These chocolate frosted brownies are not your average brownie–they’re slightly dense, a little cakey, and topped with a smooth, chocolatey frosting. This recipe is really easy, and since it makes 24 servings, it's great for parties!
And if you’re into chocolate desserts but want something smaller, these mini chocolate cupcakes are a fun option to try!
Brownies are a classic for a reason—simple ingredients, easy to make, and always a hit. But if we’re talking brownies, the frosted ones win every time.
These have a slightly fluffier texture than your typical dense brownie, and the rich chocolate frosting makes them even better. Plus, they come together in less than an hour with just a handful of pantry staples.
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Why You’ll Love These Brownies
- Ready to eat in under an hour
- Made with only 9 ingredients
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Perfect for chocolate lovers!
🎉 Looking for more party treats? Try these cookie butter blondies, chocolate cake with chocolate ganache, or easy glazed donuts!
Recipe Ingredients
Salted butter: We like to use salted butter in this recipe, but you can swap it for unsalted–just add ¼ teaspoon of salt for the best flavor.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey’s brand is our go-to). Feel free to swap it for dark cocoa powder if you prefer.
Flour: All-purpose flour is a great option here, but finely ground whole wheat flour also works well. Whole wheat flour gives the brownies a slightly different flavor and texture. If you want to learn more about the difference, check out our post, What is all-purpose flour?.
Evaporated milk: This gives the frosting a super smooth consistency. Evaporated milk is the best choice for the frosting, but whole milk or heavy cream can also be used as a substitute.
✨ Topping Ideas: These chocolate frosted brownies are perfect on their own, but toppings are a great way to switch things up. Try chopped walnuts or pecans, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chocolate sprinkles, or even a dusting of powdered sugar!
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Chocolate Frosted Brownies
✏️ Prep Tip: Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Let your eggs and butter sit out for 15–20 minutes before getting started. It helps everything mix evenly. Short on time? Check out these tricks to quickly soften butter!
Make The Brownies
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, softened butter, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Step 2: With the mixer on low speed, add in the flour and salt. Mix until fully combined, scraping the sides of the bowl down as needed.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 18”x13” sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the batter onto the pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they test done with a toothpick and set them aside to cool.
Make The Chocolate Frosting
✏️ Prep Tip: Sift The Powdered Sugar
If your powdered sugar is clumpy, sifting will help prevent lumps in your frosting. If not, you can skip this step!
Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. The mixture may still be dry or powdery, but don't worry—everything will come together once you add the liquid!
Step 5: Add the evaporated milk and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Frost & Serve
Step 6: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the top. Cut them into squares and serve!
Expert Tips
Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are fully combined. Overmixing can make your brownies tough and crumbly.
Use the toothpick test. To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. If there’s wet batter, bake for another 1-2 minutes and check again. (We recommend checking right at the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.)
Cool before frosting. Let the brownies cool completely (at least 30 minutes to an hour) before frosting them. If you try to frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt.
🍫 Want to perfect your brownies? These brownie baking tips from Hersheyland offer expert advice for achieving the best texture—whether you like them fudgy, cakey, or somewhere in between!
How To Store Homemade Brownies
Store chocolate frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
For longer storage, unfrosted frosted brownies can be frozen in a sealed container for 2-3 months. Be sure to let them thaw completely before frosting.
Frosted Brownie FAQ’s
This recipe is meant for a half sheet pan (18x13 inches), so using just one 9x13 pan will make the brownies much thicker and take longer to bake. The best alternative is to divide the batter between two 9x13 pans and bake them at the same time. The baking time should be about the same, but check a few minutes early just in case!
For best results, freeze chocolate frosted brownies in a single layer until the frosting is firm, then wrap them individually and store in an airtight container. Let them thaw at room temp before serving.
Make sure the brownies are completely cool before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between slices for smooth edges.
Chocolate buttercream is a classic, but you can also try vanilla, cream cheese, peanut butter, or mint chocolate frosting. Ganache is another popular choice–try our whipped chocolate ganache for an extra rich and creamy topping.
More Brownie Resources
If you tried these Chocolate Frosted Brownies or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Recipe
Best Chocolate Frosted Brownies
August 4, 2021Equipment
- Electric mixer recommended
- Half Sheet Pan 18"x13"
- Frosting Knife
Ingredients
For The Brownies
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 4 eggs
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For The Frosting
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup butter softened
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup evaporated milk
Instructions
Make The Brownies
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, butter, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- With the mixer on low speed, add in the flour and salt. Mix until fully combined, scraping the sides down as needed.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 18×13-inch sheet pan. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.
Make The Frosting
- In a medium bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, softened butter, and cocoa powder. The mixture may be dry, but it will come together once the liquid is added.
- Add the evaporated milk and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth.
Frost & Serve
- Once the brownies are completely cooled, add a thick, even layer of frosting on top. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Let the butter and eggs come to room temperature beforehand for a smooth and even batter. Here are some quick ways to soften butter if you're in a hurry!
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with finely ground whole wheat flour.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done. Start checking around 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- If your powdered sugar is lumpy, sift it first to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Mallory says
These chocolate frosted brownies have been a family favorite for as long as I can remember! We've made them with both all-purpose and whole wheat flour, and they always turn out amazing. The whole wheat flour adds a nice, slightly nutty flavor and a bit more texture, which is a fun twist. I highly recommend giving them a try!
Katie says
Oh my chocolatey goodness these brownies are perfect! Rich and decadent, yet sweet and creamy!
Jess says
So perfect and fudgy!
nancy says
these brownies are so creamy and soft. i really love that chocolate glaze on top too
Shelby says
The perfect indulgence! Easy to whip up and they're always a hit!
Natalie says
Wow, these chocolate bites are amazing! Thanks for this awesome recipe!
donnamenhusen says
what is a cube of butter?
thecurlyspoon says
It's one stick of butter or 1/2 cup 🙂