Stranger Things Light Brownies

Ingredients

• 10 tbsp (140g) melted unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 eggs, room temp
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (56g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp (13g) vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (63g) all purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed (don't pack it in)
• 1 cup chocolate chips/chopped chocolate
• 4 oz cream cheese, room temp (for the cream cheese frosting)
• 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, room temp (for the cream cheese frosting)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla (for the cream cheese frosting)
• ~ 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (adjust amount for desired consistency) (for the cream cheese frosting)
• Pinch of salt (for the cream cheese frosting)
• Store-bought black icing (for the for the lights/letters)
• Christmas light icing decorations or m&ms (for the for the lights/letters)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease/line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and both sugars until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, then whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes to help create a crackly top.
4. Stir in cocoa powder and salt until fully combined.
5. Mix in oil, then gently fold in the flour until just combined (don't over mix).
6. Fold in chocolate chips/chopped chocolate.
7. Spread into the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs/mostly clean (not wet batter).
9. Let the brownies cool completely.
10. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, then spread over the fully cooled brownies.
11. Decorate with black icing and light decorations.