Copycat Cosmic Brownies

By srumbel

These copycat brownies are pretty spot on. I used Ghiradelli Natural Unsweetened cocoa powder. They had a darker chocolate flavor which was delicious, but next time I will try using regular cocoa powder and see how they turn out.
The ganache on top was so good. I recommend refrigerating these brownies and eating them cold. Plus it helps the ganache stay firm.
from mandysrecipebox

Ingredients

• For the Brownies
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder or dark cocoa powder (I used Ghiradelli)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• For the Ganache
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup half-and-half or cream
• 1 cup M&M minis (they're sold in small tubes and I used 1 1/2 tubes; regular size M&Ms may be substituted)

Preparation

Step 1

For the Brownies - Preaheat oven to 350F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
In a large, microwave safe bowl, melt the butter, about 90 seconds on high power.
Add the eggs, sugars and vanilla; whisk to combine.
Add the cocoa powder and whisk until incorporated, free from lumps, and smooth.
Add the flour and stir until it's just incorporated; don't overmix.
Turn batter out into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 29 minutes, or until top has just set, isn't jiggly in the center, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few fudgy moist crumbs, but no batter. Allow brownies to cool completely in pan. While brownies cool, make the ganache.
For the Ganache - Add chocolate chips and cream to a medium, microwave-safe bowl and heat on high power for 1 minute; whisk until smooth.
Pour ganache over mostly cooled brownies (after about 30 minutes is fine; they don't have to be completely cooled). Smooth ganache lightly with a spatula or offset knife.
Refrigerate until ganache is mostly set.
Evenly sprinkle with M&Ms. Cover pan with a sheet of foil to prevent fridge smells, and place pan in refrigerator until ganache sets up before slicing and serving, at least 2 hours. Do not slice into them until the ganache has set; You can make these in advance and store them in the fridge; they get better with time. Brownies will keep airtight for 1 week at room temperature, for 2 weeks in the refrigerator, and for up to 6 months in the freezer.