Craving a taste of childhood nostalgia? These homemade fudgy, chocolate Cosmic Brownies are the answer! Forget those store-bought versions that just don’t hit the same anymore. Our recipe delivers an incredibly rich, intensely chocolatey brownie base, generously topped with a silky-smooth chocolate ganache, and adorned with those iconic, colorful mini M&M’s. Get ready to bake a dessert that’s not just a treat, but a delightful trip down memory lane.
Homemade Cosmic Brownies: A Rich Copycat Recipe That Outshines the Original
Cosmic Brownies hold a special place in the hearts of many, a quintessential snack that fueled countless childhood adventures. Yet, as with many beloved packaged goods, the taste and quality seem to have shifted over the years, often leaving us wishing for the original, richer flavor. The good news? Recreating these classic treats at home is not only achievable but results in a superior product that captures all the decadent goodness you remember, and then some. This copycat recipe is designed to bring back that authentic, deep chocolate flavor and delightfully fudgy texture that has been missing.
Our one-bowl brownie batter is surprisingly simple to prepare, making this an ideal baking project for both seasoned home cooks and eager beginners. Despite their ease of preparation, these brownies are incredibly rich and satisfying, meaning a small piece truly goes a long way – though you might find it hard to stop at just one! The magic lies in the perfect balance of ingredients, creating a brownie that’s moist, dense, and packed with an undeniable chocolate punch, forming the ideal canvas for our luxurious ganache and vibrant M&M’s.
Beyond replicating a classic, making Cosmic Brownies from scratch allows for customization and ensures you’re using high-quality ingredients, free from artificial flavors or preservatives. This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about reclaiming a cherished memory and elevating it to a new level of homemade perfection. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a dessert that tastes even better than you remember!
“Excellent. We made these and they are very rich and delicious. Perfect with a glass of milk!”
– Benny
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Cosmic Brownies
What’s the best way to accurately measure flour for brownies?
Accurate flour measurement is key to achieving fudgy, not dry, brownies. It’s incredibly easy to inadvertently use too much flour, especially if you pack it tightly into the measuring cup. The most precise method is always using a kitchen scale, but if you don’t have one, try the “spoon and level” technique. First, lightly stir or fluff the flour in its bag or container. Then, spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it’s slightly heaping over the top. Finally, use the flat back of a knife or a straight edge to level off the excess flour. This prevents over-packing the flour, ensuring your brownies come out perfectly moist and tender every time.
What’s the best technique for cutting brownies neatly?
These rich and thick brownies deserve a clean cut. For the best results, ensure they are completely cooled, and the chocolate ganache frosting has fully set before you attempt to slice them. A sharp knife is essential. For extra clean cuts, you can lightly spray the knife blade with nonstick cooking spray or run it under hot water, wiping it clean between each slice. This warmth helps prevent the chocolate from sticking and creates perfectly defined squares, making them even more appealing.
Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead of making them from scratch?
Absolutely! While our homemade recipe yields an unparalleled flavor and texture, a quality boxed brownie mix can be a convenient alternative. Simply follow the package directions for a 9×9-inch pan. You’ll still want to apply our delicious ganache frosting and sprinkle on the mini M&M’s to give them that authentic Cosmic Brownie flair. It’s a great shortcut for those busy days when you need a quick chocolate fix.
How do I know when my brownies are perfectly baked?
Knowing when brownies are done can be tricky, as over-baking can lead to dry results. For these fudgy Cosmic Brownies, look for edges that are set and appear slightly puffed, while the center should still be a little soft, though not overly jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, and certainly not completely clean. Remember, brownies continue to firm up as they cool, so slightly under-baking is often better than over-baking for that coveted fudgy texture.
Is it possible to melt the chocolate chips and butter without a microwave?
Yes, you can easily melt the chocolate chips and butter on the stovetop using a double boiler method. Place the chocolate chips and butter in a large heatproof bowl. Set this bowl over a saucepan containing a few inches of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir gently and continuously until both the chocolate and butter are fully melted and smooth. Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before incorporating it into the rest of the brownie batter ingredients. This method provides a gentle, even melt.
What can I use as an alternative to homemade chocolate ganache for the frosting?
While the homemade ganache provides the signature smooth, firm yet melt-in-your-mouth texture of a true Cosmic Brownie, you can substitute it with a store-bought or different homemade chocolate frosting if desired. Keep in mind that the texture will be different – a standard frosting will be softer and creamier than a set ganache. However, it will still offer a delicious chocolate topping for your brownies. Ensure the frosting is spread evenly before sprinkling with mini M&M’s.
How should I store leftover Cosmic Brownies, and can they be frozen?
To maintain their freshness and fudgy texture, store these delicious brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, Cosmic Brownies freeze exceptionally well. Simply place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw the brownies in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours until soft.
Key Ingredients for the Best Homemade Cosmic Brownies
Crafting these irresistible Cosmic Brownies begins with a selection of quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Unsalted Butter: We opt for unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the brownies. If you only have salted butter on hand, simply reduce the added salt in the recipe from ½ teaspoon to ¼ teaspoon to maintain the flavor balance. Butter provides richness and contributes to the brownies’ dense, moist crumb.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are crucial for both the intense chocolate flavor of the brownies and the silky ganache frosting. Semi-sweet chocolate chips offer a balanced sweetness that prevents the brownies from being overly sugary, allowing the deep cocoa notes to shine through. While milk chocolate chips can be substituted, be aware that they will result in a sweeter final product.
- Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the brownies, contributing to their signature fudgy texture. Its molasses content helps keep the brownies soft and chewy. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar, or a combination of ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar for a slightly different, but still delicious, result.
- Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder and add structure and richness to the brownies. For the best incorporation and a smoother batter, it’s always a good idea to allow your eggs to come to room temperature before mixing them in. This helps them emulsify more easily with the other ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor, adding depth and complexity to the brownies. Don’t skip this, as it brightens the overall taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the structural foundation of our brownies. It’s important to use all-purpose flour specifically, as self-rising flour cannot be substituted here. Our recipe doesn’t call for a separate leavening agent like baking powder or baking soda, relying instead on the eggs and mixing technique for a dense, fudgy result rather than a cakey one.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that deep, dark chocolate flavor, unsweetened cocoa powder is essential. Brands like Nestle and Ghirardelli offer excellent quality options. This provides the robust chocolate intensity that defines a great brownie.
- Salt: While it might seem counterintuitive to add salt to a sweet dessert, it’s a critical flavor enhancer. Salt balances the sweetness, making the chocolate flavor more pronounced and preventing the brownies from tasting bland or overly sugary. You won’t taste the salt itself, but you’ll notice its absence if omitted.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is vital for creating the perfect consistency for our chocolate ganache frosting. Heavy cream (also known as heavy whipping cream) contains enough fat to emulsify with the melted chocolate, resulting in a smooth, rich, and firm-setting ganache. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half, as they lack the necessary fat content and the ganache will not set correctly.
- Mini M&M’s: The iconic topping that gives Cosmic Brownies their playful, colorful flair. Mini M&M’s are traditionally used for their perfect proportion and delightful crunch, but if you only have regular-sized M&M’s or other candy-coated chocolate pieces, feel free to use those as a fun alternative.
How to Make Homemade Cosmic Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to create the most incredible Cosmic Brownies right in your own kitchen! Follow these simple steps for fudgy, chocolatey perfection that everyone will adore.
Cosmic Brownies
These homemade Cosmic Brownies are just like your favorite childhood treats, but even better! Indulge in rich, decadent fudgy brownies crowned with a silky chocolate ganache and sprinkled generously with vibrant candy-coated chocolate pieces. A nostalgic delight that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 16 brownies
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (see notes below for salted butter substitution)
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Ganache Frosting:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For Topping:
- ½ cup mini M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This creates “handles” that will make it incredibly easy to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan for neat slicing. Set the prepared pan aside.
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In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter and ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave these ingredients in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the butter and chocolate chips are completely melted and smooth. This typically takes 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overheat.
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To the melted chocolate mixture in the same bowl, add 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
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Next, add ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ teaspoon salt to the bowl. Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher brownies. A few streaks of flour are acceptable.
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Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared 9×9-inch baking dish. Bake on the middle rack of your preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges appear set and firm, but the center still remains slightly soft to the touch (it shouldn’t be liquid or visibly jiggly). Immediately remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish set on a wire rack. This is crucial for fudgy brownies and easy cutting.
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While the brownies cool, prepare the ganache frosting. Add ½ cup heavy cream to a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, or until the cream is hot and just beginning to simmer.
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Pour 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips into the hot cream. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate chips to fully soften and melt from the residual heat. After waiting, gently mix with a whisk or spatula until the chocolate chips have completely melted and the ganache is smooth, glossy, and uniform in consistency.
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Once the brownies are completely cool, pour the prepared chocolate ganache frosting over them. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the frosting evenly across the entire surface. Immediately and evenly sprinkle ½ cup mini M&M’s over the still-wet ganache. Transfer the baking dish to the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 hours, or until the ganache frosting is completely firm and set.
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Once the frosting is firm, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire brownie slab out of the baking dish and onto a cutting board. Slice into 16 equal squares. Serve and enjoy your homemade Cosmic Brownies!
Notes
- For more detailed information on ingredients and common substitutions, please refer to the FAQ and ingredient list sections above.
- These brownies are exceptionally rich, so we recommend cutting them into smaller, manageable slices (16 squares from a 9×9-inch pan is perfect).
- If using salted butter instead of unsalted, reduce the added salt in the brownie batter to ¼ teaspoon (instead of ½ teaspoon) to balance the flavors.
- While you can simply spray your baking pan with nonstick cooking spray (especially those with flour), using parchment paper for lining the pan offers the easiest removal and allows for super neat slicing, which is highly recommended for these beautiful brownies.
- You do not have to keep these refrigerated for serving, but the ganache frosting will soften significantly if left at room temperature for extended periods. For firm frosting, store in the fridge.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Craving More Decadent Recipes?
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- Homemade Lemon Brownies – Fresh, from-scratch lemon goodness.
- Homemade Brownie Mix – Keep this on hand for quick baking.
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- Turtle Brownies – Nuts, caramel, and chocolate perfection.