Frosted Gingerbread Brownies

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Warm Spices + Fudgy Brownie Magic

These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies bring together everything you love about classic brownies—fudgy centers, chewy edges—with the cozy holiday flavors of gingerbread. Warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves melt beautifully into a rich molasses brownie base, while a creamy vanilla frosting adds the perfect sweet finish. They’re festive enough for holiday parties yet simple enough for everyday baking. Best of all, they stay moist for days, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for busy bakers!

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25–28 minutes
  • Total Time: ~45 minutes
  • Servings: 16 brownies

📝 Ingredients

Brownies

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp cloves
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Frosting

  • 4 tbsp butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon for a warm finish

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk & spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Parchment paper
  • Offset spatula (optional for frosting)

🍫 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Prep the Pan
    Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients
    In a bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients
    Stir in flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix. The batter will be thick and glossy. ✨
  4. Bake
    Spread batter evenly into the pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter!).
  5. Cool Completely
    Allow brownies to cool fully so the frosting sets beautifully. 😋
  6. Make the Frosting
    Beat softened butter with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until fluffy. Adjust milk for desired creaminess.
  7. Frost & Slice
    Spread frosting over cooled brownies and slice into neat squares.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Extra fudgy: Underbake by 1–2 minutes and chill before slicing.
  • Spice it up: Add ¼ tsp black pepper for true gingerbread warmth.
  • No frosting? Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate.
  • Storage: Store airtight for 3–4 days or freeze (unfrosted) up to 2 months.

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