Only the best homemade chocolate frosting! Spread on cake, brownies or cookies! So good and definitely chocolaty!

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This is hands down the best chocolate frosting.

It’s pretty amazing how just butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla and milk can make something so magical. Speaking of cocoa powder, have you ever tried unsweetened cocoa on its own? It’s disgusting.

Once when my girls where littles, they wanted to try it because it looks and smells really good. How could you blame them? After all, curious minds want to know. I told them that it’s missing sugar so it will taste awful, and of course they didn’t believe me so I let them try a little. And they quickly spat it out into the sink. Maybe now they’ll finally start listening to me?

Doubtful.

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This frosting recipe is great because it’s so adaptable. You can change it up by using different extracts such as; mint, almond or coconut. I have made coconut before and the almond reminds me of my mom’s frosting when I was a kid. Vanilla is more universally liked and the one I use the most, especially for homemade brownies.

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To Make This Homemade Chocolate Frosting Recipe You Will Need:

  • unsalted butter [softened to room temperature]
  • powdered sugar
  • unsweetened cocoa powder
  • milk
  • pure vanilla extract.

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Over a large bowl, sift 3 cups of powdered sugar.

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Next, sift 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.

sifted ingredients

Sifting the dry ingredients will insure a velvety smooth frosting.

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Add 1 stick unsalted butter to a mixing bowl or bowl of your stand mixer.

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Cream the butter on low speed until smooth.

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Then add one cup of the sifted cocoa/sugar to the butter/vanilla mixture.

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Next add 1 cup of the cocoa mixture into the bowl with the butter and then 1 tablespoon of milk.

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Alternate adding the cocoa mixture and milk until you’ve used up all of the cocoa/sugar mixture and the frosting has reached a desirable consistency.

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Scrape down the sides as you go. Lastly, add in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.

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That’s it! Perfect chocolate frosting!

What To Do if Frosting is Too Thin:

Simply add a little more powdered sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. I like a thinner frosting for cakes.

What to do if Frosting is Too Thick:

If you find your frosting on the thick side, add a small splash more milk, about 1 teaspoon at a time until you get the consistency you want. I like thicker frosting for brownies.

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This is my favorite frosting for brownies! It’s so chocolate and perfect. I never really liked store bought frosting, homemade is totally where it’s at.

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So so incredibly good!

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When my kids were little, they would circle around like vultures hoping I’d give them each a beater. I always give in. 😉

Enjoy! And if you give this Homemade Chocolate Frosting recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!

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Homemade Chocolate Frosting l SimplyScratch.com #homemade #fromscratch #chocolate #frosting #buttercream
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Yield: 1 recipe

Homemade Chocolate Frosting

Whether it's brownies, cookies, cake or by the spoonful, this frosting is hands-down the BEST homemade chocolate frosting and my go-to recipe for allthethings! Yields about 2 cups.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 5 to 6 tablespoons whole milk, more or less depending on how thin or thick you like it
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • In a mesh sieve set over a large bowl, work in batches and sift the sugar and cocoa. Set aside.
  • Next, add the butter to another mixing bowl and mix until smooth.
  • Add 1 cup of the cocoa mixture and 1 tablespoon of milk. Mix to combine.
  • Alternate until all of the cocoa/sugar mixture is combined adding a tablespoon of milk after every cup of the mixture until the frost reaches a desired consistency.
  • see notes for adjusting consistency.

Notes

TIP: For accurate measuring, always spoon the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into dry measuring cups and level with a knife.
NOTE: I would consider making 1 plus a 1/2 recipe or doubling the recipe for a two-layer cake of wanting thick layers of frosting.
What To Do if Frosting is Too Thin:
Simply add a little more powdered sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. I like a thinner frosting for cakes.
What to do if Frosting is Too Thick:
If you find your frosting on the thick side, add a small splash more milk, about 1 teaspoon at a time until you get the consistency you want. I like thicker frosting for brownies.
Serving: 1g, Calories: 1603kcal, Carbohydrates: 400g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 53mg, Potassium: 1091mg, Fiber: 21g, Sugar: 357g, Vitamin A: 146IU, Calcium: 171mg, Iron: 9mg