Begin by melting the butter in a double boiler or carefully in the microwave. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds to avoid burning. Once fully melted, let it cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and Hershey's cocoa until smooth. This will create a rich chocolate base.
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the chocolate mixture. It’s best to add it in stages to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen! Mix until well combined.
Add the half and half to the mixture, stirring continuously until the icing reaches a smooth consistency. You can adjust the amount of half and half based on your desired thickness.
Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. This step is crucial as it elevates the chocolate flavor to new heights.
Your chocolate icing is now ready to use! Spread it generously on cakes, cupcakes, or brownies. Enjoy the decadent richness that this icing brings to your desserts!
