Honey, there’s nothing quite like the smell of chocolate brownies baking in the oven to bring the whole family running to the kitchen! These aren’t just any brownies – they’re the kind that disappear from the pan before they’ve even cooled completely, with that perfect balance of chewy edges and fudgy centers that makes everyone ask for the recipe.
The secret to getting these brownies just right is in the double dose of cocoa powder – we use it both in the batter and in the frosting, which gives you layers of deep chocolate flavor that store-bought mixes just can’t match. The key is not to overmix once you add the flour, and trust me, a little patience while they bake will reward you with brownies that cut clean and taste like pure heaven.
These chocolate brownies are perfect for potluck dinners, bake sales, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve something sweet. The grandkids absolutely go wild for them, and I’ve seen grown men get misty-eyed over a warm square with a cold glass of milk. They keep beautifully for days (if they last that long!), and they’re fancy enough for company but simple enough for any weeknight treat.
Please scroll down and leave a star rating in the recipe card below — it helps other home cooks find Gran’s recipes, and it means the world to me!
Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons butter softened
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan.
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook.
- Remove brownies from the oven, and make frosting. Combine 3 tablespoons softened butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 cup confectioners’ sugar. Stir until smooth.
- Frost brownies while they are still warm.
