5 Minute Decadent Brownie Frosting
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to take your brownies up a notch, then you must try this 5 Minute Decadent Brownie Frosting recipe. This rich chocolate frosting is smooth, velvety, and absolutely delicious! It takes just 5 minutes to make, and it will add a layer of wow to your brownies that everyone will love.

I love enjoying a good homemade brownie- especially a super fudgy one. But sometimes they need a little something extra to take them over the top.
That’s where this insanely delicious brownie frosting comes in. It’s the perfect finishing touch to any brownie recipe. Of course if you’re making brownies, you should make these one bowl brownies! This is the recipe I used for these pictures!
You could also top this icing on top of red velvet brownies, or sandwich it between chocolate brownie cookies. Ok I am drooling now!
This brownie icing will give your brownies a beautiful glossy sheen and a delicious chocolate flavor that will take them to the next level. As a trained pastry chef– trust me when I say it’s the perfect addition to any brownie recipe!
The great thing about this is that you can make this as thin or thick as you want.
Learn how to thicken frosting quickly to make it any way you want. If you have a bit more time and want something closer to buttercream then you can make this chocolate ganache frosting.
Ingredients you need

What I love about this recipe is that you don’t need to melt any chocolate.
It’s so frustrating when you have to melt chocolate in the microwave and it over-heats. I know I can make a double boiler but I find that annoying sometimes, especially when I’m trying to make a quick frosting!
How to make brownie frosting in 5 minutes


Use it to frost cooled brownies immediately. The frosting will harden on the top as it sets leaving a creamy texture underneath.
Cutting and Serving
Wait 5-10 minutes before cutting the brownies after frosting, so that the icing hardens and you can make clean cuts.

The best way to cut brownies is to use a large sharp knife. Dip it in hot water, then wipe off the excess and slice the brownies. Clean the knife and repeat with the water. The residual warmth of the knife from the hot water will make nice clean cuts!
Recipe Tips
- Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the frosting on brownies
- When melting the butter, make sure it’s not too hot. Use 30-second intervals in the microwave and whisk in between each interval.
- If your brownie frosting is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If your brownie frosting is too thin, add a little more cocoa powder or confectioners sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Be sure to use unsalted butter in this recipe so the brownie frosting doesn’t end up too salty.
- When frosting your brownies, make sure they are fully cooled before frosting. This will make sure that the frosting doesn’t melt off of the brownie from the heat.


5 Minute Decadent Brownie Frosting
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted, 56g
- ⅓ cup cocoa, 35g
- 2 cups confectioners sugar, 227g
- 3 tbsp milk
Instructions
- In a large microwavable safe bowl melt the butter 30 seconds at a time until fully melted.
- Add in the ⅓ cup cocoa powder and whisk until smooth.
- Add in the 2 cups of confectioners sugar and 3 tbsp milk.
- Whisk until smooth and frost right away otherwise it will harden.
- Use it to frost these one bowl brownies!
Hi. I’m putting on a buffet for Easter. Making brownies and I’m going to use your icing recipe. Lol all the questions I wanted to ask were answered in the comments! How cool is that.
So cool! Thank you so much Lisa, hope you have a great Easter!
Amazing recipe! It’s a keeper. Just wondering if I could make this into Vanilla icing as well or do you have an easy vanilla recipe? Thanks Sam!
Hi Claire! I’m so glad this one turned out so well for you. I do have a vanilla version too! Here you go: https://frostingandfettuccine.com/vanilla-frosting/
Can you tell me what brand of cocoa you prefer? Thanks so much!
Hi I like regular hersheys cocoa, but also king arthur if you want o go a little fancy haha
This frosting recipe is the best ever!!! I’ve been baking for over thirty years and have never experienced any as tasty or easy !
Thank you so much Pearlene!