Get ready for the mind-blowing addition you didn’t know your brownies needed: creamy, thick, and smooth brownie frosting.

A close up of a brownie square with chocolate frosting sitting on a marble counter. In the background you can see other brownie squares.

Brownie Frosting Recipe

Obviously, I’m partial to cookies, but there is just something about a good brownie that cannot be beat. And adding an opulent chocolate frosting for brownies on top? Be prepared for a dessert that is impossible to stop eating.

This brownie frosting recipe is super simple to make but makes your brownies taste like you spent hours in the kitchen perfecting them. Which, in my opinion, is the win-win of the baking world. Try adding this frosting to your next batch of brownies and let me know what you think!

An aerial view of a marble counter top with frosted brownie squares arranged sporadically. The counter and brownies have a light dusting of cocoa powder and a mesh duster sits next to the brownies.

What do I need to make frosting for brownies?

Salted butter – You can use unsalted butter, if that’s what you have on hand. Just add a pinch of salt to the frosting!
Cocoa powder – You can use regular, unsweetened cocoa powder, dutch processed or even black cocoa powder! I personally use Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder for this.
Powdered sugar – There are no substitutions here, powdered sugar has to be used in this recipe.
Vanilla extract – I know, there’s a lot of vanilla in this recipe. But trust me. It makes all the difference in bringing out that chocolate flavor.
Heavy whipping cream – You can substitute with milk, if needed. Just be sure to use significantly less because it is much thinner. Just know that the frosting won’t turn out as creamy!

A cookie scoop filled with brownie frosting sits on top of a brownie pan.

How to make brownie frosting

In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter completely.
Add in the cocoa powder and use an electric hand mixer to combine thoroughly.
Turn off the mixer and add in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, adding in a little bit of heavy cream, as needed, to incorporate everything.
Repeat this process until all of the powdered sugar has been added.
Add in the vanilla extract and mix.
Check the thickness of your frosting and adjust by adding more heavy whipping cream, if desired.
Once mixed, spread onto your brownies. The frosting will set up as it cools.
Enjoy!

How do I store brownie frosting?

Once frosted, you can store your brownies in an airtight container on the counter for 3-5 days.

If you have leftover frosting, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also store it in the freezer for up to 2 months by wrapping a dollop of frosting in parchment paper and then placing it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to use, place it on the counter and let it come up to room temperature before spreading.

How do I prevent brownie frosting from becoming too runny?

Add in heavy cream in small doses, fully mixing before adding in more. You can always add in more to make it thinner, but it is harder to make frosting thicker if you add too much heavy cream to begin with.

Close up of chocolate brownie frosting on a pan of brownies. On the top it says "brownie frosting"

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