Nostalgic Lunchroom Ladies Brownies Recipe

Brownies hold a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers, and the Lunchroom Ladies Brownies bring back memories of simpler times, when these gooey, chocolatey treats graced school lunch trays. Known for their moist texture, rich chocolate flavor, and glossy cocoa frosting, these brownies are the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re baking for family, a gathering, or just to indulge your sweet tooth, this recipe promises to deliver a batch of brownies that will transport you back to those nostalgic moments.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the preparation and baking process, ensuring your brownies turn out perfectly every time. With just a few ingredients and steps, these homemade brownies are easier to prepare than you might think!

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Brownies:

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

Icing:

• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1/4 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper or a foil sling for easy removal.
2. Mix the Brownie Batter:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Cream them together using a whisk or hand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
   Sift together the cocoa powder and all-purpose flour in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense brownies. The batter will be thick.
4. Bake the Brownies:
   Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking for the fudgiest texture.
5. Cool the Brownies:
   Remove the dish from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment or foil sling to lift the brownies out of the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack before adding the icing.
6. Prepare the Icing:
   While the brownies cool, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Mix until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking until the icing is creamy and spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding a teaspoon of milk if needed.
7. Frost the Brownies:
   Spread the icing evenly over the cooled brownies. Use an offset spatula to create swirls for a decorative finish. Allow the icing to set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice the brownies into squares or rectangles and serve. These brownies are perfect with a glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of coffee.

Tips for Success

• For an extra indulgent treat, add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter.
• Always measure your flour accurately to avoid a dry texture; spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a fudgier texture.

These Lunchroom Ladies Brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a connection to cherished memories and a taste of homemade love. With their rich flavor, fudgy texture, and luscious cocoa frosting, these brownies are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Whether for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or to create new memories with loved ones, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy!