These Patriotic Brownie Stars are not only a delightful dessert but also an eye-catching treat perfect for summer gatherings. Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day, Memorial Day, or just enjoying a sunny picnic, these star-shaped brownies will steal the show. With their rich chocolate flavor and vibrant red, white, and blue drizzle, they make any occasion more festive and fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these brownies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Appearance: The star shape and colorful toppings make these brownies a standout dessert for celebrations.
• Deliciously Rich Flavor: The combination of fudgy brownie texture with chocolate dipping creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out colors or toppings to match your event theme or personal preference.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These brownies are sure to impress guests of all ages at your next gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Patriotic Brownie Stars, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

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 the brownie mixture, helping them cook perfectly.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for easy mixing without cross-contamination of ingredients.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for mixing and folding in chocolate chips; it helps avoid overmixing the batter.

Ingredients

For these delicious Patriotic Brownie Stars, you will need:

• 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
• 1 bag of each red, white, and blue Wilton’s candy melts (about 1/3 cup of each)
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles

this recipe

How to Make Patriotic Brownie Stars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a jelly roll pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. The jelly roll pan typically measures 15.5 x 10.5 inches.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine both brownie mixes with the eggs. Add the water and vegetable oil, then mix well using a rubber spatula until combined.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 5: Cut Out Star Shapes

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

Step 6: Melt Chocolate Wafers

Melt the Ghiradelli dark chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second intervals until fully melted.

Step 7: Dip Brownies in Chocolate

Dip the tops of each brownie star into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are completely covered. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before setting aside.

Step 8: Drizzle Candy Melts

Melt each color of Wilton’s candy melts in separate bowls. Place melted wafers into piping bags or ziplock bags, snip off a small corner, and drizzle over the brownie stars as desired.

Step 9: Add Sprinkles

Finish off by adding red, white, and blue sprinkles on top of your drizzled stars for an extra festive touch!

Now you’re ready to serve up some delightful Patriotic Brownie Stars that will surely be a hit at any summer event!

How to Serve Patriotic Brownie Stars

These Patriotic Brownie Stars are perfect for any summer celebration. Whether it’s a barbecue, a picnic, or a festive gathering, these treats can be served in various delightful ways.

Individual Servings

• Serve each brownie star on a colorful paper plate for a fun touch.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the chocolate flavor.

Decorative Platter

• Arrange the brownie stars on a large platter with fresh strawberries and blueberries for an eye-catching display.
• Garnish with mint leaves to add freshness and color.

Party Favors

• Package individual brownie stars in clear bags tied with red, white, and blue ribbons as party favors.
• Include a small tag that says “Thank you for celebrating with us!”

Dessert Bar

• Set up a dessert bar where guests can drizzle extra melted chocolate and sprinkles on their brownie stars.
• Provide toppings like whipped cream or crushed nuts for added texture.

How to Perfect Patriotic Brownie Stars

For the best Patriotic Brownie Stars, follow these essential tips to ensure they come out delicious and beautiful.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate and candy melts for the best flavor.
• Cool Completely: Make sure the brownies cool completely before cutting; this prevents them from crumbling.
• Chill Before Dipping: Freezing the cut-out stars helps the chocolate coating set better without dripping.
• Drizzle Creatively: Use piping bags for drizzling; this allows for more control over designs and patterns.
• Add Texture: Consider adding chopped nuts or crushed cookies on top for added crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Patriotic Brownie Stars

Pair your Patriotic Brownie Stars with some delightful side dishes that will enhance your celebration’s theme. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that balances out the sweetness of the brownies.
2. Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds a fresh and tangy element to your meal.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter is always a hit at summer gatherings.
4. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad can complement the richness of the brownies well.
5. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer freshness.
6. Veggie Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh veggies served with dip provides a healthy option alongside sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Patriotic Brownie Stars, some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the Cooling Time: Not allowing the brownies to cool completely can result in messy cuts. Always let them cool before using a cookie cutter.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the texture. Ensure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for even baking.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough brownies. Stir until just combined for a fudgy texture.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Skipping parchment paper can cause brownies to stick. Always line your pan for easy removal.
• Ignoring Chocolate Melting Tips: Melting chocolate too quickly can cause it to seize. Use short intervals in the microwave and stir between each for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store brownies in an airtight container.
• They will keep fresh for about 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Patriotic Brownie Stars

• Wrap individual brownie stars tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Patriotic Brownie Stars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place brownies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a brownie in a skillet over low heat with a lid on, warming it gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Patriotic Brownie Stars that may help you enjoy this dessert even more:

Can I use other types of brownie mixes?

Yes, you can use any brownie mix you prefer! Just make sure it’s a family-sized box similar to Duncan Hines.

How do I add more color to my brownies?

You can incorporate food coloring into the melted chocolate or candy melts for vibrant colors before drizzling.

What if I don’t have star cookie cutters?

You can use any shape cookie cutter or simply cut them into squares or rectangles instead!

How should I store leftover brownie stars?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for maximum freshness over several days.

Final Thoughts

These Patriotic Brownie Stars are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for summer celebrations and gatherings. You can easily customize them with different colors or toppings based on your occasion. Try this fun dessert recipe and impress your friends and family!