Name: Sourdough Cosmic Brownies with M&Ms Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 150 g All Purpose Flour; 380 g White Sugar; 65 g Cocoa Powder; 3 g Salt; 3 g Baking Powder; 125 g Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips; 130 g Butter, melted; 2 Large Eggs (70 g each); 5 g Vanilla Extract; 120 g Sourdough Starter (active or unfed); 130 g Heavy Whipping Cream; 250 g Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips; 100 g Mini M&Ms (or candy coated chocolate chips)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 45 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the tangy magic of sourdough with the irresistible fun of chocolate and candy, then you’re in for a treat with the Sourdough Cosmic Brownies with M&Ms Recipe. These brownies are the perfect marriage of rich, fudgy chocolate and a subtle sourdough tang that elevates every bite. The crunchy M&Ms scattered on top add bursts of color and sweetness, making these brownies not only delicious but visually playful. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or indulging on a cozy night in, this recipe brings a nostalgic twist that’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny metal square pan lined with light brown parchment paper holds one thick, dark brown chocolate cake with a slightly rough and uneven texture on top. Above it on the left side, there is a white bowl with a soft pink inside, filled with smooth, glossy dark chocolate frosting being mixed by a metal whisk with a golden handle. To the right of the bowl, a smaller white bowl contains colorful candy-coated chocolates in blue, green, orange, yellow, and red. On the right side of the pan, two smooth spatulas lie side by side on a white marbled surface, one pale pink and the other light blue, with comb-shaped edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of fudgy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and that special sourdough note that sets these brownies apart. From the cocoa powder that provides deep color and taste to the butter that ensures moistness, these essentials come together effortlessly.

150 g All Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure without weighing down the brownies.
380 g White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
65 g Cocoa Powder: Delivers that intense chocolate flavor that’s so crave-worthy.
3 g Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
3 g Baking Powder: Gives just the right lift to keep the brownies dense but not heavy.
125 g Chocolate Chips (semi sweet recommended): Adds melty pockets of chocolate throughout for extra indulgence.
130 g Butter (melted): Ensures a moist, luscious texture and rich buttery taste.
2 Large Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the soft crumb.
5 g Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
120 g Sourdough Starter (unfed or active): The secret ingredient offering a subtle tang that makes these brownies unforgettable.
130 g Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for creating that dreamy, glossy ganache topping.
250 g Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted into the ganache for smooth, rich coverage.
100 g Mini M&Ms: Brings colorful crunch and a nostalgic candy vibe on top.

How to Make Sourdough Cosmic Brownies with M&Ms Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 160C (320F). Grab a 9″ x 9″ brownie pan and decide whether you want to grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This preparation step sets you up for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, white sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Whisk these dry components thoroughly until well blended. Next, add the chocolate chips and toss them in the dry mixture to coat them evenly—this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of your brownies.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and your sourdough starter. Whether your starter is unfed or bubbly, it will add that signature tang and moisture, enhancing the brownie’s flavor and texture beautifully.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until just combined. Expect a thick batter—that’s perfectly normal for this hearty brownie mix.

Step 5: Bake Your Brownies

Spoon the thick brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly and pushing it toward the edges since the texture is on the dense side. Bake at 160C (320F) for about 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick around this time; you want it to come out with some moist crumbs still attached, and the top should have a nice crackly finish.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare Ganache

Once out of the oven, allow your brownies to cool for about an hour. Meanwhile, prepare the decadent ganache by heating the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream together—microwaving in short bursts or using a double boiler works well. Whisk until the ganache becomes glossy and smooth.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Pour the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies and top with those irresistible mini M&Ms. Pop the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the ganache set firm before slicing.

How to Serve Sourdough Cosmic Brownies with M&Ms Recipe

The image shows four square chocolate brownies on a white plate with a smooth and shiny chocolate layer on top, decorated with colorful candy pieces scattered evenly across each brownie and a few candies scattered on the plate. Each brownie has two visible layers: a dense, dark brown cake base, and a thick glossy chocolate frosting layer on top. In the blurry background, there is a white marbled surface, a glass of milk with a blue and white striped straw, a bowl filled with more colorful candy pieces, and a knife with a cream-colored handle resting on a cutting board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling extra mini M&Ms on top adds a joyful crunch and pops of color, but you can also try a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flair. Fresh berries or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt can contrast beautifully with the rich fudginess.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that classic dessert combo. A cup of strong coffee or a robust black tea also complements the deep chocolate and tangy sourdough flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Sourdough Cosmic Brownies with M&Ms Recipe into bite-sized squares and pack them in a decorative jar for gifting. Or arrange them on a colorful platter with some fresh mint leaves for an eye-catching dessert spread at your next get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover brownies tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their fudgy texture. Beyond that, refrigeration will keep them fresh for about a week, though the texture will be a little firmer.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies after baking but before adding the ganache. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil, and they will last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding your ganache topping.

Reheating

Warm the brownies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you want to soften them before serving. This revives the fudgy texture and makes slicing through the ganache easier.

FAQs

Can I use sourdough discard instead of active starter?

Absolutely! Both active sourdough starter and discard will add that subtle tang and moisture to your brownies. Just make sure your starter isn’t too thick to avoid streaks in the batter.

What if I don’t have mini M&Ms? Can I use something else?

Feel free to swap the mini M&Ms with any colorful candy-coated chocolates, sprinkles, or even crushed nuts for texture. The key is to add that playful crunch and a bit of color on top.

Why is the batter so thick?

This brownie batter is meant to be thick which gives the brownies their dense, fudgy quality. It’s perfectly normal and will bake into a rich, satisfying treat.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

With some experimentation, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but the texture might vary. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the brownies tender.

How long do the brownies taste best after baking?

Interestingly, these brownies taste best the day after baking. Letting them rest enhances the fudginess and deepens the chocolate flavor, making each bite even more divine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with chocolatey goodness and the unexpected delight of sourdough tang, this Sourdough Cosmic Brownies with M&Ms Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a fun, nostalgic, and utterly delicious way to impress friends or treat yourself. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to bake brownies that feel like a cosmic event on your taste buds – you’ll be so glad you did!