A Perfect Chocolate Frosting

I am infatuated with frosting. I love it and while I love it, I am very picky when it comes to this fluffy, buttery heaven. I have my go to Easy Buttercream Frosting, which is full-proof and dynamite. I have yet to find someone that doesn't like it. I however have not stumbled across a chocolate frosting that truly made my head spin - until now...

This frosting is made with semi-sweet chocolate, lots of butter, confectioner's sugar and a few other things. The texture is airy and light (if only it were light - HA!) which makes it the perfect vessel for some shortbread cookies that I made. Think of it as one of those giant pink cookies, but with buttery, chocolatey frosting. You could also think of it as something similar to that buttery yellow cake with yummy chocolate frosting on top that we all had growing up. Anyway you think of it, your thoughts will be fond. Make this after a break up or when your ticked off at your spouse - it will make everything better (for a while anyways...)

If you do have a delicious yellow cake or fudge cake to slather this on, by all means do so. I however, was lazy and just needed an edible option in which I could indulge.

Fluffy Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients
3 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
3 T. heavy cream
4 T. butter
1 c. powdered sugar
dash salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions
Put the chocolate in a small heatproof bowl. In another microwave safe dish scald the cream in the microwave in 30 second increments until it is bubbling. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for about 30 seconds. Slowly stir until it is incorporated. Let cool for 20-30 minutes.

Fit your mixer with the paddle attachment and beat the butter on medium until smooth. Add the sugar, salt and vanilla & beat for three minutes until it is very light and fluffy. Slowly add the cooled chocolate and beat on medium for another three minutes. Spread them on your pan of cookies or frost a cake. If you do frost a cake, you will need to double the recipe.

Cake Mix Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 eggs
2 tbsp vanilla
1/2 c. light brown sugar
1 yellow or white cake mix

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a cookie sheet and set aside.

Mix all ingredients briskly together expect any optional additions, with a wooden spoon or on low speed with an electric mixer.

Drop by teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until set and light golden brown. Cool slightly on cookie sheets before removing to racks to cool.