Looking for the perfect chocolate frosting for brownies? This frosting is creamy, extra smooth, richly chocolatey, and specifically designed to top brownies. 
This easy brownie frosting makes glossy, velvety swirls on top of any brownie. Made from simple pantry ingredients, it delivers a lovely chocolate flavor without being overly heavy, so it complements rather than overwhelms your brownies.
When it comes to brownies, people usually fall into two camps: those who prefer a gooey, fudgy brownie that’s almost like batter, and those who like a chewier, more cake-like brownie. If you love the gooey style, try serving warm frosted brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you prefer a chewy, nostalgic brownie—like the ones from school lunches—this frosting is an ideal match. It spreads smoothly for a classic, familiar finish.
Brownie Frosting Recipe
This recipe uses just seven ingredients:
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4–6 tablespoons milk
The small but important ingredient here is the honey. It gives the frosting a smooth, glossy finish and helps achieve the right consistency. In this recipe milk is used instead of cream to keep the frosting a little thinner and silkier, which makes it perfect for creating pretty swirls on brownies.
One of the best things about this frosting is how simple it is—no stovetop work, melting, or boiling. Everything comes together quickly with an electric mixer. 
I usually frost fully cooled brownies to get a thick, even layer of frosting. If you frost brownies while they are still slightly warm (but not piping hot), the frosting will soften and meld into the top—also delicious, but less tidy and not as thick. Do not frost brownies straight out of the oven, as the frosting will melt completely.
This recipe yields enough frosting for a 9×13-inch pan of brownies—perfect when you want a generous batch.
Frosting for smaller pans: To frost an 8×8 or 9×9 pan, simply halve the recipe ingredients.
Some of my favorite brownie recipes to use with this chocolate frosting:
- Homemade Brownie Recipe – a classic chewy, fudgy brownie
- Peanut Butter Brownies – a rich, nutty variation
- Nutella Brownies – use half of this frosting recipe for best balance
Brownie Frosting
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Ingredients
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4–6 tablespoons milk
Instructions
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
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Mix in the honey, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
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On low speed, add the cocoa powder and blend until incorporated.
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Add the powdered sugar gradually, alternating with a tablespoon of milk at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness and a spreadable consistency.
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Spread the frosting over fully cooled brownies.
Notes
Frosting can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and then re-whip with an electric mixer for a few minutes to restore its texture.
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