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Fudgy Chocolate Frosted Brownies

There is something irresistible about a brownie that is rich, dense, and intensely chocolatey, especially when it is finished with a smooth layer of chocolate frosting. These Fudgy Chocolate Frosted Brownies are made for serious chocolate lovers. The brownie itself has a soft, fudgy center with slightly chewy edges, while the glossy frosting adds another layer of creamy chocolate richness.

Unlike cakey brownies, these have a compact, moist texture that almost melts in your mouth. The secret is in the balance of butter, chocolate, sugar, and flour, along with careful baking. The brownies should be removed from the oven while the center is still slightly soft so they stay fudgy as they cool.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
8 oz (225 g) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (85 g) chocolate chips, optional

For the Chocolate Frosting

1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
1/3 cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Pinch of salt
2 oz (55 g) melted semisweet chocolate, slightly cooled

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some parchment hanging over the sides. This makes it much easier to lift the brownies out after they have cooled.

Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Melt the Butter and Chocolate

Place the butter and chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.

Set the bowl over a saucepan containing a small amount of gently simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.

Stir occasionally until the butter and chocolate are completely melted and smooth.

Remove the bowl from the heat and let the mixture cool for several minutes.

This step gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor and wonderfully dense texture.

3. Combine the Sugars

Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the warm chocolate mixture.

Whisk until the sugars are well incorporated.

The brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor, while the granulated sugar helps create the characteristic slightly shiny brownie surface.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Continue mixing until the batter looks smooth, glossy, and slightly thick.

Avoid beating the mixture excessively at this stage. You want enough mixing to combine the ingredients without incorporating a large amount of air, which can make brownies lighter and more cake-like.