Fudgy brownies with a creamy chocolate frosting.

Best Chocolate Frosted Brownies

Brownies:

1 cup butter
3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Chocolate Frosting:
1/4 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. For Brownies Heat oven to 350°F (175°). Grease 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
2. Melt butter in medium saucepan; add cocoa, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Add sugar, salt, eggs and vanilla; beat with spoon until thoroughly combined. Add flour and baking powder; mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Spread batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake 30 minutes or until top is dry and brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
4. For Chocolate Frosting: Beat butter in small bowl. Add powdered sugar and cocoa alternately with milk, beating to spreading consistency. Stir in vanilla.
5. Frost bars. Cut into bars.

Makes about 36 brownies.