Description
These Lunch Lady Brownies are a nostalgic, rich chocolate treat featuring a moist, fudgy brownie base topped with a smooth, creamy chocolate frosting. Perfectly balanced between sweet and cocoa flavors, they make an ideal dessert or snack for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup melted butter
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 3 tablespoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the ideal temperature when you’re ready to bake the brownies.
- Mix Butter and Cocoa: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and unsweetened cocoa powder, stirring until smooth and well incorporated to form the chocolate base.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt into the cocoa mixture. The mixture will be dry and crumbly at this stage.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix thoroughly until the batter becomes smooth and fully combined.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then pour and spread the brownie batter evenly into the pan.
- Bake Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the brownies are properly baked.
- Make Frosting: While the brownies are baking, whisk together the melted butter, milk, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract in a bowl. The frosting should be thick and spreadable; if it’s too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow the brownies to sit for 15 to 20 minutes after baking so they slightly cool and set, preparing for frosting.
- Apply Frosting: Spread the prepared chocolate frosting evenly over the top of the cooled brownies using a spatula or knife.
- Final Cooling: Let the frosted brownies cool completely to room temperature to allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor.
- Do not overbake the brownies to keep them moist and fudgy.
- Adjust the frosting consistency by adding milk slowly to avoid it becoming too runny.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and a clean cut.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
