Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 61 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies 1x

Description

These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies combine the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies, topped with a luscious Gingerbread Ermine Frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a festive treat, these brownies are moist, flavorful, and beautifully frosted for an irresistible dessert.

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

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 (a blend typically including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves)
  • 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, ensuring there is overhang to easily remove the brownies later.
  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.
  3. Mix in eggs, molasses, and vanilla: Add the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
  4. Whisk dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt, ensuring even distribution of the spices.
  5. Combine dry ingredients with wet mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined with no dry flour visible.
  6. Bake the brownies: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 28-33 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is no longer jiggly when gently shaken.
  7. Cool the brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan to room temperature before frosting.
  8. Prepare the Gingerbread Ermine Frosting – cook milk and flour: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the whole milk and flour. Cook while constantly whisking for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon, and no lumps remain.
  9. Cool the cooked milk mixture: Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming and let it cool fully to room temperature.
  10. Cream butter and sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the room temperature butter and brown sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl sides as needed.
  11. Add cooled milk mixture and gingerbread spice: Add the cooled milk-flour pudding and gingerbread spice mix to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting lightens and becomes fluffy, scraping down sides periodically.
  12. Whisk in vanilla and whip frosting: Switch to the whisk attachment and add vanilla extract. Mix on high speed for 7-8 minutes until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and silky.
  13. Frost brownies: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice into squares and serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help create a smooth batter.
  • The gingerbread spice mix typically includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves; adjust according to your preferred spice profile.
  • Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of brownies from the pan.
  • Do not overbake the brownies; they should be set with a slight give in the center for a fudgy texture.
  • Press plastic wrap directly onto the pudding while cooling to prevent a skin from forming, which can affect frosting texture.
  • The frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: gingerbread brownies, holiday brownies, ermine frosting, gingerbread frosting, festive dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://flavorbylily.com/frosted-gingerbread-brownies-recipe/