Patriotic Brownie Stars

These Patriotic Brownie Stars are a delightful treat that brings a festive spirit to any summer gathering. With their rich chocolate flavor and vibrant colors, these brownies are perfect for barbecues, picnics, or Fourth of July celebrations. The combination of chocolate-dipped stars drizzled with red, white, and blue makes them not just tasty but also visually appealing. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just looking to impress your guests, these brownies will stand out on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun to Make: Kids and adults alike will enjoy cutting out star shapes and decorating these brownies.
• Deliciously Chocolatey: The rich chocolate flavor from the fudge brownie base and the semi-sweet chocolate chips is irresistible.
• Colorful Presentation: The red, white, and blue drizzle adds a festive touch that’s perfect for patriotic holidays.
• Versatile Dessert: These brownies can be customized with different colors or toppings for various occasions throughout the year.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the fun part—making your Patriotic Brownie Stars—you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Jelly Roll pan
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Star cookie cutter
• Piping bags or ziplock bags

Importance of Each Tool

• Jelly Roll pan: This large pan ensures even baking of your brownies, allowing you to cut multiple stars at once.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for mixing ingredients without overworking the batter, resulting in fudgy brownies.
• Star cookie cutter: This tool makes it easy to create fun star shapes that are perfect for any patriotic celebration.
• Piping bags or ziplock bags: Ideal for drizzling melted candy melts over the brownies with precision.

Ingredients

These patriotic star brownies are chocolate dipped and then drizzled with red, white, and blue. A super cute dessert for all summer events.

• 2 boxes Family Sized Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownies (See Notes)
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate wafers
• 1 bag of each red, white, and blue Wilton’s candy melts (you need about 1/3 cup of the wafers)
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles

How to Make Patriotic Brownie Stars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a Jelly Roll pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. Jelly Roll pans typically measure 15.5 x 10.5 inches.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, add both brownie mixes along with the eggs. Then, pour in both the water and oil. Mix well by hand using a rubber spatula until all ingredients are combined.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips into your brownie batter gently.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared Jelly Roll pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cut Out Stars

Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely. Using a star cookie cutter, cut out star shapes from the cooled brownies. Place these brownie stars in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Melt Chocolate Wafers

After chilling, melt Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until fully melted.

Step 7: Dip Brownie Stars

Dip the tops of each star brownie into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring each top is completely covered.

Step 8: Set Chocolate Topping

Allow the chocolate covering on each brownie star to set completely at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator for quicker setting.

Step 9: Drizzle with Candy Melts

Melt separate bowls of red, white, and blue candy melts individually. Transfer melted candy melts into piping bags or ziplock bags. Snip off one end and drizzle over each brownie star creatively.

Step 10: Add Sprinkles

Finish decorating your patriotic brownie stars by adding red, white, and blue sprinkles on top while the drizzle is still wet for extra flair!

How to Serve Patriotic Brownie Stars

These delightful Patriotic Brownie Stars are not only visually appealing but also versatile for various occasions. Here are some fun serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.

At a Summer BBQ

• Ice Cream Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a delicious contrast. The creamy texture complements the chocolate perfectly.
• Fresh Fruit: Add slices of strawberries or blueberries on the side for a refreshing touch. They enhance the patriotic theme and add a burst of flavor.

For Fourth of July Celebrations

• Themed Plates: Present these brownies on red, white, and blue plates to match the festive spirit. It adds an extra layer of fun and celebration.
• Fireworks Presentation: Arrange brownie stars on a platter in the shape of fireworks. Use sparklers as edible decorations for an eye-catching display.

As Party Favors

• Individually Wrapped: Wrap each brownie star in clear cellophane and tie with a red ribbon. This makes them easy to grab and take home.
• Gift Boxes: Place several stars in a small decorative box as a charming party favor. It’s a sweet reminder of the celebration for guests.

How to Perfect Patriotic Brownie Stars

To ensure your Patriotic Brownie Stars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold baking time: Keep an eye on your brownies while baking. Overbaking can make them dry, so check for doneness around 25 minutes.
• Bold cooling completely: Let brownies cool completely before cutting into stars. This prevents them from crumbling when you use the cookie cutter.
• Bold use of quality chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate wafers and chips for dipping. They melt better and provide richer flavor.
• Bold freezing method: Freezing the cut-out brownies helps the chocolate adhere better when dipped. It also makes handling easier during decoration.
• Bold drizzle technique: Use piping bags for drizzling candy melts; it gives you more control over designs and patterns.

Best Side Dishes for Patriotic Brownie Stars

Pairing side dishes with your Patriotic Brownie Stars can enhance your dessert table at any gathering. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that balances the richness of the brownies.
2. Cheesecake Bites: Small cheesecake squares offer creamy indulgence that contrasts beautifully with brownie texture.
3. Mini Corn Dogs: These savory treats add an element of fun and are perfect for outdoor gatherings.
4. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a colorful appetizer complementing your dessert.
5. Potato Salad: A classic side dish that pairs well with summer events and offers something hearty alongside sweets.
6. Grilled Veggies: Charred vegetables add a smoky flavor profile that contrasts nicely with sweet desserts like brownies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Patriotic Brownie Stars can be fun, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the brownies before cutting can result in messy shapes. Make sure to freeze the brownies for at least 30 minutes for clean cuts.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined for a softer, fudgier texture.
• Not using parchment paper: Skipping parchment paper may cause sticking. Always line your pan with parchment for easy removal.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
• Neglecting to melt chocolate properly: Melting chocolate too quickly can cause it to seize. Heat in 30-second intervals and stir frequently for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Brownies will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Patriotic Brownie Stars

• Wrap each brownie star individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Patriotic Brownie Stars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place brownies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual brownie stars on a plate for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a brownie star in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Patriotic Brownie Stars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day or two in advance and store them properly in the refrigerator or freezer.

What type of chocolate should I use?

Using semi-sweet chocolate chips is recommended, but you can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate according to your preference.

How do I customize my Patriotic Brownie Stars?

You can add different sprinkles or use various colors of candy melts to match any occasion or theme!

Can I use homemade brownie mix instead?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, feel free to substitute it for the boxed mix.

What should I serve with these brownies?

These brownies pair well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Final Thoughts

These Patriotic Brownie Stars are not only visually appealing but also deliciously rich and chocolaty. They’re perfect for summer celebrations like Independence Day or Memorial Day. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or colors based on your event! Try making these delightful treats and watch them become a favorite among family and friends.

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Patriotic Brownie Stars

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These Patriotic Brownie Stars are the ultimate dessert for summer festivities, combining rich chocolate flavor with a vibrant and colorful presentation. Perfect for Fourth of July celebrations, barbecues, or any outdoor gathering, these brownie stars are both fun to make and delicious to eat. Each brownie is dipped in smooth chocolate and drizzled with red, white, and blue candy melts, creating a delightful treat that will impress guests of all ages. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can whip up these festive delights in no time.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boxes Family Sized Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownies
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate wafers
• Red, white, and blue Wilton's candy melts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a Jelly Roll pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix both brownie mixes with eggs, water, and oil until combined.
3. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting star shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Freeze the star-shaped brownies for at least 30 minutes.
7. Melt Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate wafers in intervals until smooth.
8. Dip each brownie star top into melted chocolate, then let set.
9. Melt red, white, and blue candy melts separately; drizzle over the stars creatively.
10. Add sprinkles while the drizzle is still wet.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 star brownie (45g)
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For variation, try using different colors of candy melts or toppings based on the occasion. Ensure brownies cool completely before cutting to maintain their shape.