Do you want to make the perfect fudgy chocolate frosting for brownies? If you do, you are in the right place. This simple recipe results in a frosting that is fudgier than buttercream, smooth, and delicious.

Two frosted lunch lady brownies stacked on top of each other with sheet pan of brownies in the background.

This chocolate frosting recipe is perfect for brownies. It is easy to make, has a great texture, and big chocolate flavor.

It is easy to spread over a pan of brownies and forms a nice crust so you can stack the pieces if you want. However, it is still super creamy and really delicious.

To me, the best part about brownies is how fully chocolate they are. The fudgier they are, the better.

One of my favorite ways to take them to the next level of goodness is to add frosting. While a homemade chocolate icing you can pour over them is fabulous, my heart will always belong to buttercream and more spreadable frosting recipes.

Mixer bowl of chocolate frosting ready to go on brownies.

Mixer paddle filled with smooth chocolate icing ready for lunch lady brownies.

This recipe gives you big chocolate flavor thanks to a nice big dose of cocoa powder. Not only is it in there, but you let it bloom in some hot water or coffee before you add it to the butter.

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That helps to develop the flavor and deepen the color a bit. Plus it melts the butter a bit which helps to make the smoothest possible texture.

Add some milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla and you are done. Spread it over a pan of cooled brownies for an unbeatable treat.

Sizing the Recipe:

The recipe as written in the perfect amount for a 9×13-inch pan of brownies. Use your favorite box mix or recipe, or make your own homemade brownie mix.

Double the recipe for a batch of sheet pan brownies. Then you have lunch lady brownies that are sized for a crowd.

Sheet pan filled with frosted lunch lady brownies.

Lifting out first piece of lunch lady brownies from sheet pan.

Or make a half batch for an 8 or 9-inch square pan of brownies. I like this simple recipe for cocoa powder brownies.

There is a button in the recipe card that will make the adjustments for you. Just click on the appropriate size and whip up a batch!

4 from 2 ratings

Chocolate Frosting for Brownies

Author: Carlee

Servings: Servings

This chocolate frosting recipe is the perfect way to top a pan of brownies. It is fudgy, smooth, and delicious.

Prep: 10

Cook: 0

Total: 10

Ingredients

Instructions

Stir together ⅓ cup cocoa powder and 2 Tablespoons hot coffee or water. Set aside for a minute or two to bloom.
Beat ¼ cup butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the cocoa mixture and mix until combined.
Stir in 2½ cups powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 Tablespoons milk. Whip until smooth.
Spread over cooled brownies.

Notes

The recipe as written will cover a 9×13-inch pan of brownies. Double for sheet pan brownies or make a half recipe for an 8 or 9-inch square. Use the button above the ingredients in the digital recipe card to easily size your batch to what you need.