Cosmic Brownies Recipe
Cosmic Brownies are a nostalgic treat that brings a rich, fudgy bite paired with a playful burst of color. The indulgent chocolate base creates a luxurious, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the vibrant candy toppings add a delightful crunch and sweetness. Perfect for dessert lovers of all ages, these brownies are a whimsical treat that will instantly transport you back to childhood. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a sweet reward, Cosmic Brownies are guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Ingredients Breakdown
The magic behind these Cosmic Brownies lies in the carefully chosen ingredients. Starting with the brownies themselves, the combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and unsweetened cocoa powder forms the foundation of the rich chocolate base. Using two types of sugar—granulated and packed light brown sugar—adds depth to the sweetness, while cornstarch helps maintain a chewy texture.
To enhance the chocolate flavor, semisweet chocolate chips are melted into the heavy cream for the frosting, ensuring a silky, decadent finish. The key here is to opt for high-quality cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate chips, which will truly elevate the richness of the brownies. Lastly, the colorful candy-coated chocolate chips or mini M&M’s scattered on top not only provide a fun, festive touch but also balance the dark chocolate flavor with a hint of sweetness and crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preparing your baking pan. Line an 8-by-8-inch metal pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then lightly coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Next, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 90 seconds. Once it’s melted, stir in the granulated and brown sugars, followed by the sifted cocoa powder. Ensure the mixture isn’t too hot before adding in the vanilla extract, eggs, egg yolk, and corn syrup. This step is crucial in achieving a smooth, well-incorporated batter. Gently fold in the dry ingredients—flour, cornstarch, and salt—being careful not to overmix as this can lead to denser brownies.
Once combined, pour the thick batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, keeping a close eye on the brownies to ensure they don’t overbake. After removing them from the oven, allow the brownies to cool completely before proceeding with the frosting.
For the frosting, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for one minute, then add the chocolate chips. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir until you have a smooth, glossy frosting. Pour this over the cooled brownies, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Finally, sprinkle the Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips or your chosen toppings across the frosting, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until the frosting is set. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to achieve the perfect fudgy texture:
For a dense, fudgy brownie, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour. This ensures a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture rather than a cakey one.
Alternative toppings for a personalized touch:
Customize your Cosmic Brownies with toppings like crushed Oreos, chopped nuts, or even marshmallows. The possibilities are endless!
Adjustments for making thicker or thinner brownies:
If you prefer thicker brownies, simply double the recipe and extend the baking time slightly. For thinner brownies, use a larger baking pan and reduce the bake time by a few minutes.
Tips for cutting clean slices without the frosting cracking:
To get clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water before each cut. Wipe the blade between slices to maintain the smooth edges.
Can I substitute ingredients like butter or flour?
Yes, you can replace butter with a dairy-free alternative or margarine, and you can swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, and ensure that your candy toppings are gluten-free.
What’s the best way to prevent the frosting from melting too quickly in warmer climates?
Store the brownies in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm, especially if you’re serving them in a warm environment.
How can I make these brownies more kid-friendly with other candy toppings?
Try adding gummy bears, sprinkles, or even candy bars chopped into small pieces to make these brownies even more fun and appealing for children.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Cosmic Brownies are rich enough to stand alone, but if you want to elevate the experience, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. The contrast between the cold ice cream and warm brownies is simply irresistible. For a lighter pairing, serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and fresh berries.
If you’re preparing these brownies for a party or special event, consider making a dessert platter with an assortment of treats like cookies, macarons, and fresh fruit. The colorful brownies will be the highlight of any dessert table, adding both visual appeal and a nostalgic taste that guests will love.
Storage and Shelf Life
Cosmic Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, but for longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. The brownies taste fantastic chilled, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
If you’d like to store them for a longer period, these brownies freeze well. Place the cut brownies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for a few hours.
Cosmic Brownies are the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence, offering rich chocolate flavor balanced by colorful, crunchy candy toppings. Whether you’re making them for a birthday party, a bake sale, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these brownies are sure to be a hit. Simple to make and utterly delicious, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s worth every bite. Share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—either way, you’re in for a sweet experience!
Ingredients
For the brownies:
2/3 cup (85 grams) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup (67 grams) packed light brown sugar
10 tablespoons (142 grams) unsalted butter
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (88 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
2 large eggs plus 1 extra egg yolk
1 tablespoon corn syrup
For the frosting:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups (255 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips, mini M&M’s, or sprinkles for topping
Instructions
Make the brownies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-by-8-inch metal baking pan with either parchment paper or aluminum foil, then lightly coat with non-stick spray.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter on high for around 90 seconds. Once fully melted, stir in both the granulated and brown sugars, followed by the cocoa powder. If the mixture is still too hot, let it cool down slightly before incorporating the vanilla, eggs, egg yolk, and corn syrup. Stir thoroughly until well blended. Gently fold in the flour, cornstarch, and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix as the batter will be thick.Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly, and bake for about 25 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
Make the frosting:
In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream on high for one minute. Add the chocolate chips to the cream and let them sit undisturbed for about 3 minutes. Afterward, stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Pour the frosting over the cooled brownies, smoothing the surface evenly. Decorate the top with Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips or any toppings of your choice. Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or until the frosting has fully set, before slicing.
For the best taste, store brownies in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator. These brownies are especially enjoyable when served cold.
Cosmic Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 2/3 cup 85 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup 67 grams packed light brown sugar
- 10 tablespoons 142 grams unsalted butter
- 1 cup 200 grams granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons 88 grams unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 large eggs plus 1 extra egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups 255 grams semisweet chocolate chips
- Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips mini M&M’s, or sprinkles for topping
Instructions
Make the brownies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-by-8-inch metal baking pan with either parchment paper or aluminum foil, then lightly coat with non-stick spray.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter on high for around 90 seconds. Once fully melted, stir in both the granulated and brown sugars, followed by the cocoa powder. If the mixture is still too hot, let it cool down slightly before incorporating the vanilla, eggs, egg yolk, and corn syrup. Stir thoroughly until well blended. Gently fold in the flour, cornstarch, and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix as the batter will be thick.Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly, and bake for about 25 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
Make the frosting:
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream on high for one minute. Add the chocolate chips to the cream and let them sit undisturbed for about 3 minutes. Afterward, stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Pour the frosting over the cooled brownies, smoothing the surface evenly. Decorate the top with Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips or any toppings of your choice. Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or until the frosting has fully set, before slicing.
- For the best taste, store brownies in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator. These brownies are especially enjoyable when served cold.