Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Recipe
These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies combine the rich, spicy flavors of gingerbread with the moist, fudgy texture of classic brownies. Topped with a creamy gingerbread ermine frosting, this dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a festive treat. The recipe includes a ginger-infused batter baked to perfection and a smooth, fluffy frosting that adds a delightful finishing touch.
- Author: Sienna
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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*
- 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 it aside to keep your brownies from sticking and to ensure easy removal.
- Combine butter and brown sugar: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and light brown sugar until well combined and smooth, creating a rich base for the brownies.
- Add eggs, molasses, and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time along with the molasses and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to develop a smooth, spiced batter.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually stir the dry flour mixture into the wet butter and egg mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 28-33 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to room temperature before applying the frosting.
- Cook milk and flour for frosting: While the brownies cool, make the gingerbread ermine frosting. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the whole milk and all-purpose flour. Cook constantly for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a smooth pudding-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon without lumps.
- Cool milk mixture: Remove the pan from heat. Cover the surface of the pudding with plastic wrap directly on top to prevent a skin, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Cream butter and sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and light brown sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Combine pudding 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, scraping down the sides as necessary to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add vanilla and whip frosting: Switch to the whisk attachment, add the vanilla extract, and beat on high speed for 7-8 minutes until the frosting becomes smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
- Frost the brownies: Spread the prepared gingerbread ermine frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs and butter help create a smoother batter and frosting for better texture.
- Using parchment paper makes it easy to lift brownies out of the pan cleanly.
- Gingerbread spice mix typically includes cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon; adjust to taste if making your own.
- Ensure the pudding mixture for frosting is completely cooled to avoid melting the butter when mixing.
- Check the brownies early to avoid overbaking; they should be set on the edges but slightly soft in the center.
Keywords: gingerbread brownies, gingerbread dessert, holiday brownies, spicy brownies, ermine frosting, gingerbread frosting