Let me be real with you right off the bat — I am not what you’d call a Pinterest-perfect baker. My kitchen often looks like a chocolate tornado hit it, and my frosting skills? Let’s just say they’re a little… freestyle. But here’s the thing you need to know: you don’t have to be a pro decorator to whip up fun, festive holiday treats that make people ooh and ahh.
That’s where Star-Spangled Brownies recipe come in! These Fourth of July brownies are everything you want in a holiday dessert: fudgy, chocolatey, dressed in red, white, and blue, and crazy easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a picnic, or just want a patriotic dessert decoration for the kids to enjoy, this recipe has you covered.
And trust me, you won’t mess this up — even if your decorating skills are limited to shaking a bottle of sprinkles. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the most festive brownies of the summer.
Table of contents
Brownie Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these patriotic brownies:
- 1 box brownie mix (9×13 size — I love Duncan Hines, but any boxed mix works)
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup melted butter (swap for oil if you prefer, but butter gives it extra richness)
- ¼ cup cold coffee (secret weapon for amping up that chocolate flavor!)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blue candy melts
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Why coffee? Before you side-eye me, hear me out — cold coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without making your brownies taste like a mocha. But hey, if you’re not a coffee fan, water works fine too!
What We Love About This Recipe
- It’s easy: Thanks to the boxed mix, you’re halfway to brownie bliss before you even crack an egg.
- It’s kid-friendly: The little ones will have a blast shaking on sprinkles and cutting out stars.
- It’s showstopping: You’ll end up with the kind of decorated brownies that make people ask, “Where did you buy these?”
- It’s versatile: Make it ahead, serve warm or cold, or stash a few in the freezer for a late-night chocolate fix.
Plus, let’s be honest — cutting brownies into star shapes is just plain fun. Who says only cookies get to have all the holiday spirit?
How to Make Star-Spangled Brownies
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves. Here’s how to make these red white and blue brownies without breaking a sweat:
Step 1: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine your brownie mix, eggs, melted butter, cold coffee, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything’s smooth and glossy. If you want a little workout, do it by hand — or save your biceps and grab a hand mixer.
Step 2: Pour and Bake
Grease a 9×13 pan (don’t skip this step — trust me, you’ll regret it later). Pour in the batter and smooth it out.
Pop it into a 375°F oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Check for doneness by sticking a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, you’re golden.
Step 3: Cool and Cut
Let the brownies cool completely — seriously, go binge-watch an episode of your favorite show if you have to, because cutting warm brownies is a mess waiting to happen.
Once cool, grab a star-shaped cookie cutter and go to town. Don’t worry about the scraps — we’ll talk about those in a minute.
Step 4: Decorate
Melt your blue candy melts according to package directions, then drizzle it over your star brownies like you’re Jackson Pollock in the kitchen.
While the candy drizzle is still wet, shower those beauties with red, white, and blue sprinkles. It’s okay if it gets a little chaotic — that’s part of the charm.
Step 5: Let Set and Serve
Give the candy melts about 10–15 minutes to set. Then plate up your holiday brownies, snap a few photos for Instagram (tag us!), and watch them disappear at your Fourth of July party.
Helpful Tips
- Butter vs. oil: Butter gives a richer flavor, but you can stick with oil if you prefer.
- Coffee vs. water: Coffee deepens the chocolate vibe; water keeps it classic.
- Save the scraps: Those leftover brownie bits are perfect for snacking or crumbling over ice cream.
- Cutting shapes: Dip your cookie cutter in warm water between cuts for cleaner edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store the brownies?
Pop them into an airtight container at room temp. They’ll stay fresh for 3–5 days — if they last that long!
Should I serve them warm or cold?
Either works! Just make sure the candy melts have fully set before you stack or serve.
What’s the best boxed mix?
I usually go for Duncan Hines, but honestly, any good-quality mix will do the trick.
Why add coffee?
Cold coffee brings out the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee. It’s a pro baker hack — and now it’s yours!
More Fourth of July Favorites
- 4th of July strawberries for patriotic treats
- 4th of July fruit platter
- 4th of July cupcakes
- Bow & arrow cupcakes for festive parties
- Easy Valentine’s Day cookies (for sugar cookie bar inspiration!)
More Brownie Recipes You’ll Love
- Fudgy chewy brookies recipe
- Red velvet brownies
- Hershey’s red velvet blossoms cookies
- Mini crème brûlée cheesecakes
- Valentine’s Day dessert inspiration
Star-Spangled Brownies Recipe Card
Print
Star-Spangled Brownies: The Ultimate Fourth of July Dessert
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
Description
Fudgy, chocolatey brownies dressed in red, white, and blue, perfect for your Fourth of July celebration — and no pro decorating skills required!
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (9×13 size)
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup cold coffee (or water)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blue candy melts
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 pan.
- Mix brownie mix, eggs, butter, coffee, cocoa powder, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour into pan; bake 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely; cut with star cookie cutter.
- Melt candy melts, drizzle over brownies, sprinkle with decorations.
- Let set; store in an airtight container.
Notes
Butter gives a richer flavor, coffee deepens the chocolate, and leftover scraps are perfect for snacking or crumbling over ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 334
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 225mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 53mg
Closing Notes
Don’t toss those brownie scraps — cube them up for mini brownie bites or crumble them over a sundae. Want to really wow your guests? Serve the stars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
And hey, if you love this recipe, sign up for our free kitchen hacks newsletter for more easy dessert magic!
Reader Interactions
Did you try these Star-Spangled Brownies? Drop a comment below — tell us how they turned out, share your own decorating tips, or just brag a little (you deserve it!).
And don’t forget to tag us on Instagram — we love seeing your kitchen masterpieces!
For more creative baking inspiration and marketing ideas, explore the Pinterest or connect with us on Facebook.