Description
Delight in these classic Lunch Lady Brownies, featuring a rich and fudgy chocolate base topped with a smooth, creamy chocolate frosting. Perfectly balanced with cocoa and vanilla, these brownies deliver nostalgic comfort in every bite. Ideal for serving at gatherings or as an indulgent treat any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownies
- 1 cup salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting
- 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk (2%)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Mix Butter and Cocoa: In a large bowl, combine the melted salted butter with the unsweetened cocoa powder. Use an electric hand-mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth and uniform, ensuring the cocoa is well incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the bowl, add the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Beat them together gently, making sure to mix evenly without creating lumps.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. It’s important not to overmix to keep the batter thick and to prevent the brownies from becoming tough.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached. Once done, remove from the oven and let the brownies stand for 15 minutes to cool slightly; this makes frosting easier.
- Prepare Chocolate Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cocoa powder, milk, and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Frost the Brownies: While the brownies are still slightly warm, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares to serve. This ensures clean slices and a perfect texture.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the batter as it can make the brownies dense.
- You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter by adding a pinch of salt.
- Allowing brownies to cool slightly before frosting helps the frosting spread smoothly without melting.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips or nuts to the batter before baking.
