results.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a bit of lift, so your brownies don’t get dense or flat.
- Softened butter for frosting (3 tablespoons): Creates a creamy, dreamy texture for the chocolate topping.
- Honey (1 tablespoon, for frosting): Adds shine to the frosting along with a hint of floral sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting, making it perfectly spreadable.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons, for frosting): Adjusts the consistency so you can frost those brownies effortlessly.
How to Make Chocolate Frosted Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This little detail matters so the brownies bake evenly. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper—lining makes for fuss-free removal and perfectly neat brownies every time.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir them until the mixture is smooth and glossy; this early step is where you start building both the flavor and that iconic brownie texture.
Step 3: Blend in the Dry Ingredients
Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder right into your wet mix. Stir gently, just until combined—overmixing can make brownies tough instead of tender and fudgy. At this stage, you can fold in a handful of chocolate chips or nuts for an extra decadent touch if you’d like.
Step 4: Bake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Resist the urge to smooth it perfectly; rustic swirls are part of the charm! Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When a toothpick poked in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Be careful not to overbake—leaving a bit of gooiness is key for classic brownies.
Step 5: Cool Completely
As difficult as it can be to wait, allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting them. This prevents the frosting from melting and absorbs beautifully into the top for that perfect bite.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Frosting
In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Begin adding milk, one tablespoon at a time, until your frosting is velvety and spreadable. It should be creamy but sturdy enough to sit prettily atop the brownies.
Step 7: Frost and Cut
Spread the prepared chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Grab a sharp knife and cut them into generous squares. You’re now ready to share (or savor solo) your Chocolate Frosted Brownies masterpiece!
How to Serve Chocolate Frosted Brownies
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavor of your brownies by sprinkling flaky sea salt, chocolate shavings, or colorful sprinkles over the fresh frosting. For a special occasion, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few berries can add a festive touch that elevates every plate.
Side Dishes
These brownies practically beg to be served with a cold glass of milk, but they also shine alongside fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of softly whipped cream. Try pairing them with a piping-hot coffee or a robust black tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a party? Cut your Chocolate Frosted Brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter for easy finger-food. For a more elegant twist, stack two small squares with a swirl of frosting or fruit between each layer. You can even use small cookie cutters to make shapes—perfect for birthdays or holidays!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store remaining brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The frosting helps keep them moist and delicious, so you don’t have to worry about dryness, even on day three!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual Chocolate Frosted Brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then tuck them all into a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently when ready to serve.
Reheating
If you love your brownies just a little warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This will soften the frosting slightly and bring out that fresh-baked aroma without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on doneness with the trusty toothpick method.
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of natural?
Yes! Dutch-processed cocoa makes the Chocolate Frosted Brownies richer and even more intense in chocolate flavor. Just swap it one-for-one with natural cocoa powder.
Should brownies be frosted while warm or cool?
Always let the brownies cool completely before frosting. If frosted while warm, the chocolate frosting will melt and lose its lovely creamy texture.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. The results are still wonderfully fudgy and satisfying without any graininess.
How do I get clean, neat brownie slices?
For picture-perfect squares, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This keeps the frosting intact and gives you those enviable bakery-worthy edges.
Final Thoughts
Take this as your sign to bake up a batch of Chocolate Frosted Brownies soon—this recipe’s fudgy base and creamy chocolate topping never fail to bring joy, whether shared or secretly savored. Dive in, experiment with your favorite mix-ins, and soon enough, these brownies might just be the most-requested treat in your kitchen. Enjoy every chocolaty moment!
Print
Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of these frosted brownies. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings!
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 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
Frosting:
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix the brownie batter: In a bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the brownies: Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool.
- Make the frosting: Beat butter, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Add milk gradually until the frosting is smooth.
- Frost the brownies: Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
