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Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

4.7 from 125 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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