Lunch Lady Brownies

Lunch Lady Brownies are a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of school cafeterias. These brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with a smooth chocolate frosting that makes them irresistible. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

For the Frosting:

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownies

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Beat until well combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add Dry Ingredients:
   • Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 2: Prepare the Frosting

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix until smooth and well combined.
2. Add Powdered Sugar:
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with a little more milk if necessary.

Step 3: Frost the Brownies

1. Cool Brownies:
   • Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
2. Frost:
   • Once the brownies are cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
3. Set:
   • Let the frosting set for a few minutes before cutting the brownies into squares.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cut and Serve:
   • Cut the frosted brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy these delicious, fudgy brownies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

Cook Notes and Variations

Cook Notes:

• Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to ensure the brownies remain fudgy.
• Cooling: Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Variations:

• Nutty Brownies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the brownie batter for added crunch.
• Double Chocolate: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
• Mint Brownies: Add a few drops of mint extract to the frosting for a refreshing twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

2. How do I store leftover brownies?

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze these brownies. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. Can I use a different size pan?

You can use a different size pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time. For a 9×13-inch pan, double the recipe and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Lunch Lady Brownies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings and potlucks to birthday parties and family desserts. Their rich, fudgy texture and sweet chocolate frosting make them a favorite treat for kids and adults alike.

Tips for Success

1. Measure Accurately: Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour, to get the perfect brownie texture.
2. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking, which can result in dry brownies. They should be slightly underbaked for a fudgy center.
3. Smooth Frosting: For the best frosting texture, make sure your butter is softened and the powdered sugar is sifted to avoid lumps.

Lunch Lady Brownies are a delightful and nostalgic treat that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Follow this recipe for a batch of fudgy, chocolatey brownies topped with a creamy, smooth frosting. Perfect for any sweet occasion, these brownies will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delicious brownies!