This 50-year-old recipe takes you back to the school cafeteria with its nostalgic, chocolatey goodness. These brownies are moist, rich, and topped with a luscious cocoa frosting. Perfect for sharing at family gatherings or simply indulging in a treat, these brownies are a timeless classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A tried-and-true recipe with a nostalgic touch.
• Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Rich, fudgy brownies with a smooth chocolate frosting.
• Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or an everyday dessert.
• Easy and quick to prepare, with just one bowl for mixing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 4 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

For the Frosting:

• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1/4 cup canned milk (or regular milk)
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• Dash of salt

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, cocoa, flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and nuts (if using). Mix until well blended.
3. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 2: Bake the Brownies

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
2. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with moist crumbs.
3. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, milk, cocoa, powdered sugar, and a dash of salt until smooth.
2. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.

Step 4: Serve

Cut into squares and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free: Skip the nuts if you prefer or if serving to those with allergies.
• Extra Chocolatey: Add chocolate chips to the batter for even more decadence.
• Different Toppings: Swap the frosting for a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add dollops of peanut butter to the batter and swirl with a knife before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep brownies in the fridge for up to 1 week, though they are best served at room temperature.
• Freezer: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

2. Do I have to use nuts?

No, the nuts are optional and can be left out if preferred.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two pans or a larger pan. Adjust the baking time as needed.

4. What’s the best way to ensure the brownies are moist?

Avoid overbaking. Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark and remove them as soon as the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

5. Can I make these brownies without frosting?

Yes, the brownies are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness.

6. How do I make the frosting smoother?

Sift the powdered sugar before mixing to prevent lumps in the frosting.

7. Can I add mix-ins like candy or marshmallows?

Absolutely! Stir in your favorite mix-ins for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

8. Can I use dark cocoa powder?

Yes, dark cocoa powder can be used for a richer chocolate flavor.

9. How do I cut the brownies neatly?

Chill the brownies briefly before cutting and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.

10. Can I use a different pan size?

You can use a smaller pan for thicker brownies or a larger pan for thinner ones. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are a nostalgic treat that brings back the joy of classic school lunches. With their fudgy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and irresistible frosting, these brownies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, they’ll quickly become a go-to dessert in your kitchen!

Lunchroom Ladies Brownies

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• Author: fella
• Prep Time: 10min
• Cook Time: 25min
• Total Time: 35min
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Relive sweet school day memories with these Lunchroom Ladies Brownies! A timeless recipe featuring fudgy brownies topped with a rich, creamy chocolate frosting.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownies:

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Icing:

• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1/4 cup canned milk (or regular milk)
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• Dash of salt

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Instructions

Brownies

1. Mix the Batter:
   • In a large bowl, combine butter, cocoa, flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and nuts. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
2. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick at 20 minutes.
3. Cool:
   • Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Icing

1. Make the Frosting:
   • In a bowl, mix softened butter, canned milk, cocoa, powdered sugar, and a dash of salt until smooth and creamy.
2. Frost the Brownies:
   • Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Let the icing set before slicing.

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Notes

• For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake by removing them at the 20-minute mark.
• Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips or extra nuts on top of the frosting for a fun twist.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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Nutrition

• Calories: 390kcal per serving