If you’ve ever found yourself craving the fudgy, chewy delight of those nostalgic treats from your school lunchbox, you’re in for a real treat with this Cosmic Brownies Recipe. Imagine rich chocolate squares covered with a glossy layer of silky ganache and topped with colorful candy-coated chips—it’s equal parts fun and decadence! This recipe brings together the perfect texture and flavor, all in one easy-to-follow method you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re making them for a birthday, a party, or just to satisfy your inner kid, this Cosmic Brownies Recipe is here to deliver a little bite of cosmic joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-staple ingredients makes these brownies both easy and special. Each item on this list plays a crucial role in achieving the iconic chewy bite, rich chocolate flavor, and that signature burst of color on top.

Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, melted): Using melted butter adds richness and helps achieve the brownies’ famously fudgy texture.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Brings classic sweetness and a glossy finish to the brownie top.
Brown sugar (2/3 cup, packed): Adds a subtle caramel note and helps create soft, chewy centers.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give the brownies their tender structure.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the chocolate and rounds out the flavors.
Whole milk (1/4 cup): Contributes moisture for a softer, gooier crumb.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): The backbone of the batter, ensuring the perfect density.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Delivers a deep, chocolatey punch in every bite.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a slight lift so the brownies don’t turn out too dense.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup, for ganache): The backbone of that irresistible, shiny ganache layer.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup, for ganache): Creates a smooth, velvety chocolate topping.
Rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips (1/4 cup, or rainbow sprinkles): Bring the whimsy and color that make Cosmic Brownies so iconic!

How to Make Cosmic Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a bit of overhang on the sides. This little trick makes lifting and slicing your Cosmic Brownies Recipe a breeze, ensuring those perfect, bakery-style squares.

Step 2: Create the Brownie Batter

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and whole milk, whisking just until everything is combined. You’ll notice the batter turning rich and creamy which is exactly what you want for chewy, decadent brownies.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Sifting not only removes lumps but helps all the dry ingredients blend evenly, so you don’t end up with dry spots or pockets of cocoa.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until there are no more dry streaks—overmixing can make the brownies tough rather than tender. Your batter should be thick and glossy, promising that signature Cosmic Brownies Recipe texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 18–22 minutes; you’re looking for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Resist the urge to overbake; the brownies will continue to set as they cool, helping lock in that soft, fudgy bite.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Let the brownies cool entirely in the pan. Patience is a virtue here—rushing this step might make the ganache melt or turn runny, and no one wants that!

Step 7: Make the Ganache

Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan (or the microwave), just until it starts to simmer. Pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl, then let it sit for about 2 minutes. Stir until you have a lusciously smooth and shiny glaze. This ganache is key to the luxurious finish of the Cosmic Brownies Recipe.

Step 8: Assemble and Chill

Spread the ganache all over the cooled brownies, using a spatula to reach the corners for that thick, even layer. Immediately sprinkle with rainbow candy-coated chips (or sprinkles) so they stick. Place the pan in the fridge for 1–2 hours, letting the ganache set fully before slicing into clean bars.

How to Serve Cosmic Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

The classic topping is a riot of rainbow candy chips, but you can also play with extras like a drizzle of caramel, a handful of mini chocolate chips, or a dusting of cocoa powder for a sophisticated twist. The key is to let that colorful ganache shine as the star.

Side Dishes

Cosmic Brownies are rich and chocolatey, so they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk. For a party platter, add some fresh sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream to keep things balanced and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the basic squares! You can cut the brownies into fun shapes with cookie cutters, or pop them onto cake pop sticks for a cosmic dessert-on-the-go. One fun idea: serve them on a platter lined with star-shaped candies or edible glitter for a truly out-of-this-world look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your brownies are set, store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen runs warm, it’s best to pop them in the fridge so the ganache stays firm and glossy.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze sliced Cosmic Brownies between sheets of parchment in a sealed container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

While you usually enjoy these brownies chilled or at room temperature, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back a bit of gooiness to the ganache and makes the chocolate flavors sing. Just be careful not to overheat or the candy chips might melt.

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix for this Cosmic Brownies Recipe?

While a boxed mix is convenient, making these brownies from scratch is what gives them that ultra-chewy and rich homemade texture. But, if you’re in a pinch, you can use your favorite boxed mix and follow the ganache and topping steps for a shortcut version.

What can I use if I don’t have rainbow candy-coated chips?

No rainbow chips? No problem! Mini M&M’s, regular rainbow sprinkles, or colored baking chips all give the same fun effect, so feel free to get creative with what you have on hand.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Keep a close eye during the last few minutes. A toothpick poked into the center should come out with moist, fudgy crumbs—not completely clean. Remember, they’ll keep firming up as they cool and while they chill in the fridge.

Can I make a gluten-free version of the Cosmic Brownies Recipe?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free blend. All the other ingredients should already be gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a cosmic treat.

Why is chilling after ganache important?

This step is essential for that classic Cosmic Brownies Recipe texture. It gives the ganache time to firm up and lets all the flavors come together, ensuring each slice is clean, chewy, and picture-perfect.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bring a little nostalgia—and a lot of chocolatey joy—into your kitchen with this Cosmic Brownies Recipe. There’s something truly magical about mastering this childhood favorite at home. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these vibrant, chewy brownies. You deserve a taste of the cosmos!

Cosmic Brownies Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus cooling and chilling)
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cosmic Brownies are a homemade version of the classic childhood treat, featuring a fudgy brownie base topped with a rich chocolate ganache and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings!

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies:

3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Ganache Topping:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips (or rainbow sprinkles)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
Mix wet ingredients: Whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and milk; whisk until combined.
Combine dry ingredients: Sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until just incorporated.
Bake: Pour batter into pan, smooth the top, and bake for 18–22 minutes. Do not overbake.
Make ganache: Heat cream until simmering, pour over chocolate chips, let sit, then stir until smooth.
Top and chill: Spread ganache over cooled brownies, sprinkle with rainbow chips, refrigerate until set.
Serve: Slice into bars and enjoy!