Name: Favorite Frosted Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups salted butter; 3 cups sugar; 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract; 5 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup salted butter; 3 Tablespoons cocoa powder; 1/3 cup milk; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Hands down the BEST frosted brownies! These brownies are rich, decadent, and packed with chocolatey flavor. A tried and true family favorite that’s guaranteed to become YOUR favorite, too!

Let’s talk about these brownies for a minute. They’re our absolute FAVORITE… and for good reason! They’re actually an old family recipe that’s been passed down for generations, and everyone who has ever tried them… EVER… agrees that they’re the best brownies on the face of the earth.

Of course, it might have something to do with the fact that they’re loaded with butter and sugar and cocoa powder and all kinds of yummy not-so-good for you things. But we don’t need to talk about that. Because the truth is that these brownies are 100% worth it. Every. Single. Time.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Tried & true: This is a tried and true recipe that’s literally always a crowd pleaser, meaning it’s the perfect dessert to take to any party or get together!

Big batch: The large sheet pan size makes them perfect for feeding a large group… without having to double the recipe!

Worth it: There’s nothing worse than indulging in a dessert that’s not worth it. I’m telling you… these are worth every calorie!

Hand grabbing frosted brownie from plate

what you’ll need for this recipe

Butter – Butter is a main ingredient in both the brownies and the frosting. I used salted butter for more flavor.
Sugar – Sugar is another main ingredient in the brownies. I used 3 cups of granulated sugar.
Vanilla – Vanilla extract adds delicious flavor to this recipe. I used it in both the brownies and the frosting.
Eggs – I added a whopping 5 eggs to the brownies. It may sound like a lot, but keep in mind this is a large recipe.
Flour – I used 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour. Substitute almond flour or another type you prefer, but be sure to follow substitution instructions on the package.
Cocoa powder – I added cocoa powder to both the brownies and the frosting. This is what gives them their rich chocolate flavor.
Milk – I added 1/3 cup of milk to the frosting. I used 2%, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
Powdered sugar – I used 3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar in the frosting. Feel free to cut back to 2 1/2 or 3 cups for less sweetness.

how to make frosted brownies

Combine the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter thoroughly. Add the sugar and mix completely. Add the vanilla and blend in the beaten eggs. Set aside.

Add the dry ingredients. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour and cocoa powder. Sift into the creamed mixture and mix well.

Bake. Pour the batter into a large sheet pan (11×17 inch.) NOTE: Batter will be thick! Bake at 350° for 25 minutes.

Make the frosting. Combine the butter, cocoa powder and milk together in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and stir until smooth.

Pour and cool. Pour the frosting over the hot brownies. Cool until frosting is completely set.

storage tips

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container for up to a week. To freeze brownies, cut and wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a sealed Ziploc bag or freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature.

More Decadent Chocolate Recipes

Be sure to check out more of our favorite chocolate recipes!