Name: Cosmic Brownies-Out Of This World Flavor
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16-24 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups white granulated sugar; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 egg yolk, room temperature; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3.5 oz semi-sweet chocolate bar, melted; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Rainbow candy coated chocolates for topping

Cosmic Brownies are more than just a treat; they’re a nostalgic journey back to childhood, a vibrant explosion of chocolatey goodness that has captured hearts for generations. What is it about these fudgy, colorful delights that makes them so universally beloved? It’s their perfect balance: intensely rich dark chocolate brownies are crowned with a luscious, sweet frosting, and then, the magic truly happens with those iconic candy-coated chocolate chips scattered like tiny celestial bodies. They’re not just delicious, they’re an experience. The satisfying chew of the brownie, the smooth sweetness of the frosting, and the delightful pop of those little candies create a symphony of textures and flavors. This recipe aims to recreate that authentic, craveable taste, bringin extractg the beloved Cosmic Brownies right into your own kitchen. Get ready to embark on a delicious mission to bake these iconic treats!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups white granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 egg yolk, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3.5 oz semi-sweet chocolate bar, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
Rainbow candy coated chocolates for topping

Making the Cosmic Brownies

Preparing the Batter

First things first, let’s get our oven preheated and our baking pan ready. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or better yet, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the brownies out so much easier later. In a large bowl, combine the 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil. Whisk them together until they are well combined. This combination of fats will give our Cosmic Brownies that perfect fudgy texture.
Next, we’re going to add the sugars and wet ingredients to the butter and oil mixture. Gradually whisk in the 1 1/2 cups of white granulated sugar and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar into the bowl with the melted butter and oil. Make sure to whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Now, it’s time to incorporate the eggs. Add the 3 large eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then, add the 1 egg yolk and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined and the batter looks rich and emulsified. Don’t forget to add the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for that classic brownie aroma and flavor.
Now for the chocolate! We need to melt our 3.5 oz semi-sweet chocolate bar. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth, or you can use a double boiler. Once melted and smooth, pour the melted chocolate into the wet ingredients and whisk until it’s completely incorporated, giving the batter a beautiful chocolatey hue. This step is crucial for that deep chocolate flavor that defines Cosmic Brownies.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. This includes 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Sifting these ingredients is a good idea to ensure there are no lumps, especially with the cocoa powder, which can clump easily. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding them in gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; we want to combine them until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Finally, it’s time to add those delightful pockets of chocolate. Fold in the 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. These will melt slightly during baking, creating gooey, chocolatey bursts throughout your brownies, adding another layer of texture and flavor. Once everything is just combined, pour the batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Spread the batter evenly using your spatula to ensure a consistent thickness.

Baking and Topping

Bake the brownies in your preheated oven for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. The exact baking time will vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crum extractbs attached, not wet batter. If you prefer a fudgier brownie, err on the side of slightly underbaking. For a more cake-like brownie, bake them a few minutes longer. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry brownies.
While the brownies are still warm in the pan, it’s time to create that signature glossy topping. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the 1/2 cup of heavy cream. You don’t want it to boil, just to be warm. Pour the warm heavy cream over the top of the warm brownies in the pan. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the heat from the brownies to warm the cream. Then, using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the cream evenly over the entire surface of the brownies. This creates a luscious, fudgy glaze.
The most fun part is decorating! While the cream topping is still slightly soft and tacky, generously sprinkle the rainbow candy coated chocolates all over the top of the brownies. Press them down gently with your fingertips so they adhere to the glaze. Get creative with your sprinkle patterns! This is what gives them that iconic “Cosmic” look.
Now, the hardest part: waiting! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for them to set properly and for the topping to adhere. Rushing this step can lead to messy cuts and a less satisfying texture. Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice them into squares using a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, you can wipe the knife clean between slices.

Conclusion:

There you have it – your ultimate guide to recreating those beloved Cosmic Brownies at home! We’ve walked through each step, from achieving that perfectly fudgy interior to the signature chocolate ganache and candy-coated chocolate chips that make these brownies truly out of this world. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a nostalgic treat, these Cosmic Brownies are sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the serving suggestions – a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk makes them even more decadent. Remember, baking is about fun and personal touches, so feel free to adjust the toppings or even add a sprinkle of edible glitter for an extra celestial flair!

I hope you have as much joy making and eating these Cosmic Brownies as I do. Happy baking, and may your brownies always be cosmically delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Cosmic Brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cosmic Brownies are even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The ganache might firm up slightly, but it will soften at room temperature.

What kind of chocolate chips are best for the topping?

For the iconic look and crunch, candy-coated chocolate chips (often called “M&M’s” or similar brands) are essential. You can also use regular chocolate chips if you prefer, but they won’t give you that signature colorful sparkle. Ensure you use good quality chocolate for both the brownie batter and the ganache for the best flavor.

My ganache is too thick/thin, what can I do?

If your ganache is too thick, gently warm it over a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. If it’s too thin, you can try adding a little more melted chocolate or letting it cool for a bit longer to thicken. Remember to work relatively quickly once the ganache is ready, as it can set.