Christmas Brownies Recipe (cosmic brownies)
Brownies are perfect all year round, but these are special brownies, for the most wonderful time of the year! They are dense, fudgy brownies, flavoured with classic xmas spices and clementines, topped with a thick, shiny ganache, and some fun festive sprinkles. Like, a cosmic christmas brownie.
Equipment
- 9x9 inch square baking pan
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 150 g butter 10.5 tbsp
- 150 g dark chocolate 5.5 oz
- 200 g caster sugar 1 cup
- 100 g light brown sugar 1/2 cup
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp espresso powder (or instant coffee, diluted in 2 tbsp of water)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- zest of 2 clementines
- 120 g plain flour 1 cup
- 60 g cocoa powder 1/4 cup
Ganache Ingredients
- 150 ml double cream 5.5 oz
- 150 g semi-sweet chocolate (or you could use half milk and dark chocolate) 5.5 oz
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- a sprinkle of flaky salt
- Sprinkles to top the brownies
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 175 celsius / 350 fahrenheit / gas mark 4.
- Melt the butter and chocolate together in a saucepan, on a low heat (or in the microwave, in a microwave safe bowl).
- In a large bowl, add in the sugars, spices and clementine zest and rub together with the pads of your fingers.
- Then, crack in the eggs and whisk with a hand mixer, stand mixer or whisk, for around 5 minutes or until the mixture is light, pale and fluffy.
- Now, pour the cooled butter and chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and fold in gently.
- Finally, sift in the flour and cocoa powder, and combine. Being very careful not to overmix!
- Pour the brownie batter into a lined 9x9 inch baking pan and bake for 20 - 25 minutes. To check when the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the centre, it should have a few crumbs on it.
- To make the ganache, pour the cream into a small saucepan and add the chocolate, vanilla and salt. Cook on a low heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate has melted and the ganache is shiny!
- Once the brownies are baked and at room temperature, pour over the ganache and smooth evenly, then top with the sprinkles.
- Place the brownies into the fridge to set for 1 hour or at room temp for 2 hours.
- Finally, use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into 16 squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a Toothpick - to check when the brownies are done, it should have a few crumbs on it
- Store the Brownies - in a airtight container or tin, once the ganache has fully set and store at room temperature, they should last for about 3 days
- Use Dutch Processed Cocoa - for the best flavour profile and chocolate taste
- If you don't like cinnamon, cardamom or nutmeg - simply leave it out!
- To cut the brownies - use a sharp knife and clean it in between cuts, for a professional look