If you ever craved a taste of sweet nostalgia, these Cosmic Brownies are calling your name! With their melt-in-your-mouth fudgy texture, silky chocolate ganache, and iconic rainbow sprinkles dancing across the top, they’re a treat that’s just as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re whipping them up for a birthday, a bake sale, or just a well-deserved weeknight indulgence, settling in with Cosmic Brownies guarantees a mood boost and a throwback to the best parts of childhood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cosmic Brownies is that every ingredient plays a starring role—creating a rich, chocolatey bar that’s delightfully fudgy with every bite. Gather these kitchen staples and you’ll see just how easy it is to bring this beloved classic to life.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Gives the brownies a luscious, tender crumb and unbeatable richness.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps create that signature shiny, crackly top.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds depth of flavor and extra moisture for ultimate fudginess.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything together while giving structure and chew.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the chocolate with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base of the brownie, keeping them soft, not cakey.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): Delivers the intense chocolate punch Cosmic Brownies are known for.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies all the chocolate flavors.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The secret to a silky, decadent ganache layer.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melted with cream for that dreamy, glossy topping.
- Rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or sprinkles (1/2 cup): An essential final touch for that cheerful, cosmic look.
How to Make Cosmic Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Set the scene by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra over the sides—this makes lifting the brownies out later a total breeze and helps guarantee clean edges.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until everything is glossy and smooth. This is where the magic starts—with the butter slightly warm, it dissolves the sugars for the perfect, shiny top! Add in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each, then stir in vanilla extract until the mixture is thick and irresistibly creamy.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, sift in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt, folding gently with a spatula. Stop as soon as the batter comes together. Over-mixing here can lead to cakey brownies, but we’re after that fudgy, dense Cosmic Brownies texture!
Step 4: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly. Pop it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the brownies are ready when a toothpick in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Err on the side of underbaking for the ultimate gooey center.
Step 5: Prepare the Ganache
While the brownies bake, get your ganache ready. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer (don’t let it boil!). Remove from heat, add the semisweet chocolate chips, and let the mixture sit for 2 minutes. Stir it all together until you’re met with a silky, glossy chocolate pour.
Step 6: Assemble the Cosmic Brownies
Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—a little warmth helps the ganache spread perfectly. Pour the ganache over the entire surface and use a spatula to coax it into every corner. Right away, sprinkle the rainbow candy-coated chips or colorful sprinkles on top so they stick beautifully. Let everything set until firm before cutting into thick, square brownies.
How to Serve Cosmic Brownies
Garnishes
Nothing screams Cosmic Brownies more than those rainbow chocolate chips! For even more pizzazz, try extra mini marshmallows, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or even edible glitter for a party-ready look. Each garnish adds a bit of magic and makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
Balance out the richness of Cosmic Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Chilled berries or a glass of cold milk, coffee, or even hot cocoa make for dreamy pairings that will keeps guests (young and old) coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
Cosmic Brownies look fantastic sliced into neat squares, but why not use cookie cutters for fun shapes at kids’ parties? You can stack pieces into dessert towers, serve them individually wrapped for lunchboxes, or even crumble them over parfaits and milkshakes for a whimsical twist. Let your creativity match the color and spirit of these treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Cosmic Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Layer parchment or wax paper between pieces to prevent the ganache from sticking, and set the container somewhere cool and dry—if they last that long!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Cosmic Brownies for future cravings. Slice them, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for that just-baked taste.
Reheating
To enjoy Cosmic Brownies warm, pop a piece in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the ganache and makes the brownie extra gooey. If you prefer a cold, fudgy bite, they’re also fantastic straight from the fridge!
FAQs
Can I use butter substitutes to make these brownies dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for high-quality vegan margarine and use a plant-based cream for the ganache. Make sure to pick dairy-free chocolate chips and check your sprinkles for hidden dairy ingredients!
Why aren’t my Cosmic Brownies as fudgy as I hoped?
The key to ultimate fudginess is to avoid overmixing your batter and not overbaking. Pull the brownies from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs—this will guarantee a dense, fudgy bite instead of a dry or cakey texture.
Can I double the recipe to feed a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans or switch to a large sheet pan. Just check the brownies earlier than you think, as oven times can vary with different pans and thicknesses.
What other toppings work well with Cosmic Brownies?
Aside from rainbow candy chips, try chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or swirls of peanut butter. Have fun mixing and matching—you can make every batch uniquely yours!
How do I get perfectly clean cuts with the ganache and sprinkles on top?
For bakery-worthy squares, let the brownies and ganache cool completely. Use a sharp knife, dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each slice, to glide right through the layers. This gives you those crisp, photo-ready edges every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s equal parts crowd-pleaser and nostalgic comfort, look no further than these Cosmic Brownies. They deliver smiles with every bite and are so easy to customize for any occasion. Grab your ingredients, get a friend or a kid involved, and treat yourself to this vibrant, chocolatey adventure!
Print
Cosmic Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cosmic delight of these fudgy homemade Cosmic Brownies topped with colorful rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips. Perfect for kids’ parties or a sweet treat for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ganache Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt, fold until combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan, spread evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center has moist crumbs.
- Make Ganache: Heat heavy cream until simmering, remove from heat, add chocolate chips, stir until smooth.
- Top and Serve: Pour ganache over brownies, spread evenly, top with rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips. Let it set before slicing.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, avoid overbaking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
