Cosmic Brownies

These Cosmic Brownies are just like your favorite childhood treats (but better). Rich, decadent homemade brownies with a chocolate ganache layer and candy coated chocolate pieces on top.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Chill Time 1 30

Total Time 2

Servings

Calories 344kcal

Author Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (see notes below)
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 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&Ms

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper (this will make it easier to remove after baking, see notes below.) Set aside.
Add 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter and 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments, mixing well in between, until the chocolate and butter have melted.
To the same bowl add 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 3 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture, and whisk until well combined.
Add 3/4 cup all purpose flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt and mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake on the middle rack for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges have set and the center is still soft (but not jiggly.) Allow to cool completely in the baking dish.
To make the ganache frosting, add 1/2 cup heavy cream to a large mixing bowl. Microwave for 1 minute.
Add 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips to the heated cream, and allow to sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt. Mix until smooth and the chocolate chips have completely melted.
Pour and spread this frosting over the cooled brownie. Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup mini M&Ms on top then transfer to the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the frosting is firm.
Slice into 16 squares and enjoy. Note: You do not have to keep these refrigerated but the frosting will soften if it stays at room temperature.

Notes

Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
These brownies are very rich so I suggest cutting into smaller slices.
You can use salted butter. Just adjust the amount of salt added to 1/4 teaspoon (instead of half a teaspoon.)
You can just spray the baking pan with nonstick cooking spray (I prefer the kind with flour in it.) However, it can be a little tricky to sometimes slice and serve so I use the parchment paper.

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