Cosmic Brownies: 5-Step Simple, Yummy Recipe!

Let’s make homemade cosmic brownies! Remember those super fudgy, chewy brownies with the colorful sprinkles on top? We’re going to recreate that iconic treat right in your own kitchen.

These homemade versions have a wonderfully fudgy texture and are topped with those essential, vibrant sprinkles. Get ready for a bite of nostalgia! Plus, making them yourself is a fun activity.

This recipe will show you how to make copycat cosmic brownies that taste even better than the store-bought kind. Imagine that familiar, chewy texture with a richer chocolate flavor. It’s all about using simple ingredients to create something truly special.

Why Make Cosmic Brownies at Home?

Making cosmic brownies at home means you control what goes in them. Skip the preservatives and artificial flavors!

Plus, the taste is so much better when they’re fresh out of your oven. Baking them together is also a fun project you can do with the kids or a friend.

What You’ll Need to Make Cosmic Brownies

Ready to gather your ingredients? Here’s what you need to bake these delicious cosmic brownies. We’re breaking it down into the brownie batter and that amazing chocolate ganache topping.

Ingredients for the Brownie Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies structure.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• ½ cup packed brown sugar: For a chewy, moist texture.
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that rich chocolate flavor we love in our cosmic brownies.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides a little lift.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Ganache and Sprinkles

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Makes the ganache extra chocolatey.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, creamy ganache.
• Rainbow sprinkles: The classic topping for cosmic brownies!
  • Try these alternatives: mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Cosmic Brownies

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your very own batch of delicious cosmic brownies. It’s easier than you think!

Preparing the Brownie Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in tough brownies, and we want them fudgy. Consider reading up on some other delicious and easy easy muffin recipes for future baking adventures!

Baking the Brownies

1. Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
4. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is important, so the ganache doesn’t melt everywhere.

Making the Chocolate Ganache

1. Place the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil!
3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate.
4. Gently whisk the mixture until smooth and glossy. If the ganache is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency. It should be easily spreadable.

Assembling the Cosmic Brownies

1. Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the top.
2. Immediately sprinkle generously with rainbow sprinkles. The ganache needs to be wet for the sprinkles to stick.
3. Let the ganache set for about 30 minutes before cutting the brownies into squares.
4. For clean cuts, use a warm knife. Dip it in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.

Tips and Variations for Perfect Cosmic Brownies

Want to take your cosmic brownies to the next level? Here are some tips, tricks, and variations to make them truly your own!

Achieving the Perfect Fudgy Texture

• Don’t overbake! This is the golden rule for fudgy brownies. Slightly underbaking is better than overbaking.
• Use good quality cocoa powder. It makes a big difference in the richness of the chocolate flavor of these homemade cosmic brownies.
• Butter and Sugar Ratio: Make sure to measure your butter and sugar accurately. The right balance is key for the perfect texture.
• Consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients. This helps create a slightly chewy texture, similar to the original store-bought brownies. Thinking about other ways to use cornstarch? Check out these delicious chicken cutlet recipes!

Sprinkle Variations and Creative Toppings

• Sprinkles! While rainbow sprinkles are classic, feel free to experiment. Try chocolate sprinkles, colored sugar, or even themed sprinkles for holidays.
• Chocolate Shavings: Add chocolate shavings to the ganache while it’s still wet for an extra touch of chocolate elegance.
• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of salted caramel over the ganache adds a sweet and salty twist.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for a nutty crunch.

Making Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: You can bake the brownies a day or two in advance. Store them tightly covered at room temperature. Frost them the day you plan to serve them for the freshest taste.
• Storage: Store leftover cosmic brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They’re still delicious after a few days (if they last that long!).
• Freezing: You can also freeze them. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions and Occasions

These cosmic brownies are so good, you’ll want to find any excuse to enjoy them! Here are a few ideas for serving them up. For a complete meal, consider serving your cosmic brownies after some healthy crock pot recipes.

Perfect Pairings

• A Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! The creamy milk complements the rich chocolate flavor of the brownie.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Hot Coffee: The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the sweetness of the brownie perfectly.

Cosmic Brownies for Parties and Lunchboxes

• Perfect for Parties: These cosmic brownies are a crowd-pleaser. Cut them into smaller squares for easy serving at parties and gatherings.
• Lunchbox Treat: Individually wrap the brownies and pack them in lunchboxes for a special surprise. The kids (and adults!) will love it. For another great lunchbox treat, you may consider some Chicken Salad Wraps.

FAQ

Got questions about cosmic brownies? Let’s clear things up!

Are cosmic brownies getting banned?

No, cosmic brownies are not getting banned! There might be some rumors floating around online, but it’s just misinformation. You can still find them in stores and enjoy them without worry.

Are cosmic brownies banned?

Just to be extra clear, no, cosmic brownies are definitely not banned! They are still widely available for purchase. Any claims you might see online about them being banned are simply untrue. So, you can continue to enjoy these treats whenever you like.

How many calories are in a cosmic brownie?

The calorie count for a cosmic brownie can vary depending on the brand or the specific recipe. Generally, you can expect a single brownie to have somewhere between 250 and 300 calories.

Keep in mind that homemade versions can be a little different. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can adjust the recipe slightly. For instance, you could try using a sugar substitute. However, that might change the taste or texture. Always check the nutritional information on packaged brownies for the most accurate details. According to Healthline, being mindful of your brownie ingredients can help with maintaining a healthy diet and weight. We’ll also include the estimated nutritional information for this specific homemade cosmic brownie recipe below so you know exactly what you’re getting!

Here is some more information about the calories in cosmic brownies, along with other nutritional information.

Enjoying Your Homemade Cosmic Brownies

Now it’s your turn to bake! I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own batch of fudgy, sprinkle-covered cosmic brownies. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and make them your own.

My family absolutely loves these homemade treats, and I know yours will too. Share your creations with friends and family, and most importantly, enjoy the process of baking! Let me know how they turn out! And if you are in the mood for some more chocolatey goodness, check out our recipe for Chocolate Vanilla Swirl!

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