Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Mix the Brownie Batter:
In a large bowl, mix melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add flour and salt, mixing just until the batter is smooth and thick.
3️⃣ Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
4️⃣ Prepare the Frosting:
While the brownies are baking, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, milk, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
5️⃣ Frost While Warm:
Once brownies are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes — still warm but not hot. Spread the frosting over the warm brownies for that signature shiny, fudge-like top.
6️⃣ Cool and Slice:
Let brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
✨ Pro Tip: For extra fudginess, slightly underbake the brownies — they’ll firm up as they cool under the frosting!
Would you like to add any nostalgic twists, like chopped nuts or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top? 🍫✨