If you’re craving a brownie that’s not only irresistibly fudgy but bursts with a playful pop of color and sweetness, the Cosmic Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. These brownies strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate flavor and a fun, nostalgic topping of candy-coated chocolate chips that create a cosmic starfield across the glossy ganache. Every bite is a luscious celebration, making these brownies the ultimate treat to share with friends or to brighten your day with a little extra sunshine!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cosmic Brownies Recipe brings together simple pantry staples and a few special touches that turn ordinary brownies into an extraordinary dessert. Each ingredient plays its part perfectly—from the deep richness of cocoa to the smooth creaminess of the frosting, and of course, the iconic candy-coated chocolates that give these brownies their cosmic charm.
- Unsalted butter (1 stick plus 2 tablespoons, melted): Provides a rich, creamy base for the batter and keeps the brownies moist.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter, balancing the bitterness of the cocoa.
- Light brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Adds subtle caramel notes and extra moisture.
- Cocoa powder (3/4 cup, sifted): The star of the show, giving the brownies their intense chocolate depth.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Eggs (2 large plus 1 yolk, room temperature): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the fudgy texture.
- Corn syrup (1 tablespoon): Keeps the brownies wonderfully chewy and shiny.
- All-purpose flour (2/3 cup): Provides structure without overwhelming the tenderness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps create a soft, delicate crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the frosting luxuriously smooth and glossy.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Melt into the perfect ganache for frosting.
- Candy-coated chocolate chips: The magical, colorful topping that transforms these brownies into cosmic delights.
How to Make Cosmic Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper to ensure your cosmic creations come out with ease and a perfectly smooth bottom.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until everything is silky and smooth. Then add the sifted cocoa powder, vanilla extract, the eggs plus extra yolk, and corn syrup. Give it a thorough mix until the batter looks uniformly glossy and there are no lumps hiding anywhere.
Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, and salt, folding them gently with a spatula. You want to see a smooth, chocolatey batter without any dry patches, but be mindful not to overmix, so your brownies stay tender and fudgy.
Step 4: Pour and Smooth the Batter
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. This step is all about creating a flat, even surface that will bake into that perfect, fudgy slab.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the brownies for about 25 to 28 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted about an inch from the edge comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cooling in the pan completely is essential before moving on to frosting.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
Heat the heavy cream gently in a small saucepan until it simmers. Do not let it boil. Pour this hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and whisk until smooth and shiny—it should become a rich, glossy ganache ready to spread.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies with a spatula, then press candy-coated chocolate chips all over the top. These vibrant dots are what give the Cosmic Brownies Recipe its playful, otherworldly appeal. Chill for at least 30 minutes until the frosting firms up.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, slice the brownies into 12 generous squares, and get ready to enjoy each bite of chocolatey, colorful magic.
How to Serve Cosmic Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little extra sparkle by sprinkling a few edible glitter stars or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream on the side also wonderfully complements the richness of the brownies.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast. A cold glass of milk or your favorite coffee also pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness for a perfectly rounded treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, place the brownies on a platter with cosmic-themed decorations—think star-shaped cookie cutters, edible gold dust, or even mini LED lights. Wrapping individual squares in colorful parchment or clear bags tied with twine makes for adorable, ready-to-gift treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cosmic Brownies Recipe squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered ensures they stay moist and the frosting stays shiny and intact.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted or frosted brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy warm brownies, let them come to room temperature first, then microwave a single piece for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating in bulk as the frosting can soften too much and lose its texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for the frosting?
Absolutely! Just chop the chocolate into small pieces to help it melt smoothly. Semi-sweet chocolate is a classic choice because it balances sweetness well, but feel free to experiment with your favorite chocolate type.
What makes these Cosmic Brownies different from regular brownies?
The combination of a fudgy base, a luscious chocolate ganache frosting, and those iconic candy-coated chocolate chips on top creates a unique texture and burst of color that sets the Cosmic Brownies Recipe apart from your everyday brownie.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that suits baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for best results.
What’s the purpose of corn syrup in this recipe?
Corn syrup keeps the brownies moist and chewy by preventing crystallization of the sugars, adding that perfect, slightly sticky texture beloved in fudgy brownies.
How long do these brownies keep their fresh taste?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these brownies stay fresh and tasty for about 3 days at room temperature. Beyond that, while still edible, the texture and flavor begin to mellow.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat, the Cosmic Brownies Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a recipe that brings warmth, color, and rich chocolate flavor together in every bubbly, fudgy bite. Give it a try and watch how these brownies light up your kitchen and your taste buds with each cosmic square!
Print
Cosmic Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully rich and fudgy Cosmic Brownies topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache and colorful candy-coated chocolate chips. These brownies feature a perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor and a luscious frosting, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 stick plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (plus 1 yolk, room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Candy-coated chocolate chips (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth. Add the sifted cocoa powder, vanilla extract, eggs, yolk, and corn syrup. Mix thoroughly until there are no lumps and the batter is uniform.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the flour, cornstarch, and salt using a spatula. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and free of dry streaks, being careful not to overmix to maintain brownie tenderness.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly fudgy. Test by inserting a toothpick about 1 inch from the edge; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer; do not let it boil. Remove from heat and pour over the semi-sweet chocolate chips placed in a heatproof bowl.
- Create the Ganache: Whisk the heavy cream and chocolate chips together until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and the chocolate is completely melted. Immediately spread this ganache evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Add Toppings and Chill: Sprinkle candy-coated chocolate chips on top of the ganache, pressing them lightly to adhere. Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until the frosting is firm. Slice into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- To ensure the best texture, avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added.
- Use room temperature eggs to help the batter combine smoothly.
- The toothpick test is best done near the edges to avoid the fudgy center.
- Chilling the brownies helps the ganache set properly for clean slices.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
