Homemade Cosmic Brownies: The Ultimate Recipe for Fudgy, Chewy, and Colorful Chocolate Bliss
Prepare to embark on a nostalgic journey with these incredibly delicious homemade Cosmic Brownies! If you’re a fan of rich, fudgy chocolate, a delightful chewiness, and a vibrant burst of color, then this recipe is about to become your new favorite. These aren’t just any brownies; they’re an elevated take on the classic treat, made from scratch with a luscious chocolate ganache and those irresistible crunchy rainbow chips that everyone adores. Best of all, they come together in less than 30 minutes of active preparation time!
As a devoted chocolate lover, these brownies hold a special place in my heart, right alongside other beloved chocolate confections like my decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake and the delightful Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes. But there’s something uniquely magical about Cosmic Brownies that evokes childhood memories and pure joy.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cosmic Brownie Recipe
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy, and intensely fudgy brownie base, followed by a layer of smooth, rich homemade chocolate ganache, all crowned with crunchy, vibrant rainbow chips. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience! This recipe delivers everything a brownie should be – moist, chocolatey, and utterly satisfying. It’s truly perfect for kids, thanks to its super yummy taste and captivating colors, and equally adored by adults who appreciate a high-quality, homemade twist on a classic snack.
What makes these brownies stand out? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The deep chocolate notes of the brownie complement the creamy ganache, while the rainbow chips provide a delightful pop of color and a satisfying crunch in every bite. There’s no need to change a thing about this meticulously crafted recipe; it truly is brownie perfection!
A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Origin of My Cosmic Brownies
The inspiration for perfecting these homemade cosmic brownies came from a very special request. My little niece, Alyssa, asked for them for her 7th birthday! I was quite surprised she knew about them, but it turns out she’d heard the adults in the family reminiscing about how good the store-bought versions used to be. For the longest time, I wasn’t particularly a fan of the original Cosmic Brownies myself, but Alyssa’s enthusiasm changed my perspective. Last year, she requested M&M Brownies, which were a huge hit, proving her undeniable love for all things brownie. Her latest request was the perfect excuse to create a homemade version that surpasses the nostalgic original, delivering an even more delicious and truly fudgy experience.
What Exactly Are Cosmic Brownies?
For those unfamiliar, Cosmic Brownies are a beloved, iconic treat distinguished by their dense, fudgy chocolate brownie base, a smooth, glossy layer of chocolate ganache, and a playful scattering of colorful, candy-coated chocolate chips (often called rainbow chips or sprinkles). They are known for their distinct taste and texture that sets them apart from your everyday brownie. Our homemade version captures that essence but elevates it with premium ingredients and an irresistible from-scratch taste that you simply can’t get from a package.
How to Make the Best Homemade Cosmic Brownies: Step-by-Step
This recipe for cosmic brownies is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to create these delightful treats:
The Fudgy Brownie Base
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This thoughtful step will allow for effortless removal of the brownies once they’re baked and cooled.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting is crucial here as it helps to aerate the flour and prevents lumps, contributing to a smoother brownie batter and a more even texture. Set this mixture aside.
- Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well incorporated and smooth. The melted butter contributes to the fudgy texture, while the sugar helps achieve that coveted crackly top.
- Combine: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. It’s incredibly important not to overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, more cake-like brownie rather than the desired fudgy texture.
- Bake: Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared 9×9 inch baking dish. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. Remember, ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your brownies. A good test for fudgy brownies is that a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, but not completely clean either.
- Cool Completely: This step is non-negotiable for perfectly set brownies and for easy frosting. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before you even think about adding the ganache. This can take a couple of hours.
The Velvety Chocolate Ganache
The homemade chocolate ganache is what truly elevates these Cosmic Brownies. It’s incredibly simple to make and yields a rich, glossy topping.
- Heat Cream: In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the heavy cream for about 45 seconds, or until it’s hot and just starting to simmer around the edges. Be careful not to boil it.
- Melt Chocolate: Immediately pour the hot heavy cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips in a separate bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the heat from the cream to melt the chocolate chips evenly.
- Stir Until Smooth: After the waiting period, stir the mixture gently with a spoon or whisk, starting from the center and working your way out, until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth, shiny, and lump-free.
Assembly: The Iconic Rainbow Chips
- Frost: Once the brownies are completely cool, pour the prepared chocolate ganache evenly over the top, spreading it with an offset spatula if needed.
- Sprinkle: Immediately, while the ganache is still wet and warm (it will set quickly), sprinkle a generous amount of rainbow chips over the entire surface of the brownies. The warmth of the ganache will help the chips adhere beautifully.
- Set and Serve: Let the ganache set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, until firm enough to slice. Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan, place it on a cutting board, and slice into squares.
Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips
Are these brownies cakey or fudgy?
No way are these brownies cakey! This recipe is specifically designed to deliver a gloriously fudgy brownie texture. The key to achieving this perfect fudginess lies in a few crucial elements: the ratio of fat (melted butter) to flour, and most importantly, not overbaking. A cakey brownie often results from too much flour, too little fat, or being left in the oven for too long. Follow this recipe closely, and you’ll be rewarded with incredibly moist, dense, and chewy fudgy brownies, truly the easiest and most satisfying I’ve ever made!
Do I have to use rainbow chips?
While the rainbow chips are the signature element that gives Cosmic Brownies their iconic look and a delightful crunch, technically no, you don’t *have* to use them. However, without them, they would simply be rich, fudgy brownies with ganache. Nothing wrong with that, as they’ll still be absolutely delicious! The rainbow chips add a visual appeal and a fun textural contrast that makes them unique. If you’re making them for a special occasion or to truly replicate the classic, I highly recommend including them. But feel free to customize!
Tips for Successful Cosmic Brownies:
- Use the Right Pan: For best results and the perfect thickness, use a 9×9 inch baking dish. A larger pan will result in thinner brownies that cook faster and might dry out.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tougher, more cake-like texture.
- Don’t Overbake: This is arguably the most important tip for fudgy brownies. Brownies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. They should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out. A toothpick inserted should have moist crumbs attached, not liquid batter.
- Cool Completely: Allow your brownies to cool entirely before adding the ganache. A warm brownie will melt the ganache, leading to a messy rather than a beautifully topped treat.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Use good quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for the best flavor. It makes a noticeable difference!
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: The parchment paper sling ensures you can easily lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan for clean, perfect slices.
Not a Fan of Rainbow Chips? Try These Delicious Additions Instead:
While the rainbow chips are classic, these brownies are incredibly versatile! If you’re looking to switch things up or just don’t have rainbow chips on hand, here are some fantastic alternatives to sprinkle on top of your ganache (or even mix into the batter):
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows can be toasted lightly on top for a s’mores-like twist.
- M&Ms: Similar to rainbow chips, M&Ms add color and a candy crunch.
- Oreo Cookies: Crushed Oreo cookies provide a delightful cookies-and-cream element.
- Peanut Butter Chips: For a classic chocolate-peanut butter combo that’s always a winner.
- Pretzels: Crushed pretzels offer a wonderful salty-sweet contrast and an extra crunch.
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans can add a sophisticated touch and a different kind of crunch.
- Chocolate Shavings: For an extra layer of chocolatey elegance.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These homemade Cosmic Brownies are best enjoyed with a tall, cold glass of milk, just like the classic. They’re also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent treat, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. They make a perfect dessert for parties, potlucks, lunchboxes, or simply as a well-deserved treat after a long day.
To store your brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to prepare them well in advance, these brownies freeze beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and thaw at room temperature before serving. The ganache and chips hold up wonderfully!
More Delicious Dessert Recipes You’ll Love:
If you enjoyed making these fudgy brownies, be sure to explore more delightful recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth:
- Japanese Cotton Cheesecake
- Monster Cookies
- Scotcharoos
- Deep Fried Oreos
- Coconut Flan
- Funfetti Cupcakes
Cosmic Brownies
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Ingredients
- 8 tbsp unsalted melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp whole milk
- 1/4 cup rainbow chips
Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
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Grease and line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
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In a medium bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Whisk until smooth.
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Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
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Bake for 20 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs.
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Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial!
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To make the chocolate ganache, microwave the heavy cream for about 45 seconds, or until hot and simmering. Keep a close eye on it to prevent boiling.
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Pour the warm heavy cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Let it sit undisturbed for about 3 minutes to melt the chocolate.
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Stir the chocolate ganache gently until it is smooth, glossy, and well incorporated.
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Pour the ganache over the completely cooled brownies and spread evenly. Immediately top with rainbow chips.
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Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (or in the fridge for 15-20 minutes) before slicing into squares.
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Serve and enjoy with a cold glass of milk, or your favorite dessert accompaniment!
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Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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