Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

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

Instructions

1. Place butter in the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attached. Beat for 3 minutes on speed 7 until it becomes pale.
2. Add half the icing sugar and cocoa powder. Beat for 3 minutes - start slow, increase to speed 7.
3. Add remaining icing sugar and cocoa powder. Beat again for 3 minutes.
4. Add milk and vanilla if using. Beat again for 1 minute on speed 7.
5. Spread onto cakes / cupcakes, or spoon into frosting bag and pipe.