🍫 Lunchroom Ladies Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional — traditionally walnuts)
For the frosting:
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Add sugar and eggs; mix until fully incorporated.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add flour and mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Fold in nuts if using.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
2. Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Do not overbake — the brownies should stay fudgy.
3. Make the frosting
- While the brownies are baking, whisk together melted butter, cocoa, and milk in a medium bowl.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until smooth and spreadable.
- If it’s too thick, add a little more milk (1 tsp at a time).
4. Frost and serve
- As soon as the brownies come out of the oven (while warm, not hot), spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
🍴 Tips for Authentic Flavor
- The frosting should slightly melt into the warm brownies — that’s key to the old-school texture.
- Use real butter, not margarine — cafeteria cooks often used margarine, but butter tastes better.
- These brownies store well at room temperature for up to 3 days, or can be frozen.