Step 1

Add the softened butter and cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Stopping as needed to scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl.

Step 2

The butter and cream cheese should be softened but not too warm; the butter needs to be firm to whip properly. The rule of thumb is that you can push a finger into the butter without a lot of resistance, but there still should be some resistance.

Step 3

Add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat until just combined (about 45 seconds)

Step 4

Add the powdered sugar to the mixture, one cup at a time, continuously whipping the frosting during the process. Your mixer should be on a lower setting as your adding the confectioner's sugar.

Step 5

Add as much of the milk as necessary to get the desired spreadable consistency. Remember that the frosting will contine to thicken as it gets colder.