Table of Contents
Introduction
These brownies with frosting are the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the smell of melted chocolate and comfort. They come together quickly with pantry staples and deliver a lush, fudgy center topped with a glossy cocoa buttercream. Perfect for a weeknight treat, a bake sale, or Instagram-worthy dessert boards. If you love fudgy bars with a rich finish, try our Dubai Chocolate Brownies for another chocolate-forward option.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice
This recipe balances ease and indulgence so anyone can pull off show-stopping brownies without fuss. You melt the butter, whisk in sugar and eggs, then fold in dry ingredients for a straightforward batter that bakes into a dense, chewy slab. The frosting is simple but luxurious creamy butter whipped with cocoa and powdered sugar to make a spreadable, shiny topping. It’s forgiving, so small variations in mixing or bake time still give delicious results. If you enjoy exploring a range of recipes from savory to sweet, also check our savory baked cod with lemon dill sauce for meal inspiration across meals.
Flavor and Texture
These brownies pack deep chocolate flavor from both cocoa powder in the batter and cocoa in the frosting, making every bite feel concentrated and satisfying. The crumb is fudgy rather than cakey thanks to the higher ratio of fat and eggs to flour, and the top sets with a gentle gloss when cooled. The frosting adds a creamy contrast and a mellow sweetness that ties the chocolate notes together. Serve slightly warm for melty edges or fully cooled so the frosting slices cleanly. Either way, expect a dense, chewy bite with a silky, chocolatey finish.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Frosting: 1/4 cup cocoa powder
– Frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar
– Frosting: 3 tablespoons milk
– Frosting: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step by Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, melt the butter and stir in the sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
3. In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add to the butter mixture until combined.
4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
7. Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Enjoy!
Tips for Best Results
Use room temperature eggs so they incorporate smoothly into the butter and sugar for a glossy batter. Don’t overmix once the dry ingredients are added; stop just when no streaks of flour remain to keep brownies dense and tender. Check the bake a few minutes before the minimum time ovens vary and remove when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent the topping from sliding. For extra shine, smooth the frosting with an offset spatula and chill briefly to set.
Storage and Make Ahead
Store cooled and frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. You can bake the brownies ahead and refrigerate unfrosted slices, then spread frosting just before serving for a fresher finish. If transporting, keep them chilled to preserve the frosting’s shape.
Final Thought
Simple ingredients, a short bake time, and a silky frosting make these brownies a reliable favorite. They’re adaptable to mix-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you want to personalize the texture. Make a batch for a crowd or keep them all to yourself either way, they deliver classic, comforting chocolate joy.
Conclusion
For an alternate take on fudgy, frosted brownies with extra texture and flavor notes, check out this inspired version on Chewy Fudgy Frosted Brownies – Sally’s Baking Addiction.
FAQ
Can this be made in under 30 minutes?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be quick and efficient.
Does it work for meal prep?
Most versions store well for one to three days.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Yes, simple swaps can be made for convenience or dietary needs.
Brownies with Frosting
Warm, chewy chocolate brownies topped with a glossy cocoa buttercream frosting.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 3 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and stir in the sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add to the butter mixture until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Enjoy!
Notes
Use room temperature eggs for smoother incorporation and do not overmix the batter. Check for doneness a few minutes early due to oven variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg






