Ingredients

• (200g) 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• (300g) 2 1/2 cups soft icing sugar / powdered sugar , sifted
  
• (35g) 1/2 cup cocoa powder , unsweetened, preferably Dutch Processed, sifted
• (65 ml) 1/4 cup milk
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract optional

Method

Place butter in the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attached. Beat for 3 minutes on speed 7 until it becomes pale.

Add half the icing sugar and cocoa powder. Beat for 3 minutes - start slow, increase to speed 7.

Add remaining icing sugar and cocoa powder. Beat again for 3 minutes.

Add milk and vanilla if using. Beat again for 1 minute on speed 7.

Spread onto cakes / cupcakes, or spoon into frosting bag and pipe.