Addicted to frosting? I'm going to let you in on a little secret: frosting isn't just for cupcakes! You can have your frosting on another fabulous baked good and totally wow everyone. Brownies (those delectable little bites!) are absolutely amazing with a generous swirl of frosting smoothed onto them; soft, chewy, fudgy brownies, spread with a layer of creamy frosting are amazing. Who knew that brownies could actually be improved with an additional layer of flavor?

If you are looking for a special confection this Valentine's Day for your little sweet hearts that won't take hours in the kitchen, this recipe is for you. And believe me, they will be impressed.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter
• 8 ¾ ounces bittersweet chocolate with almonds, cut into chunks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups confectioners sugar
• 2 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• red food coloring (optional)
• candy hearts (optional)

Instructions

1.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.
Spray the bottom and sides of a 8x8 inch square baking pan and set it aside.
3.
Add 2/3 cup butter and chocolate to a small saucepan. Melt over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Remove from burner and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
4.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and eggs. Beat on high speed for five minutes. Reduce the speed to low and slowly pour in the cooled chocolate mixture. Add the flour with the mixer running on its lowest setting and beat until just combined.
5.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth with a rubber spatula so that it's spread out evenly.
6.
Bake for 45 - 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7.
While the brownies are baking, make your frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the 5 tablespoons of butter on high speed until it's fluffy in texture (about 2 minutes). Reduce the speed to low and add the confectioners sugar a little at a time until it is all added. The mixture should have a crumbly texture. Slowly add the milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla to the mix. Then, turn the mixer to high and beat for 2 more minutes
8.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the sugar a little at a time until it is all added. The mixture should have a crumbly texture.
9.
Color the frosting pink by adding a few drops of red food coloring (optional). Remember that with food coloring, very little goes a long way.
10.
Once your brownies are bakes, allow them to cool completely. Then, cut them into 1x1-inch squares and frost. Add a candy heart to the top of each brownie, if desired.

Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.