Star-Spangled Brownies: Festive Fourth of July Dessert

There's something magical about combining the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the vibrant colors of the American flag. These Star-Spangled Brownies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you're hosting a Fourth of July barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving a patriotic dessert, these brownies are sure to impress.

---

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Patriotic Presentation: The red, white, and blue decorations make these brownies a standout on any dessert table.
• Easy to Make: Utilizing a boxed brownie mix simplifies the process, allowing more time for fun and celebration.
• Kid-Friendly: Children will enjoy helping with the decorating, making it a fun family activity.
• Versatile: Perfect for various occasions—Memorial Day, Labor Day, or any day you feel like celebrating America.

---

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1 box (9x13 size) brownie mix
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup cooled coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Decoration:

• 6 ounces blue candy melts
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, cooled coffee, softened butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.

4. Cut into Stars

Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out star-shaped brownies. Save the scraps for snacking or other creative uses.

5. Decorate

Place the star-shaped brownies on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Melt the blue candy melts according to the package instructions. Drizzle the melted candy over the brownies and immediately sprinkle with red, white, and blue sprinkles. Allow the decorations to set before serving.

---

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Brownie Sundae Bar: Set up a DIY brownie sundae station with various toppings like whipped cream, cherries, and nuts.
• Patriotic Platter: Arrange the brownies on a platter with fresh strawberries and blueberries for a festive presentation.

---

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed brownies for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate before serving.

---

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 334
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 4g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

---

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, feel free to use it as the base for these star-spangled treats.

What if I don't have a star-shaped cookie cutter?

No problem! You can cut the brownies into squares and decorate them similarly. The festive colors will still shine through.

Can I use different colored candy melts?

Yes, feel free to get creative with the colors to match different holidays or themes.