Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Servings: 9 or 16

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted, cooled
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp water, warm (see instructions)
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 5 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings, optional

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, then spray with cooking spray.
2. Add flour, sugars, cocoa powder, and salt to a medium sized mixing bowl, whisking to combine.
3. In a separate large bowl, add eggs and egg yolk, whisking for 1-2 minutes until frothy. Add cooled melted butter, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and whisk to combine. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredient mixture, stirring to combine with a wooden spoon. Mix in chocolate chips. If the batter seems very thick, add in 1 tablespoon of warm water and mix until glossy.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top with a spatula, and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick just comes out clean. Do not overbake.
5. Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour in the pan.
6. While the brownies are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. Add the butter and cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or to a large bowl if using a hand mixer. Beat on high for 1-2 minutes, scrape down sides and bottom of bowl, then continue beating for 1-2 additional minutes or until no lumps remain. Add in the powdered sugar, milk (I recommend starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more if needed), and vanilla, mix on low speed until combined, then increase speed to high and beat for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
7. Once brownies are cooled, remove them from the pan, spread frosting over the top, then sprinkle with chocolate shavings if desired. Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into either 9 or 16 squares, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours