Cosmic Fudgy Brownies Candies (Print Version)

Ultra-fudgy brownies crowned with decadent chocolate frosting and colorful candy chips for a cosmic treat.

# Ingredients:

→ Brownies

01 - 1 1/2 cups salted butter, partially melted
02 - 1 3/4 cups brown sugar
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 5 eggs
05 - 2 tbsp corn syrup
06 - 1 tbsp vanilla extract
07 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1 1/4 cups Dutch-processed cocoa powder
09 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - 1 tsp baking soda

→ Fudge Frosting and Toppings

12 - 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
13 - 3 oz cream cheese, room temperature
14 - 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
15 - 3 cups powdered sugar
16 - 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
17 - Milk as needed to thin
18 - Candy-coated chocolate chips

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, cream together the partially melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar at high speed for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
03 - Add the eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat at high speed for another 5 minutes.
04 - Add the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda into the bowl. Mix until just combined, then fold the batter by hand to ensure even mixing.
05 - Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. The edges should begin to crackle, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
06 - Immediately upon removing the brownies from the oven, drop the pan onto a sturdy surface multiple times to release excess air and achieve a fudgy texture.
07 - In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the cocoa powder and a teaspoon or two of milk to combine. Mix on a low speed to prevent adding extra air.
08 - Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk as needed, mixing on low speed. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is thick and creamy.
09 - Spread the prepared frosting over the slightly warm brownies in an even layer. Return the pan to the still-warm oven (turned off) for 3–5 minutes to melt the frosting for a smooth finish.
10 - Immediately sprinkle candy-coated chocolate chips on top of the melted frosting. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting.
11 - For easier cutting, optionally freeze the brownies for 30 minutes before slicing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - Dropping the pan after baking helps deflate the brownies for a fudgy texture.
02 - Freezing briefly before cutting ensures cleaner slices.