HOMEMADE COSMIC BROWNIES ✨🪐
Brownie Base
½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs room temperature
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Ganache Topping
¼ cup heavy cream
4 oz semisweet chocolate chopped
Pinch of salt
Topping
2–3 tablespoon Trader Joe’s dye free sprinkles
Make the Brownies
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter on the stove. Once melted stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
Next, transfer everything to a large bowl and whisk in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until the batter becomes thick and shiny.
Fold in flour and cornstarch until just combined.
Spread into the pan and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Let cool completely.
Once cool, flip the brownies and remove the parchment paper. To get an even flat surface, we will be adding the chocolate to the bottom layer of the brownies for a cleaner look.
Make Ganache
Heat cream in the microwave for 30 seonds. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 1 minute. Add a pinch of salt and stir until smooth. Spread ganache over the cooled brownie.
Add Sprinkles + Chill
Sprinkle sprinkles on top while ganache is still soft.
Chill for 1–2 hours before slicing. Wipe knife between cuts for clean edges!
Cosmic brownies are a delightful fusion of classic rich chocolate brownies and vibrant colorful toppings that add a touch of whimsy and fun. The recipe centers around a fudgy brownie base made with a combination of unsalted butter, granulated and brown sugars, and Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which ensures a deep, intense chocolate flavor. The addition of cornstarch alongside all-purpose flour helps create a tender crumb with a slight chewiness that makes the texture irresistible. A key feature of this recipe is the ganache topping made by melting semisweet chocolate with heavy cream and a pinch of salt. This glossy ganache spreads smoothly over the cooled brownies, adding a luxurious layer of creamy chocolate that enhances the overall richness. Using semisweet chocolate balances sweetness and bitterness, making the ganache decadent but not overwhelming. For the cosmic visual effect, dye-free sprinkles are sprinkled onto the ganache while it is still soft, allowing them to set perfectly as the brownies chill. Choosing dye-free sprinkles aligns with a more natural ingredient approach and avoids artificial coloring agents, appealing to health-conscious bakers and those with sensitivities. This recipe also emphasizes small but practical baking tips such as lining your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and flipping the brownies once cooled for an even surface. Additionally, chilling the finished brownies before slicing helps them set well, ensuring clean edges and perfect presentation. Cosmic brownies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visually appealing dessert that can brighten up gatherings, parties, or simple indulgent moments. Their preparation involves basic baking techniques that any home baker can master, making them an accessible option for all skill levels. Whether you want a homemade snack or a stunning dessert, these cosmic brownies are sure to attract compliments and satisfy chocolate cravings. Feel free to experiment with different types of sprinkles or add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips to customize your cosmic brownies. You can also try alternative chocolate varieties in the ganache such as bittersweet or milk chocolate depending on your sweetness preference. Overall, these homemade cosmic brownies combine taste, texture, and aesthetics in one delightful recipe that is perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
