Easy Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients
1.25 cups (2.5 sticks or 290g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3 and 1/2 cups (420g) confectioners’ sugar
3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or dutch process)
3–5 Tablespoons (45-75ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half or milk), at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
optional for decoration: sprinkles
Directions
- With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, 3 Tablespoons heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for 1 full minute. Do not over-whip. Add 1/4 cup more confectioners’ sugar or cocoa powder if frosting is too thin or 1-2 more Tablespoons of cream if frosting is too thick. (I usually add 1 more.) Taste. Add another pinch of salt if desired.