Dark chocolate brownies with orange cream cheese frosting

Fudgy dark chocolate chunk brownies blend with tangy orange infused cream cheese frosting to create a decadent dessert. Adorn them with a few sprinkles and you’ll have a festive sweet treat for any upcoming holiday get together.

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For the brownies

Ingredients:

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup dark cocoa powder
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2. Set a medium sized saucepan over medium heat and warm the butter until melted; add the granulated sugar and stir well; remove pan from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder.
3. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and vanilla; pour the chocolate mixture into the bowl and whisk in with the eggs until well combined. Gently stir in the flour and salt; do not beat or over mix. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth top with an offset spatula.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes. Take care not to over bake. Cool completely.
6. Frost with orange cream cheese frosting and cut into squares.

For the frosting

Ingredients:

• 4-ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Zest of one orange
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

Directions:

1. Combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice with an electric mixer until well combined.
2. Gradually add the confectioners sugar and continuing mixing until the frosting is smooth and reaches the desired consistency.