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Best Brownies
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Best Brownies

Best Brownies are easy frosted brownies made in an 8-inch square pan.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword brownies, Frosted Brownies
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 16 squares
Author Anna
Cost 5

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (use 8 if omitting oil) (84 grams)
  • cup unsweetened natural style cocoa powder (30 grams)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs (90 grams)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt omit if using salted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (65 grams)
  • cup toasted walnuts optional
  • cup semisweet chocolate chips optional

Frosting:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 cup sifted confectioners sugar 95 grams
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt omit if using salted butter
  • 1-3 tablespoons whole milk that's been warmed or is at room temperature

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square pan with nonstick foil (or use regular foil and spray with cooking spray).
  • In a large (3 quart) saucepan, melt the butter over medium or medium low heat. Alternatively, you can do this in a microwave-safe mixing bowl.
  • Remove from heat and add the cocoa powder and sugar to the warm butter. Stir well, then stir in the oil and vanilla until blended. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring with a spoon or scraper until blended. Add the salt and baking powder and stir until blended, the add the flour and beat by hand about 30 strokes. Add the walnuts and chocolate chips.
  • Transfer to the pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes or until set, then let cool at room temperature.

Frosting

  • To make frosting, combine the butter and honey in a mixing bowl. Sift together the cocoa powder and sugar, then add to the honey and butter mixture, beating until blended. Add the vanilla and a pinch of salt if needed. Using a hand held mixer, beat in the milk one tablespoon at a time until icing is very soft. Spread over the warm brownies. Let the brownies cool completely, then chill if desired.
  • Lift from pan and cut into squares.