Get ready to blast off into chocolatey bliss with our homemade cosmic brownies! These chewy, fudgy delights are packed with rainbow-colored candies and topped with a rich layer of chocolate ganache. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and bringing a nostalgic treat to any occasion!
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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.
Why You'll Love Making Homemade Cosmic Brownies
The great thing about Cosmic Brownies is that they are SO fudgy and chocolatey! The ganache frosting is rich and delicious, and they bring about a feeling of nostalgia and will hold a special place in your memory.
What are Cosmic Brownies?
Original Cosmic Brownies are made by Little Debbie and sold in most grocery stores. They have been sold for many years and enjoyed by many generations. The homemade version of Cosmic Brownies are made with cocoa powder, oil, and flour. They are also made with a chocolate ganache frosting and are topped with rainbow chips.
What Makes Brownies Fudgy?
The key to making fudgy brownies is not to overmix the batter. Overmixing will make the brownies tough. Another tip is to use oil in this homemade cosmic brownies recipe. Oil makes the brownies moist and helps to keep them from drying out.
Cosmic Brownie Ingredients
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Butter: I used unsalted butter, but you can use salted if you would like.
- Sugar & Brown Sugar: Both used to sweeten the brownies. Use white granulated sugar and light brown sugar.
- Eggs: Three eggs plus one egg yolk are used in this recipe. The extra yolk makes the brownies extra fudgy!
- Vanilla Extract: Added for flavor. Pure vanilla extract of imitation will both work.
- Corn Syrup: This helps to keep the brownies moist and prevents them from drying out.
- Salt: A little bit of salt helps to enhance the flavors.
- Baking Soda: This helps the brownies to rise.
- Corn Starch: This is what gives the brownies their fudgy texture.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use good quality cocoa powder for the best flavor. I used Ghirardelli 100% cocoa powder.
- Flour: All-Purpose flour is best for these brownies.
- Vegetable Oil: This helps to keep the brownies moist and prevents them from drying out. You can also use canola oil or melted coconut oil.
Ganache Frosting Ingredients
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: I used Ghirardelli chocolate chips, but you can use any brand that you like.
- Butter: Just like the brownies, I used unsalted butter when making the ganache, but you can use salted butter if you would like.
- Whole Milk: You can also use heavy cream, if you prefer. If heavy cream is used, butter is not necessary.
- Sprinkles: I used rainbow chip sprinkles, but you can use any type of sprinkle that you like.
How to Make Cosmic Brownies
[Step 1] Add the melted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, oil and corn syrup to a large bowl. Stir to combine.
[Step 2] In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
[Step 3] Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
[Step 4] Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper and spread the brownie batter to the edges.
[Step 5] Bake the brownies at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, until the center is set. Do not overbake.
[Step 6] Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
[Step 7] Ganache Frosting: Place chocolate chips, butter, and milk to a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat, stirring constantly.
[Step 8] Once the chocolate has completely melted and the ganache is smooth, allow it to cool for 30 minutes before spreading over the top of the brownies. Sprinkle with rainbow chips.
[Step 9] Refrigerate the brownies for 60 minutes before cutting into bars and serving. Yum!
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Mixing Bowls
- Rubber Spatula
- Wooden Spoons
- Baking Dish
- Parchment Paper Sheets
- Plastic Wrap (for storage)
Where to Buy Rainbow Chips
The rainbow chips that look similar to those on store-bought brownies can be hard to find. I would start by checking a craft store like Michael's or Jo-Ann for the Wilton brand Rainbow Crunch Sprinkles. I found mine from Amazon. Check them out here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache frosting? Yes! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. Just be sure to use a good quality chocolate that you enjoy the taste of.
- Do I have to use rainbow chips? No, you don't have to use rainbow chips. You can top the brownies with any type of sprinkle that you like.
- Why are cosmic brownies so good? Cosmic brownies are so good because they are super fudgy and chocolatey, with a rich ganache frosting on top. They are also sprinkled with rainbow chips, which makes them perfect for any celebration.
- What is the best way to cut cosmic brownies? For best results, cut the cosmic brownies is using a sharp knife to make sure that the brownies are completely cooled before cutting. Otherwise, they will be very difficult to cut and will likely fall apart. Use the sides of the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the baking dish and onto a cutting board. I like to cut off the edges and then cut into 24 brownies.
- Do I have to refrigerate cosmic brownies? No, you don't have to refrigerate cosmic brownies. However, I find that they are easier to cut when they are cold. Plus, the ganache frosting sets up nicely in the refrigerator.
- Why Do You Need and Extra Egg Yolk? The extra egg yolk helps to make the brownies nice and fudgy. If you don't have an extra egg yolk, you can just use 2 whole eggs.
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Cosmic Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
Brownies
- ¾ Cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 ½ Cups Sugar
- ½ Cup Brown Sugar
- 3 Eggs + 1 Egg Yolk
- 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Tablespoon Corn Syrup
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 ½ Cups Cocoa Powder
- 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ Cup Vegetable Oil
Ganache Frosting
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk
Sprinkles
- Rainbow Chip Sprinkles
Instructions
- Add the melted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, oil and corn syrup to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not over mix.
- Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper and spread the brownie batter to the edges.
- Bake the brownies at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, until the center is set. Do not over bake.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
- Ganache Frosting: Add the chocolate chips, butter, and milk to a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once the chocolate has completely melted and the ganache is smooth, allow it to cool for 30 minutes before spreading over the top of the brownies. Sprinkle with rainbow chips.
- Refrigerate the brownies for 30 minutes before cutting into bars and serving. Yum!
