What is a good recipe for homemade cookies?Cosmic BrowniesI swear, one bite and you’re instantly transported back to grade school, trading lunchbox treats on the spot. The playground. What are brownies? Is chocolate ganache my favorite? What are rainbow chips? If you’re a fan of classic brownies but crave something extra special and definitely more delicious, try this recipe. What is fun, this is it. Think of these like the cooler, more exciting cousin of a regular chocolate brownie. Trust me. Your inner child will thank you. I literally had to hide half of the batch from my husband and kids last night! Is it possible to get rid of a cat in 10 minutes?
What is a cosmic brownie?
Let’s break it down.Cosmic BrowniesAre essentially fudgy, intensely chocolate brownies topped with a thick layer of chocolate. What are some of the best rainbow sprinkles? Think of them as the ultimate upgrade to the standard brownie, taking it from good to absolutely absolutely. What is that combination of the dense, chewy brownie base with the smooth, slightly firm ganache? What is so special about sprinkles? What is a party in your mouth? The name, I suspect, comes from those rainbow sprinkles, like tiny little cosmic bursts of color and light. They’re definitely not subtle, and that’s part of what makes them so appealing!
Why do I love this recipe?
Why do I love brownies? What I love about these are that they manage to be both incredibly decadent and surprisingly easy to make. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques. If you can stir ingredients together, you could make these! Here’s a breakdown.
- Flavor Explosion:The deep dark chocolate flavor is unreal. We are talking serious chocolate intensity. I used a combination of cocoa powder and melted chocolate for the ultimate richness.
- Ridiculously FuThese aren’t cakey brownies. They are intensely fudgy, almost melt-in-your-mouth kind of fuddy. If you’re a fan of dense, chewy texture, you’re going to be obsessed.
- SurprisinglyAs I mentioned, this recipe is super straightforward. No crazy steps or hard-to-find ingredients. What are some of the best last minute baking projects for kids?
- Budget Friendly You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. No need to break the bank to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Versatile Fun:I adore the classic version, you can totally customize these with different sprinkles, colors, and textures. Extracts, or even chopped nuts. What is a good base to get creative with?
What do brownies taste like? What are some of the best comfort foods to eat? Plus, they’re way better than the store-bought version (and probably healthier, too, since you know that you can’t eat the same thing every time you go grocery shopping). What’s going in them? If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to be wildly popular, this is it. I make these more often than I care to admit!
How do you make cosmic brownies?
Quick Overview
Making these Cosmic BrowniesIs it easier than you think? How do you make a Brownie Batter? What are some of the best ways to make chocolate ganache while it’s warm? What is the ganache? What makes cosmic brownies so special? While the ganache is still soft, you’ll generously sprinkle on those rainbow chips. The beauty of this method is that it’s relatively quick, the process for these is also far simpler. What are some of the best brownie recipes? I promise, even if you’re not a baking expert, you can nail this recipe!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: I always use good-quality butter. How does it make a difference in flavor?
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Use Dutch-processed for richer, darker flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: To give the brownies a little lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and structure.
- What is vanilla extract?
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Be careful not to overmeasure; spoon and level!
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: You can use dark chocolate for an even richer flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This is essential for smooth, glossy ganache.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds shine and richness to the ganache.
For the Topping: What is the
- 1/2 cup rainbow chips (or sprinkles): These are a must! What are the mini rainbow chips for?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. If you want to remove a large piece of paper, you can line it with parchment paper. I love using parchment paper. It’s a lifesaver! I’ve even used a brownie pan with pre-cut section and it turned out great.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This ensures that the cocoa powder is evenly distributed throughout the batter. Don’t skip this step, it really makes a difference in the final texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate, large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Beat until well combined. What is the best way to beat eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract? Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might cook the eggs.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix brownies. Overmixing can lead to tough brownie. Should the batter be thick and glossy?
Step 5: Bake
What is the best way to spread the batter in a pan? Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Don’t overbake! They should still be slightly soft in the center.
Step 6: Prepare Filling
While the brownies are baking, prepare the ganache. In a heat-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Set aside. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in the butter until melted and glossy.
Step 7: Cool & Glaze
Once the brownies are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, pour the ganache over the warm brownies and spread evenly. Immediately sprinkle with rainbow chips. Press them lightly into the ganache to help them adhere.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Let the brownies cool completely before slicing and serving. This will allow the ganache to set properly. For clean slices, use a warm knife. I like to run mine under hot water and then dry it before each cut. Enjoy!
What to Serve It With
These Cosmic Brownies are pretty amazing all on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are some ideas:
- For Breakfast: Okay, maybe not *every* morning, but a small brownie with a strong cup of coffee is a surprisingly delicious way to start the weekend. I’m not judging!
- For Brunch: Cut the brownies into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and whipped cream. Instant upgrade!
- As Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Classic for a reason.
- For Cozy Snacks: A glass of cold milk is the perfect pairing. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, try a mug of hot cocoa.
My family always loves these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm, fudgy brownie and cold, creamy ice cream. But honestly, they’re delicious any way you serve them! And if you’re feeling extra decadent, a dusting of powdered sugar never hurt anyone! I often make these when my daughter is having a rough day. I have never seen it not make her happy.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cosmic Brownies
Alright, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years of making these brownies:
- Cocoa Powder: Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor. It makes a noticeable difference.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the baking time. You want the brownies to be fudgy, not dry. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs.
- Ganache Consistency: If the ganache is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to thicken up.
- Sprinkle Placement: Add the rainbow chips immediately after pouring the ganache over the brownies. This will help them adhere to the ganache.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, but the ganache won’t be quite as rich. You can also substitute the rainbow chips with other sprinkles or chopped nuts.
The biggest mistake I made the first time I tried these was overbaking the brownies. They were still good, but they weren’t as fudgy as they should have been. So, definitely keep a close eye on them! I check them every few minutes towards the end of the baking time. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different extracts. A little peppermint extract in the batter can be a fun twist for the holidays! And if you’re feeling really adventurous, try adding a swirl of peanut butter to the batter before baking. Yum!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Cosmic Brownies fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They might dry out a little, but they’ll still be tasty.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The brownies will become firmer in the fridge, but they’ll still be good.
- Freezer Instructions: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the brownies, it’s best to add the ganache and sprinkles after thawing. This will prevent the ganache from becoming cracked or discolored.
I usually store mine at room temperature because they never last long enough to need refrigeration! But if you’re making a big batch, freezing is a great option. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. And if you’re reheating them, a few seconds in the microwave will bring them back to their warm, fudgy glory! I’ve also found that adding a small piece of bread to the container can help keep them from drying out too quickly at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These homemade Cosmic Brownies are more than just a recipe; they’re a trip down memory lane, a celebration of simple pleasures, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The fudgy texture, the rich chocolate flavor, and those iconic rainbow chips create a truly unforgettable treat. If you’re looking for a brownie that’s a little bit extra, a little bit nostalgic, and a whole lot of delicious, this is it! If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my recipe for peanut butter brownies. Seriously, they’re addictive! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any fun variations, I’d love to hear about those too! Happy baking!
Cosmic Brownies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and sprinkles.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
