CAN I JUST ADD COCOA POWDER TO VANILLA FROSTING?

While this chocolate buttercream recipe is basically just a chocolate version of my vanilla buttercream , simply adding cocoa powder to vanilla frosting will work in theory. The execution, however, may leave you with clumpy frosting. It's best to start on the chocolate frosting route before turning on your mixer!

WHAT KIND OF COCOA POWDER TO USE FOR FROSTING?

I much prefer using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for my chocolate frosting, but you can use unsweetened cocoa powder or dark cocoa powder if that's all you have or prefer. You'll get the smoothest chocolate flavor from Dutch-processed.

IS CHOCOLATE OR COCOA POWDER BETTER FOR BUTTERCREAM?

This is all personal preference! I have recipes for both and the one I use often depends on what ingredients I have available, or whether I'm looking for a lighter, creamier chocolate flavor (the chocolate fudge frosting recipe ) or a more intensely chocolate flavor (this recipe).