Description
These Lunch Lady Brownies are a classic, fudgy treat featuring a rich cocoa-infused batter topped with a smooth, creamy chocolate frosting. Perfectly balanced between chewy and moist, these brownies bake quickly and are easy to prepare, making them a favorite for lunchboxes, potlucks, or any dessert craving.
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 to prevent sticking. Set aside for easy access.
- Mix Butter and Cocoa: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and 1/2 cup cocoa powder. Use an electric hand mixer to blend until smooth and uniform, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Eggs: Add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 cups of granulated sugar to the butter mixture. Beat together briefly, then add the 4 eggs and 4 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter thick and fudgy.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let the brownies stand for 15 minutes. They should still be slightly warm when frosting is applied.
- Prepare Frosting: While brownies rest, beat together the softened butter, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious chocolate frosting.
- Frost Brownies: Spread the frosting evenly over the warm brownies. Allow the brownies to cool completely to room temperature so the frosting sets nicely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. These brownies are perfect for lunchboxes or dessert.
Notes
- Do not overmix the brownie batter to maintain a fudgy texture.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Using parchment paper helps in easy removal and cleanup.
- Milk can be substituted with any dairy or non-dairy milk of your choice.
- For extra richness, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter before baking.
