Perfect Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

 

• 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature    3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder               Pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract                               4 tablespoons milk                                                  Using a handheld electric mixer mix the softened butter until light and creamy, 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the powdered sugar. Sift the cocoa powder into the bowl.    Add the salt, vanilla and 2 Tbs of the milk. Mix on low speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The frosting may appear clumpy - it will smooth out with additional milk/cream and more mixing.   Add 1-2 Tbs remaining milk, increase the speed to medium, and continue mixing for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is creamy and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add additional milk for softer frosting, or add more powdered sugar for thicker frosting. Press through the frosting with a silicone spatula to get rid of air bubbles, if needed. Use the frosting immediately or store in the refrigerator, covered, for several days. If using from the refrigerator, add 1-2 teaspoons milk and beat with a mixer until creamy.