First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grab a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides to make lifting the brownies out easier. 

Melt the butter until it’s perfectly smooth, whether you choose the microwave or stovetop method. This is where the richness starts, so take your time and enjoy the buttery goodness!

Once the butter is melted, whisk it together with the sugar in a large mixing bowl until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. You want this mixture to be cloud-like and free of any lumps.

Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, then add the vanilla extract and whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and velvety. You’ll start to see the chocolate magic happening right here!

Crack the eggs one at a time into the mix, whisking them in thoroughly until everything is perfectly combined. This is where the batter comes to life, thickening up into that delicious, rich base.

Slowly mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt, folding them into the batter until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, just stir it enough to incorporate everything. We want that thick, fudgy texture, not a cake-like consistency.

Carefully pour the batter into the pan and then use a spatula to ensure an even layer across the bottom. 

Put the pan in the oven and bake for 26 to 32 minutes. For the perfect texture, check the brownies with a toothpick at the 26-minute point to ensure they’re not overdone. 

You want moist crumbs, not wet batter. Don’t worry if the edges are a little crispy, they’ll only add to the deliciousness!

While the brownies are cooling, it’s frosting time. Melt the butter slowly in a small saucepan over low heat, then whisk in the cocoa powder, milk, vanilla, and honey until the mixture is smooth and unified. 

Keep mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth, glossy consistency.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking as you go to create a thick, spreadable frosting. If the mixture feels too firm, add a little extra milk or cream to reach the desired smoothness.

When the brownies are cool, generously spread the frosting over them, creating a smooth, indulgent layer.

Let them cool completely before cutting them into squares, this will make sure the frosting stays intact, and you get a neat slice.