Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These frosted gingerbread brownies combine the rich warmth of gingerbread spices with the comforting texture of classic brownies. Topped with a creamy gingerbread ermine frosting, they make a perfect treat for the holidays or any cozy day.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for frosting)
• 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon gingerbread spice mix (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir well until fully mixed.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until smooth.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until completely combined.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 28-33 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center no longer jiggles.
7. Step 7: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
8. Step 8: For the frosting, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk and 5 tablespoons of flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and is smooth like thick pudding.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin.
10. Step 10: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature butter and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
11. Step 11: Add the cooled milk mixture and gingerbread spice mix to the bowl. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
12. Step 12: Switch to the whisk attachment. Add vanilla extract and mix on high speed for 7-8 minutes until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
13. Step 13: Spread the gingerbread ermine frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
14. Step 14: Slice the frosted brownies and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra spicy kick, increase the ground ginger or add a pinch of cloves and nutmeg to the batter.
• Use parchment paper with overhang for easy lifting and clean removal of brownies from the pan.
• If you don’t have gingerbread spice mix, make your own by combining ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice in equal parts.
• Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Storage

Store the frosted gingerbread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for best texture. You can also freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months; frost after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a richer flavor to the brownies, but you can substitute with an equal amount of granulated sugar. The texture will be slightly different, a bit less chewy and less caramel-like.

What is gingerbread ermine frosting?

Ermine frosting is a classic butter-based frosting made by cooking flour and milk into a thick pudding-like base, which is then whipped with butter and sugar for a creamy, less-sweet texture. This version is flavored with gingerbread spices for a festive twist.