DIY Cosmic Brownies
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- Nonstick spray for greasing
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (28g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., canola or vegetable)
- 5 oz (142g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2/3 cup (145g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (72g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
For the Ganache and Topping:
- 3 oz (85g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- A pinch of kosher salt
- 6 tbsp heavy cream
- Candy-coated chocolate sprinkles, for topping
Instructions:
- Prep Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F with a rack in the middle. Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on two sides. Grease the parchment as well.
- Chocolate Mixture: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until just melted. Off the heat, whisk in cocoa powder and oil until smooth. Add the chopped chocolate and stir until melted. Let cool slightly.
- Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla for about 2 minutes until lighter in color. Combine with the slightly cooled chocolate mixture.
- Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Fold into the chocolate and egg mixture until just mixed, with some streaks okay.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25-28 minutes, until the top is crinkly and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Ganache: Place chopped chocolate and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Heat cream in a saucepan until simmering, then pour over chocolate. Let sit, then stir until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Decorate and Set: Add chocolate sprinkles on top of the ganache. Chill in the fridge until set, about 30 minutes.
- Slice and Serve: Lift brownies out using the parchment. If desired, flip for an even surface before adding ganache. Cut into bars or squares. For a signature look, cut into bars then gently score a line down the center of each with a spatula or knife, without cutting through.
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Enjoy your homemade cosmic delight!