Have you ever wondered why Cosmic Brownies evoke such nostalgia, resembling the perfect treat that brings joy to so many? If you find yourself craving a sweet, chocolatey snack reminiscent of childhood days, look no further. Cosmic Brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a journey back to simpler times packed with gooey goodness and the crunch of rainbow sprinkles. In this post, we’ll explore why these delectable treats have a special place in our hearts and guide you through making your own.
Ingredients Needed
To create the most mouthwatering Cosmic Brownies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure to your brownies; a vital base for that chewy texture.
- ¾ cup unsweetened dutch-processed cocoa powder: This is where the rich chocolate flavor comes from—dutch processing creates a smoother taste.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps achieve that soft, tender crumb by stabilizing the batter.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor profile—don’t skip this, as it balances the sweetness.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted: The base of your brownie batter—it adds richness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Helps create that delightful crust on top of the brownies.
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds a subtle vanilla flavor and moisture to the batter.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Essential for binding and providing moisture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: A dash of warmth that rounds out the flavors.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For that delicious melty chocolate experience in every bite.
- ⅓ cup heavy cream: Essential for making the frosting decadent.
- 1 tablespoon light clear corn syrup: Adds shine to the frosting and keeps it smoother.
- 1 ½ tablespoons rainbow candy-coated mini chocolate chips: These are the star of the show, adding a pop of color and crunch.
Timing
Preparing Cosmic Brownies is a quick and enjoyable task. Here’s your timing breakdown:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 18-22 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 90 minutes
This total preparation time is about 20% less than many standard brownie recipes, making it an efficient choice for immediate craving satisfaction.
How to Make Cosmic Brownies
Follow these simple steps to create your Cosmic Brownie masterpiece:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350° F. Spray a 9×13 metal baking pan with non-stick baking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some excess to help lift the brownies out after they cool. This ensures easy removal without sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures that there are no lumps and that the ingredients are well-mixed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly between each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix, or your brownies may turn out dense. The batter should be thick and fudgy.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool Down
Allow your brownies to cool completely at room temperature before adding the frosting layer.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and stir in the light corn syrup until combined. Remove from heat and mix in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
Step 8: Cut and Serve
Once the frosting has set slightly, use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Per square (estimated, assuming 12 squares):
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
This comparison reveals that homemade Cosmic Brownies can be significantly less calorific than some commercial alternatives, allowing you to indulge responsibly.
Healthier Alternatives for Cosmic Brownies
If you’re looking to enhance the health profile of your Cosmic Brownies, consider these modifications:
- Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use coconut sugar as a substitute for granulated sugar, which has a lower glycemic index.
- Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat.
- Opt for dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor that packs more antioxidants.
Serving Suggestions
Cosmic Brownies are delicious on their own, but why not elevate your serving experience? Consider pairing them with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly brownie sundae.
- Drizzling with melted peanut butter for a nutty twist.
- Serving alongside fresh berries to balance the sweetness with a tart flavor.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
As you embark on this culinary journey, be wary of these common pitfalls:
- Overmixing the batter: This can create tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Baking too long: Aim for slightly under-baked brownies; they will continue cooking after being removed from the oven.
- Not letting them cool sufficiently: Cutting into warm brownies will result in messy squares.
Storing Tips for Cosmic Brownies
To keep your Cosmic Brownies fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
In summary, Cosmic Brownies are a delightful treat that brings back fond memories while being surprisingly simple to make. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to bake your own batch of these nostalgic delights. Why not give this recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you! Feel free to share your experiences in the comments or explore similar recipes on our site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cosmic Brownies different from regular brownies?
Cosmic Brownies are known for their rich, chocolatey flavor and are topped with a luxurious chocolate ganache, often sprinkled with colorful candy-coated chocolate chips.
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend; just ensure it’s a one-to-one ratio for best results.
How can I make these brownies less sweet?
You could reduce the amounts of sugar or opt for unsweetened chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Adjusting sugar levels is often a matter of personal taste!
Are Cosmic Brownies suitable for a vegan diet?
You can make vegan adaptations by using flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and replacing butter with vegan butter. Keep an eye on the chocolate chips, as some brands may contain dairy.
How do I know if my brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, brownies continue to set as they cool!
Print
Cosmic Brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these nostalgic Cosmic Brownies, packed with chocolatey goodness and topped with colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon light clear corn syrup
- 1 ½ tablespoons rainbow candy-coated mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 metal baking pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition, then stir in vanilla.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let the brownies cool completely at room temperature.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and stir in the corn syrup. Remove from heat and mix in chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Spread over cooled brownies and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
- Use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan and cut into squares.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze individual squares for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cosmic Brownie recipe, homemade Cosmic Brownies, chocolate brownies, brownies with frosting, decadent brownie desserts