Chocolate Frosted Brownies

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more details.

Jump to Recipe

These homemade chocolate frosted brownies are rich, soft, and covered with a creamy chocolate buttercream frosting. They’re easy enough for an everyday dessert but delicious enough to bring to a party, potluck, or family celebration.

And yes, brownies are already wonderful without frosting, but once you try this thick chocolate buttercream, you may decide that frosting belongs on every batch.

Why You’ll Love These Brownies

These brownies are rich, soft, and wonderfully chocolatey, but the creamy chocolate buttercream is what really sets them apart. The brownies are made with simple pantry ingredients, and you don’t need to melt chocolate or use any complicated techniques. They’re easy enough for an everyday treat but special enough to serve at a birthday party, potluck, family gathering, or holiday celebration.

Whatever you do, don’t skip the frosting. That extra layer of chocolate turns a simple pan of brownies into a dessert everyone will remember.

Ingredients

For the brownies

• 1 cup butter, melted
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

For the chocolate buttercream frosting

• ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk, plus more if needed
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ to ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Use ⅓ cup cocoa powder for a lighter chocolate flavor or closer to ½ cup if you like a darker, richer frosting.

How to Make Chocolate Frosted Brownies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth.
3. Add the granulated sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla, and salt. Stir until thoroughly combined.
4. Add the flour and gently stir just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing the batter.
5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the frosting.

How to Make the Chocolate Frosting

1. Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar, the vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix on low speed until combined.
3. Add the remaining powdered sugar and the cocoa powder. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
4. If the frosting is too thick to spread, add more milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches the consistency you prefer.
5. Spread the frosting over the completely cooled brownies. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips for the Best Frosted Brownies

• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir in the flour only until everything is combined.
• Watch the baking time. Overbaking can make brownies dry.
• Let the brownies cool before frosting. Warm brownies will melt the buttercream.
• For cleaner slices, chill them briefly. Refrigerate the frosted brownies for approximately 20 minutes, then cut them with a sharp knife.
• Add a festive touch. Sprinkles make these easy to customize for birthdays, holidays, or team parties.

How to Store Them

Keep the frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is especially warm, store them in the refrigerator and let them return to room temperature before serving.

Make This Your Signature Chocolate Brownie Recipe

Once you try the rich brownie and creamy frosting together, you’ll understand why this recipe has remained one of my favorites.