Frosted Fudge Brownies

I have tried a lot of brownie recipes over the years.  I stopped searching when I found this one.  I like moist fudgie brownies and these are exactly what I was looking for.  You can add nuts if you desire or add seasonal sprinkles on top. 

Ingredients

Brownies

1 cup plus 3 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup cocoa
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Frosting

6 tablespoons butter
2 2/3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 to 1/3 cup milk

Method

In a saucepan (or microwave), melt butter.  Remove from heat.  Stir in cocoa; let cool.  In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar.  Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg mixture.  Stir in vanilla, nuts (if using) and the cooled chocolate mixture; mix well.  Spread into a greased 9" x 13" baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 to 28 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean (do not overbake).  Cool on a wire rack.  For frosting, in a mixing bowl cream butter, confectioners sugar, cocoa and vanilla.  Add enough milk until the frosting is of spreading consistency.  Spread over brownies.  Cut into bars.

Makes 2 dozen brownies.