Homemade Cosmic Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar (white granulated)
• 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
• 0.75 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (natural, unsweetened)
• 1 tsp Instant Espresso Powder (adds depth of flavor)
• 1 tsp Baking Powder (leavening agent)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract (shaken well before measuring)
• 0.5 cup Milk (whole or 2%)
• 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (melted, cooled slightly)
• 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup Semi‑Sweet Chocolate Chips (good quality)
• 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (hot before mixing)
• 0.5 cup Mini M&Ms (optional colorful topping)
• 0.5 cup Chopped Walnuts (optional for walnut version)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

   Set the oven to 350°F. Spray the 9×13‑inch glass baking pan with non‑stick spray, line the bottom with parchment paper, and lightly spray the parchment.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

2. Combine Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly fluffy.

   Time: PT5M

3. Add Wet Ingredients

   Stir in the milk and melted butter to the sugar‑egg mixture until just incorporated.

   Time: PT5M

4. Add Dry Ingredients

   Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Sprinkle the dry mix over the wet mixture and gently fold until just combined—do not over‑mix.

   Time: PT3M

5. Transfer Batter to Pan

   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer.

   Time: PT2M

6. Bake Brownies

   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20‑25 minutes, checking at 20 minutes. The brownies are done when the surface looks set and a gentle finger press leaves a slight give.

   Time: PT22M

   Temperature: 350°F

7. Prepare Chocolate Glaze While Baking

   While the brownies bake, heat the heavy cream in a microwave‑safe bowl for 30 seconds until hot but not boiling.

   Time: PT1M

8. Melt Chocolate Chips

   Pour the hot cream over the semi‑sweet chocolate chips, let sit for a minute, then stir until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.

   Time: PT4M

9. Glaze the Brownies

   When the brownies are out of the oven, immediately pour the chocolate glaze over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

   Time: PT3M

10. Add Toppings

    Scatter the mini M&Ms (or chopped walnuts for a walnut version) over the still‑wet glaze.

    Time: PT2M

11. Chill to Set Glaze

    Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and let the brownies chill for about 1 hour until the glaze is firm.

    Time: PT1H

12. Cut and Serve

    Remove the brownies from the pan using the parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and cut into 12 squares. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

250

Protein

3g

Carbohydrates

30g

Fat

12g

Fiber

2g