Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Print Pin
5 from 3 votes

Favorite Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Delicious, smooth, slightly sweet chocolate frosting that is perfect for icing cakes, cupcakes, cookies, macarons and more! YIELD: 3 1/2 Cups
Author Alissa
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 3.5 cups

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or handheld mixer

Ingredients

  • 1 cup  unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (16 Tbsp; 226g)
  • 3 3/4 cup powdered sugar (450g)
  • 1 cup unsweetened natural or dutch-process cocoa powder (80g)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream or milk (plus extra if needed) (57g)

Instructions
 

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or handheld mixer with whisk attachments, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add powdered sugar about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low in-between additions. Then add cocoa powder and mix on low for about 30 more seconds.
  • Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy whipping cream and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds. Then increase to high speed and beat for 1 full minute.
  • Taste the frosting. If too thick, add another 2 tsp of heavy whipping cream and mix. If your frosting is too thin, add 1 tbsp powdered sugar and 1 tsp cocoa powder and mix for an additional minute.
  • To make creamy and smooth frosting, mix for an additional 5-8 minutes on low speed.

Notes

  1. Tools: Electric mixers whip up frostings to a smooth and creamy texture. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is very helpful, or a handheld mixer with whisk attachments. 
  2. Quantity: This recipe makes 3 1/2 cups of frosting. Enough to fill and frost up to a 6inch 3 layer cake or up to a 9inch 2 layer cake.
  3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Unsalted butter that's been softened to room temperature will incorporate much better with the other ingredients and will take less mixing time.