Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Recipe
Deliciously spiced Frosted Gingerbread Brownies featuring a moist gingerbread-flavored base topped with a creamy, smooth Gingerbread Ermine Frosting. These brownies combine the warm flavors of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon with a rich, fluffy frosting, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dessert moments.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies (9x9 inch pan) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Gingerbread Brownies
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Gingerbread Ermine Frosting
- 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon gingerbread spice mix (blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside for easy removal of brownies after baking.
- Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and light brown sugar thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until everything is evenly blended.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt to distribute the spices evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 28-33 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only moist crumbs.
- Cool the Brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.
- Prepare the Milk and Flour Mixture for Frosting: While the brownies cool, whisk together the whole milk and 5 tablespoons of flour in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Cool the Mixture: Transfer the thickened mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto its surface to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool completely to room temperature.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add Milk Mixture and Spices: Add the cooled milk and flour mixture along with the gingerbread spice mix to the butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, scraping the bowl sides occasionally.
- Whisk in Vanilla and Whip: Switch to the whisk attachment, add vanilla extract, and beat on high speed for 7-8 minutes to achieve a silky and creamy frosting texture.
- Frost the Brownies: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread brownies. Slice and serve for a warmly spiced, decadent treat.
Notes
- For best results, let the brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Gingerbread spice mix typically includes ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice — you can purchase pre-made or blend your own.
- If you don’t have whole milk, full-fat milk or 2% can be used but the frosting’s richness may vary slightly.
- Ensure the butter for frosting is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Store frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keywords: gingerbread brownies, frosted brownies, gingerbread ermine frosting, holiday brownies, spiced brownies, molasses brownies