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Lunch Lady Brownies Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

These Lunch Lady Brownies are a perfectly balanced treat, offering just the right amount of chocolate without being overly rich. With a smooth cocoa frosting that melts slightly into the warm brownies, they strike a delightful balance between texture and flavor. This classic American dessert is easy to prepare and yields moist, tender brownies with a simple frosting that’s sure to please any sweet tooth.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 brownies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

For the Frosting:

  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with foil, ensuring the foil extends over the edges to make removing the brownies easier later.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture lightens in color and becomes fluffy in texture. This creates a smooth base for your batter.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time and then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder to the wet mixture, folding gently just until the color is uniform and all ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
  5. Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly dry with a few moist crumbs for the best texture. Be careful not to overbake.
  6. Prepare the frosting: While the brownies cool slightly, prepare the frosting by combining softened butter, milk, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding more milk one tablespoon at a time if too dry, or more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time if too runny.
  7. Frost the brownies: Spread the frosting over the brownies while they are still warm so some of the frosting melts into the top, adding to their rich flavor and moist texture.
  8. Cut and serve: Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes, then use the foil edges to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into 9 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Do not overbake the brownies; pulling them out while still slightly moist ensures a tender crumb.
  • Using foil to line the pan makes removing brownies easier and cleaner.
  • Adjust frosting thickness by adding milk or powdered sugar gradually to achieve desired spreadability.
  • Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
  • For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural unsweetened cocoa powder.