Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted for the brownie base and softened for frosting
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar (divided: 1 cup for brownies, 3/4 cup for frosting)
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional; can substitute with an additional 1/2 cup softened butter and reduce powdered sugar slightly)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter and granulated sugar for the brownies until smooth.
Add eggs, one at a time, and stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Allow to cool slightly while preparing the frosting.
For the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until light and fluffy.
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies before slicing and serving.
Notes
The butter should be softened for the frosting, unless omitting the cream cheese. For a more rustic texture, spread the frosting on in dollops and gently blend with a spatula.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 22
- Category: Holiday Dessert Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg