Appetizer & Dessert

Cosmic Brownie Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Name: Cosmic Brownie Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk; 1 cup fine white sugar; 1/3 cup tightly packed golden brown sugar; 10 tablespoons rich, creamy unsalted butter; 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons pure cocoa powder, sifted; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon tapioca starch; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder; 1 1/2 cups rich semisweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest; Sprinkles; Mini M&M’s; Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips; Chopped caramelized nuts for an extra crunch

Kathleen Looney April 11, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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When it comes to cosmic brownies, the real fun starts with what you pair them with. You can enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful hot-cold contrast. Their rich texture also complements a tall glass of milk, which balances out the sweetness.

Want something lighter?

A cup of coffee can be the perfect match, enhancing the cocoa flavor in the brownie. For those sunny days, a chilled glass of lemonade adds a zesty twist, cutting through the luscious chocolate. Whatever your choice, cosmic brownies can stand tall next to a variety of favorites.

What Are Cosmic Brownies?

Cosmic brownies are an iconic dessert characterized by their dense, fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Typically made from a straightforward mixture of chocolate, flour, eggs, and sugar, these brownies are topped with a luscious chocolate ganache or frosting that often features sprinkles or candies.

What sets cosmic brownies apart is the addition of rainbow sprinkles or colorful chocolate candies, giving them their celestial name and eye-catching appeal. They’re more than just ordinary brownies; they are a party on a plate.

How Do They Taste?

When you take a bite of a cosmic brownie, your taste buds embark on a joyous journey. The deep chocolate flavor hits first, followed closely by the gooey texture that melts in your mouth. The sweetness balances perfectly with the slight bitterness from the cocoa.

Topped with a smooth layer of chocolate frosting, it creates a heavenly richness. As you chew, the crunch from the sprinkles adds a fun texture, making these brownies a multi-sensory experience. Simply put, every mouthful is a delightful surprise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love? The preparation is straightforward, the ingredients are easy to find, and the end result is pure bliss. These brownies bring together familiarity and fun, appealing to kids and adults alike. They can be easily modified to suit dietary preferences, and they deliver melt-in-your-mouth goodness every single time.

Plus, who doesn’t want the satisfaction of serving homemade goodies? With cosmic brownies, you not only have a delicious treat but also a delightful story to share about your kitchen achievements.

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
1 cup fine white sugar
1/3 cup tightly packed golden brown sugar
10 tablespoons rich, creamy unsalted butter
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons pure cocoa powder, sifted
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon tapioca starch
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder

For the Frosting:

1 1/2 cups rich semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Toppings:

Sprinkles
Mini M&M’s
Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips
Chopped caramelized nuts for an extra crunch

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your brownies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.

Step 3: Make the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until combined. Now, add the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the honey and vanilla extract thereafter.

Step 4: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, tapioca starch, salt, and espresso powder. This step eliminates lumps and ensures even distribution of ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can make the brownies tough. The batter will be thick and glossy.

Step 6: Pour into the Baking Dish

Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure to get every last bit of that rich chocolate goodness!

Step 7: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter!).

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

While the brownies cool, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth. Now, add the sea salt and orange zest for that zesty kick.

Step 9: Frost the Brownies

Once the brownies are cool, pour the chocolate ganache over them. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 10: Add Toppings

Before the ganache sets, sprinkle the top with colorful sprinkles or M&M’s. Let it cool and set for about 30 minutes.

Tips on Making Cosmic Brownies

Use Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your brownies depends heavily on the chocolate used. Go for high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for the best results.
Do Not Overmix: Once the dry and wet ingredients are combined, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher brownies, which we certainly don’t want.
Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing the brownies and frosting to set properly will make cutting them easier and improve the overall experience.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Get creative! Add nuts, chocolate chunks, or even peanut butter swirls to the batter for an exciting twist.

How Do You Store These Cosmic Brownies?

Cosmic brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, refrigerate them to extend freshness. They can last about a week in the fridge.

For even longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply wrap the brownies individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Cosmic Brownies?

Gluten-Free Flour: For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend, which works wonderfully in dessert recipes.
Coconut Oil: Replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative. It will add a bit of coconut flavor, enhancing the dish.
Maple Syrup: If you prefer natural sweeteners, you can swap out honey for maple syrup. Just be mindful that it may affect the texture a bit.
Nut Butters: Consider adding a couple of tablespoons of peanut or almond butter to the batter for an extra nutty richness.
Almond Milk: In place of heavy cream in the ganache, almond milk provides a dairy-free option. Use a thickener to get the right consistency.

Conclusion

Cosmic brownies are more than just a dessert; they represent a moment of joy, a taste of childhood nostalgia, and an opportunity for culinary creativity. With their rich flavors, striking appearance, and endless versatility, cosmic brownies win over hearts, parties, and fun gatherings.

Whether enjoyed alone, shared with friends, or star of the dessert table, they’ll always take center stage. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake some cosmic goodness together. Happy baking!

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Print Recipe

Cosmic Brownie Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Author: Kathleen Looney Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizer & Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 1 hr Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 570 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Ah, cosmic brownies. Just the name sparks nostalgia. Anyone who grew up in the ’90s likely remembers biting into these gooey, chocolatey confections loaded with colorful sprinkles or mini M&M’s. But hold on; these aren’t just sweet indulgences.

They’re a canvas for creativity in the kitchen. Whether you want them fudgy or cake-like, cosmic brownies invite twists and variations. Let's dive deeper into what makes cosmic brownies not just tasty but a staple for sweet tooth aficionados.