Name: Cosmic Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 1/4 cups flour; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup candy-coated chips, rainbow

Jump to Recipe

This Cosmic Brownies recipe is pure, unfiltered nostalgia baked into every fudgy square. Imagine thick, chewy layers of chocolatey goodness, topped with a silky ganache and a flurry of rainbow candy chips — every bite takes you right back to childhood lunches or first sleepovers. Whether you’re making a batch for your kids or just treating your grown-up self to a retro delight, these Cosmic Brownies are sure to outshine anything you’ll ever find on a grocery store shelf!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A truly great pan of Cosmic Brownies starts with a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the deep cocoa flavor to the pop of color from those iconic rainbow chips. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Unsalted butter: Provides richness and keeps the brownies supremely moist.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The backbone of that deep, chocolatey flavor.
Sugar: Granulated white sugar sweetens the brownies and helps create a crackly top.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note for extra depth and chewiness.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the chocolate and wraps everything in cozy warmth.
Large eggs: Bind the batter and help set that dense, signature texture.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure without making the brownies cakey.
Cornstarch: Ensures the finished treats stay soft and tender, never crumbly.
Salt: Balances out all the sweetness and makes the chocolate sing.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Melted into the ganache for a glossy, rich frosting.
Milk chocolate chips: Lightens the ganache with creamy goodness.
Heavy cream: Brings the ganache together until it’s luxuriously smooth.
Candy coated chips (rainbow): Sprinkle on top for that unmistakable “cosmic” look and a playful crunch.

How to Make Cosmic Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray to ensure effortless brownie removal later. A prepared pan means you can spend more time enjoying brownies and less time prying them out piece by piece!

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the melted butter and unsweetened cocoa powder until you have a luscious, shiny chocolate base. Next, add in the sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and everything’s fully blended — this creates that iconic Cosmic Brownies chew.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cornstarch, and salt together. This helps keep your brownies light and lump-free. Slowly add the dry mix to your chocolatey wet ingredients, whisking only until just combined (don’t overmix!). This balance is what makes the brownies thick, not cakey.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Spread your decadent batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes. When the edges start pulling away and the center is set but still fudgy, you’ll know it’s done. Resist the temptation to overbake; that’s the secret to Cosmic Brownies’ irresistibly soft center!

Step 5: Cool Completely

Take the pan out and let your brownies cool to room temperature. Patience pays off here — if you try to spread ganache on a warm base, it’ll melt into a sticky mess rather than sitting pretty on top.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache

While the brownies cool, scoop your chocolate chips (both semisweet and milk) and heavy cream into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for about 1 minute, let it sit for a minute or two, then stir until smooth, glossy, and irresistible. This luscious ganache is what transforms these brownies from simple to cosmic!

Step 7: Frost the Brownies

Pour that dreamy ganache all over the cooled brownies and gently spread it with a spatula. Don’t forget — while the ganache is still glossy and soft, sprinkle those signature rainbow candy chips on top. They’ll stick perfectly and look just like the Cosmic Brownies you remember.

How to Serve Cosmic Brownies

Garnishes

Besides the vibrant rainbow chips, you can kick up your garnishing game with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a dusting of edible glitter, or a squiggle of white chocolate for a space-age look. No matter what you add, those candy-coated pieces will always steal the show and bring smiles to every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve these Cosmic Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate throwback treat. A mug of hot cocoa or a tall glass of cold milk also pairs wonderfully, making snack time seriously special. For an adults-only twist, a rich espresso or stout beer brings out the deep chocolate notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cosmic party platter, cut the brownies into star shapes or tiny squares for easy snack-sized pieces. Layer them into a parfait with whipped cream and fresh berries, or wrap individual portions in parchment with colorful ribbon for a fun lunchbox surprise. However you serve them, these brownies always get a reaction!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and sliced, store your Cosmic Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To keep them extra fudgy, slip a small slice of bread into the container — it helps maintain the perfect moisture balance and texture.

Freezing

Cosmic Brownies freeze surprisingly well! Simply wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and stash them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll taste fresh and fabulous for up to three months — just thaw at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

If you prefer your brownies a bit warm and gooey, pop a piece in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. Top with ice cream or a little extra ganache if you’re feeling indulgent. Just heat gently, as too much time can turn the rainbow chips soft.

FAQs

Can I make Cosmic Brownies without candy-coated chips?

Absolutely! While the rainbow chips are classic, you can use mini M&Ms or leave them off for a rich, ganache-topped brownie. The magic is in the texture and decadent chocolate flavor, so you’ll still get that Cosmic Brownies experience.

What’s the secret to super-fudgy brownies?

Using more butter and eggs, plus a bit of cornstarch, delivers ultimate chew. Also, avoid overbaking — pull them from the oven as soon as the center is just set for that dense, fudgy texture that Cosmic Brownies are famous for.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Definitely! Just use two 9×13-inch pans or a large rimmed baking sheet to keep the thickness right. Watch the baking time and check for doneness — larger pans can bake a bit faster or slower depending on your oven.

How do I make these nut-free?

The basic recipe contains no nuts, but always check your chocolate chips and rainbow candies for potential allergens. Choose safe brands, and your Cosmic Brownies will be a nut-free delight everyone can enjoy.

Why is my ganache not smooth?

If your ganache turns grainy or thick, just reheat it gently in the microwave in 10-second bursts, stirring after each. If needed, add another splash of cream to bring back that luxurious shine — then spread it atop your Cosmic Brownies with pride!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to channel a bit of bakery magic at home, these Cosmic Brownies are an absolutely joyful treat that never gets old. Don’t wait for a special occasion — gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy a little slice of nostalgia right in your kitchen!

Cosmic Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 10 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 38 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cosmic Brownies are a decadent treat that will take your taste buds on a journey through the stars. Rich fudge brownies topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and colorful candy-coated chips, these brownies are out of this world!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13 baking pan with baking spray. Whisk together cocoa powder and melted butter until smooth.
Whisk in sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Sift together flour, cornstarch, and salt, then whisk it into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Spread into baking pan and bake for 16-18 minutes. Cool completely.
Chocolate Ganache: Add chocolate chips and heavy cream to a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Let sit for 2 minutes then stir until smooth and glossy. Spread over brownies and sprinkle rainbow chocolate chips while ganache is still wet.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American