Few desserts feel as comforting as a batch of homemade brownies cooling on the counter. This easy recipe focuses on simple pantry staples while delivering a soft, chocolatey texture topped with a creamy frosting that melts slightly into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a relaxed weekend treat or sharing with friends, these brownies strike the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable — no complicated techniques required.
To begin, gather your brownie ingredients: ½ cup softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 cup all-purpose flour. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with foil or parchment, leaving a bit of overhang to make removal easier later. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until the mixture looks lighter and slightly fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, blending until smooth. Gradually stir in the flour and cocoa powder, mixing only until the batter turns evenly chocolate-colored — overmixing can make brownies dense rather than tender.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a knife or toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Keep a close eye toward the end of the baking time, as slightly underbaked brownies stay deliciously fudgy, while overbaking can dry them out. Allow them to cool briefly in the pan while you prepare the frosting.
For the topping, combine 2 tablespoons softened butter, 3 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1½ cups powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and spreadable. If it feels too thick, add milk a little at a time; if it’s too thin, sprinkle in extra powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. Spread the frosting over the brownies while they’re still warm so a bit of it gently melts into the surface. Once set, lift the brownies out using the foil, slice into squares, and enjoy a classic dessert that never goes out of style.