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Decadent Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe

These fudgy Chocolate Frosted Brownies layered with a rich Chocolate Buttercream Frosting are a chocolate lover’s dream. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions like Valentine’s Day.

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my other chocolate desserts such as 3 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse, Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies, or Fudge Stuffed Cookie Bars.

brownies with chocolate frosting on top
Kelley Simmons
Kelley’s Tips

Before You Get Started

  • Cool completely before frosting. If you frost warm brownies the butter in the frosting will melt and the finish will be shiny and runny.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage refrigerate or freeze.
up close shot of chocolate brownies with chocolate buttercream frosting on top

How to make Chocolate Frosted Brownies

  1. Brown the butter: Add butter to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns a light brown or caramel color, about 5–10 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
browning butter in saucepan
  1. Pour the browned butter into a large bowl. Add the granulated and light brown sugars, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Stir to combine and let the mixture rest 5 minutes to cool slightly.
brownie ingredients in large white bowl
  1. Mix in the eggs and vanilla until the batter has a glossy sheen.
  2. Fold in the flour until just combined—do not overmix. Stir in the chocolate chips.
adding flour and chocolate chips to brownie batter
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
unbaked brownies in white casserole dish
baked brownies in white casserole dish
  1. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.
frosted brownies with chocolate frosting
  1. Slice into 9 squares. If the frosting is soft and the brownies are difficult to cut, chill briefly so the icing firms up for clean slices.
chocolate buttercream frosting

How to make brownie frosting:

  1. Beat the butter: Place softened butter in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk (or use a handheld mixer) and beat until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients: Add unsweetened cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar, milk (use dairy-free milk if preferred), and vanilla. Beat until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  3. Set aside: Reserve the chocolate buttercream until the brownies are fully cooled, then spread evenly over the pan.

Chocolate Frosted Brownies FAQ

Can I add other toppings to these chocolate frosted brownies?

Yes. Try crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist, or add peanut butter chips or a swirl of peanut butter frosting for a nutty variation.

How long will chocolate frosted brownies last?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

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More Brownie Recipes

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    Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting
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    Samoa Brownies
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    Peppermint Brownies
  • img 15189 16
    Homemade Cosmic Brownies

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Recipe

Chocolate Frosted Brownies

5 from 1 vote
Thick and fudgy brownies topped with a creamy chocolate buttercream frosting.
Author: Kelley Simmons
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Serves 9 brownies

Ingredients

Chocolate Frosted Brownies

  • 10 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed (use dairy-free if desired)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (use dairy-free if desired)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (use dairy-free if preferred)
  • 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2–2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk (Silk soy milk shown; use any milk you prefer)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Chocolate Frosted Brownies

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 or 8×8 pan with foil or parchment, and grease or spray lightly. Brown the butter in a medium saucepan until caramel-colored, about 5–10 minutes, watching so it doesn’t burn.
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  • Pour the browned butter into a large bowl. Add both sugars, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Stir to combine and let cool for about 5 minutes.
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  • Stir in the eggs and vanilla until the batter is glossy.
  • Fold in the flour until just combined, then stir in the chocolate chips.
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  • Bake in the prepared pan for 20–25 minutes until set. Allow completely to cool before frosting. If needed, chill briefly to help with cutting neat slices.
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Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

  • Beat the softened butter until fluffy. Add cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and spreadable, adjusting consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
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Nutrition Information

Calories: 581 kcal
Carbohydrates: 81 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 17 g
Cholesterol: 78 mg
Sodium: 87 mg
Potassium: 241 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 68 g
Vitamin A: 534 IU
Calcium: 37 mg
Iron: 3 mg
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