Cosmic Brownies: A Sweet Journey to the Stars
Cosmic Brownies are like a dreamy adventure in every bite. Imagine soft and chocolatey brownies filled with colorful chocolate candies โ itโs like a tasty galaxy in your mouth! These treats are more than just delicious; they also remind us of fun times and sweet memories from when we were kids.
Where Cosmic Brownies Magic Began
A long time ago, someone came up with the idea of adding colorful candies to brownies, and thatโs how Cosmic Brownies were born. They quickly became a hit at parties and special occasions. The bright candy colors on the brownies look like little stars and planets, making these treats as exciting to look at as they are to eat.
Why Everyone Loves Cosmic Brownies
People really enjoy Cosmic Brownies for a few simple reasons. First, theyโre incredibly yummy. The soft brownie and the crunch of the candies make a great combo. Second, they look awesome โ the candies make them feel special and out-of-this-world. Lastly, they bring back memories of being a kid, which is a really nice feeling.
Making Your Own Cosmic Brownies
Guess what? You can make Cosmic Brownies at home too! Itโs like being a dessert scientist. Just gather some cocoa, sugar, and candy, and follow a recipe. Baking your own brownies can be a fun project by yourself or with your family. When youโre done, youโll have a plate of homemade Cosmic Brownies that taste amazing and look like theyโre from outer space โ a sweet treat thatโs truly stellar.
Ingredients for Cosmic Brownies
For the Brownies:
โฆ โ 1/4 cup vegetable oil (plus more for greasing the pan)
โฆ โ 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for the pan)
โฆ โ 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
โฆ โ 1 cup granulated sugar
โฆ โ 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
โฆ โ 2 large eggs (plus 1 egg yolk)
โฆ โ 1 tablespoon corn syrup
โฆ โ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
โฆ โ 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
โฆ โ 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Ganache:
โฆ โ 6 tablespoons heavy cream
โฆ โ 1/2 tablespoon corn syrup
โฆ โ 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
โฆ โ Pinch of salt
โฆ โ 1/2 cup finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate
โฆ โ 1/2 cup rainbow-coated candy
Steps to make Cosmic Brownies
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
Before you start making cosmic brownies, make sure you have all the ingredients you need. Hereโs what youโll need: melted butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, whole eggs, egg yolk, corn syrup, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Take an 8 x 8-inch baking pan and grease the bottom and sides with some oil. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of flour inside the pan and tilt and tap it until the flour coats the bottom and sides. Remove any excess flour and set the pan aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and white sugar. Stir everything together until they are well mixed.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Flavorings
Now, crack the whole eggs and egg yolk into the bowl. Also, add the corn syrup and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix everything together. Keep whisking for about 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture becomes creamy. If you have an electric hand mixer, you can use that too.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Take a small bowl and put in the cocoa powder, flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together.
Step 6: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is combined. Make sure there are no dry streaks left in the batter.
Step 7: Transfer the Batter
Carefully pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. You can use a butter knife or an offset spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan.
Step 8: Bake the Brownies
Put the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a shiny top, and when you insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out mostly clean with just a few crumbs or streaks of batter.
Step 9: Let the Brownies Cool
Once the brownies are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for around 15 minutes.
Step 10: Final Cooling and Serving
While the brownies are cooling in the pan, place a wire rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Use an offset spatula or a butter knife to gently loosen the brownies from the edges of the pan. Then, flip the pan over onto the wire rack so that the brownies come out onto the rack. Let them cool completely for about 45 minutes before you cut and enjoy your delicious homemade cosmic brownies!
Make the Ganache and Garnish
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
To start making the delightful ganache and garnish for your cosmic brownies, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Hereโs what youโll need: cream, corn syrup, vanilla extract, salt, chocolate chips, and rainbow-coated candy bits.
Step 2: Heat the Cream and Mix Ingredients
Take a microwave-proof bowl of medium size and put the cream in it. Heat the bowl in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Then, add the corn syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the cream. Give it a gentle stir to blend the ingredients together.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips and Stir
Now, add the chocolate chips into the bowl with the cream mixture. Allow them to sit for about 1 minute. After that, stir the mixture again, ensuring that the chocolate chips are well incorporated.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Using the microwave, heat the mixture in short bursts of 15 to 20 seconds each. Stir the mixture between each heating. Continue this process until the chocolate chips are completely melted, resulting in a smooth and shiny ganache. Itโs important not to overcook the mixture, so be cautious with the heating time.
Step 5: Spread Ganache on the Brownies
Carefully pour the melted chocolate ganache over the prepared brownies. You can use an offset spatula or a butter knife to evenly spread the ganache, making sure it covers the entire top surface of the brownies.
Step 6: Add Rainbow-Coated Candy Bits and Refrigerate
Now, itโs time to add a touch of color and sweetness to your ganache-covered brownies. Sprinkle rainbow-coated candy bits over the ganache layer, giving it a delightful and vibrant appearance. After that, cover the brownies and place them in the refrigerator. Let them stay there until the ganache sets and becomes firm.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
Once the ganache on your brownies has set and become firm, itโs time to savor your delicious creation. Carefully take the brownies out of the refrigerator. The ganache should now be beautifully set, providing a rich and velvety layer over the brownies.
Use a sharp knife to slice the brownies into 16 equal pieces. The rainbow-coated candy bits on top of the ganache will add a burst of color and a hint of crunch to every bite.
Serve your garnished cosmic brownies to your eager taste testers. Whether itโs for a special occasion or a delightful treat any day, these brownies are sure to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings. Enjoy the wonderful combination of fudgy brownies and creamy ganache, perfectly complemented by the colorful candy bits.
Variations
Corn syrup plays a vital role in maintaining the fudgy texture and smoothness of the brownie batter. It accomplishes this by preventing the formation of sugar crystals during the baking process. In the frosting, corn syrup contributes to a glossy appearance of the chocolate. If corn syrup isnโt available, you can achieve similar effects with other inverted sugars. Honey or golden syrups can be used as substitutes.
For the ganache, thereโs flexibility if you opt for milk chocolate instead of bittersweet. In this case, itโs advisable to reduce the quantity of heavy cream to โ cup, maintaining a 3:1 ratio with the chocolate.
While the rainbow-coated candy topping is an integral part of the classic cosmic brownie look, there are alternatives if youโre unable to find them. Experiment with rainbow sprinkles, nonpareils, or even mini M&Mโs as delightful alternatives for adding color and texture to your brownies.
Storage
To ensure the longevity of your cosmic brownies, store them in an airtight container. If refrigerated, they can remain fresh for up to 7 days. For shorter storage periods of up to 3 days, keeping them at room temperature is suitable.
If you find yourself with surplus brownies, rest assured that they freeze exceptionally well. For optimal results, individually wrap each brownie using plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. This precaution helps guard against freezer burn. You can keep your brownies frozen for as long as 6 months, allowing you to enjoy them at your convenience.
Nutrition Facts
โฆ โ Calories: 269
โฆ โ Total Fat: 13g
โฆ โ Saturated Fat: 6g
โฆ โ Cholesterol: 55mg
โฆ โ Sodium: 134mg
โฆ โ Total Carbohydrate: 36g
โฆ โ Dietary Fiber: 1g
โฆ โ Total Sugars: 26g
โฆ โ Protein: 3g
โฆ โ Vitamin C: 0mg
โฆ โ Calcium: 17mg
โฆ โ Iron: 2mg
โฆ โ Potassium: 52mg
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Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- โฆ - 1/4 cup vegetable oil plus more for greasing the pan
- โฆ - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour plus more for the pan
- โฆ - 7 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- โฆ - 1 cup granulated sugar
- โฆ - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- โฆ - 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
- โฆ - 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- โฆ - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- โฆ - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- โฆ - 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Ganache:
- โฆ - 6 tablespoons heavy cream
- โฆ - 1/2 tablespoon corn syrup
- โฆ - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- โฆ - Pinch of salt
- โฆ - 1/2 cup finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate
- โฆ - 1/2 cup rainbow-coated candy
Instructions
Steps to Make Cosmic Brownies ๐๐ซ
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients ๐๐ง
- - Prepare the following ingredients: melted butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, whole eggs, egg yolk, corn syrup, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan ๐ฅ๐ฎ
- - Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- - Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan and sprinkle with flour, coating the bottom and sides. Remove excess flour.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients ๐ฅ๐ฏ
- - In a large bowl, combine melted butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and white sugar.
- - Stir until well mixed.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Flavorings ๐ฅ๐ฌ
- - Add whole eggs, egg yolk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract to the mixture.
- - Whisk for about 5 minutes until sugar is dissolved and mixture becomes creamy.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients ๐ซ๐
- - In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder, flour, and a pinch of salt.
Step 6: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients ๐ฅฃ๐ด
- - Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
- - Gently stir until well combined, without any dry streaks.
Step 7: Transfer the Batter ๐ฐ๐ซ
- - Carefully pour the brownie batter into the greased baking pan.
- - Use a butter knife or spatula to spread the batter evenly.
Step 8: Bake the Brownies ๐๐ฅ
- - Place the pan in the preheated oven.
- - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is shiny and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
Step 9: Let the Brownies Cool ๐โ๏ธ
- - Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
Step 10: Final Cooling and Serving ๐ฝ๏ธ๐
- - Place a wire rack on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- - Gently loosen the brownies from the pan's edges using a spatula.
- - Flip the pan onto the wire rack to release the brownies.
- - Let them cool completely for around 45 minutes before cutting and enjoying your homemade cosmic brownies! ๐๐ฝ๏ธ
Make the Ganache and Garnish ๐ฌ๐ซ
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients ๐๐ถ
- - Ensure you have these ingredients ready: cream, corn syrup, vanilla extract, salt, chocolate chips, and rainbow-coated candy bits.
Step 2: Heat the Cream and Mix Ingredients ๐ก๏ธ๐ฅ
- - Take a microwave-proof medium-sized bowl and place the cream in it.
- - Microwave the bowl for around 30 seconds.
- - Add corn syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the cream. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips and Stir ๐ซ๐ฅ
- - Add chocolate chips to the bowl with the cream mixture.
- - Allow them to sit for about 1 minute.
- - Stir the mixture to ensure the chocolate chips are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Mixture ๐ฅ๐ฏ
- - Microwave the mixture in short 15 to 20-second bursts, stirring in between.
- - Continue until the chocolate chips are completely melted, resulting in a smooth ganache. Be cautious not to overheat.
Step 5: Spread Ganache on the Brownies ๐ซ๐
- - Carefully pour the melted ganache over the brownies.
- - Use an offset spatula or butter knife to spread the ganache evenly over the brownies.
Step 6: Add Rainbow-Coated Candy Bits and Refrigerate ๐๐ฌ
- - Sprinkle rainbow-coated candy bits over the ganache layer.
- - Cover the brownies and place them in the refrigerator to set the ganache.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy ๐ฐ๐ฝ๏ธ
- - Once the ganache is set, remove the brownies from the refrigerator.
- - Use a sharp knife to slice the brownies into 16 pieces.
- - The candy bits on the ganache will add color and crunch.
- - Serve and savor these delightful garnished cosmic brownies โ a perfect blend of fudgy, creamy, and colorful goodness! ๐๐ฌ๐ซ
Notes
Nutrition Facts
ย โฆ - Calories: 269โฆ - Total Fat: 13g
โฆ - Saturated Fat: 6g
โฆ - Cholesterol: 55mg
โฆ - Sodium: 134mg
โฆ - Total Carbohydrate: 36g
โฆ - Dietary Fiber: 1g
โฆ - Total Sugars: 26g
โฆ - Protein: 3g
โฆ - Vitamin C: 0mg
โฆ - Calcium: 17mg
โฆ - Iron: 2mg
โฆ - Potassium: 52mg
Steps to avoid while preparing Cosmic Brownies
1. Overheating Chocolate: When melting chocolate for the brownie batter or ganache, avoid overheating it. Chocolate can easily become scorched or seized if exposed to too much heat. Use short microwave bursts or a gentle double boiler method to melt the chocolate gradually.
2. Overmixing Batter: Overmixing the brownie batter can lead to tough and dense brownies. Mix until just combined, as excessive mixing can develop gluten and result in a less desirable texture.
3. Overbaking: Overbaking your brownies can make them dry and crumbly. Keep a close eye on the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester. A few moist crumbs on the toothpick indicate that theyโre ready.
4. Using Cold Eggs: Using cold eggs straight from the fridge can negatively impact the mixing process and the overall texture of the brownies. Allow your eggs to come to room temperature before incorporating them into the batter.
5. Skipping Greasing the Pan: Neglecting to grease the baking pan or using parchment paper can make it difficult to remove the brownies cleanly. Grease the pan properly or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy release.
6. Not Letting Brownies Cool: Cutting brownies while theyโre still warm can result in messy and uneven slices. Allow the brownies to cool completely before attempting to slice them for cleaner edges.
7. Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Precise measurements are crucial for baking success. Use proper measuring tools for dry and liquid ingredients to achieve the desired texture and taste.
8. Adding Too Many Mix-ins: While itโs tempting to add a variety of mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or candies, overloading the batter can affect its consistency and baking time. Stick to recommended quantities for best results.
9. Not Allowing Ganache to Set: Rushing the cooling process for the ganache can result in a runny topping. Ensure the ganache has ample time to set before cutting and serving the brownies.
10. Using Expired Ingredients: Check the expiration dates of your ingredients, especially leavening agents like baking powder. Using expired ingredients can lead to disappointing results.
FAQ
1. What are Cosmic Brownies?
Cosmic Brownies are a type of chocolate fudge brownies that are characterized by their dense and chewy texture, topped with a layer of glossy chocolate ganache and colorful candy sprinkles.
2. How do I make Cosmic Brownies from scratch?
To make Cosmic Brownies from scratch, gather ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, flour, and chocolate chips. Follow a recipe that includes steps for preparing the batter, baking, and adding the signature ganache and candy topping.
3. Can I substitute corn syrup in Cosmic Brownies?
Yes, if you donโt have corn syrup, you can replace it with other inverted sugars like honey or golden syrup. These alternatives can provide similar texture and glossiness in the brownie batter and ganache.
4. What can I use instead of rainbow-coated candy for topping?
If rainbow-coated candy isnโt available, you can use alternatives like rainbow sprinkles, nonpareils, or mini M&Mโs to achieve a similar colorful and crunchy topping for your Cosmic Brownies.
5. How should I store Cosmic Brownies?
You can store Cosmic Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, individually wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months.
6. Are there variations for making Cosmic Brownies?
Yes, you can make variations to the recipe by using milk chocolate instead of bittersweet for the ganache. This would require adjusting the amount of heavy cream. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of candies or toppings.
7. Whatโs the nutritional information for Cosmic Brownies?
The nutritional content of Cosmic Brownies per serving includes calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugars, protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium.
8. How can I prevent overmixing the brownie batter?
To avoid overmixing the brownie batter, mix until the dry and wet ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies due to gluten development.
9. Whatโs the key to achieving the right texture in Cosmic Brownies?
Achieving the perfect fudgy and chewy texture in Cosmic Brownies involves properly measuring ingredients, not overbaking, and ensuring the brownies cool completely before slicing.
10. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the ganache. Keep in mind that the sweetness and flavor profile may change slightly, so adjust the sugar and other ingredients accordingly.