Cosmic Brownies

Cosmic Brownies are a nostalgic, fudgy treat inspired by the iconic Little Debbie snack. These rich, chewy brownies are topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and colorful rainbow candy-coated sprinkles, making them a fun and delicious dessert. Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or just craving a decadent chocolate treat, these homemade Cosmic Brownies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra Fudgy Texture – Dense, chewy brownies with a soft bite.
• Rich Chocolate Flavor – A deep cocoa taste with a luscious ganache topping.
• Fun and Colorful – Topped with classic rainbow sprinkles for a playful touch.
• Better Than Store-Bought – No preservatives, just pure homemade goodness.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownies:

• Unsalted butter, melted
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Cornstarch (for extra chewiness)
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Heavy cream or milk
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Heavy cream
• Unsalted butter

For the Topping:

• Rainbow candy-coated sprinkles (or mini M&M’s for extra crunch)

Directions

Make the Brownies:

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix the Batter – Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the heavy cream or milk and mix until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Bake – Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely before adding the ganache.

Make the Chocolate Ganache:

6. Heat the Cream – In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat until warm but not boiling.
7. Melt the Chocolate – Pour the warm cream over the chocolate chips and butter in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
8. Spread the Ganache – Once the brownies have cooled, spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the top.

Add the Topping:

9. Decorate with Sprinkles – Immediately sprinkle rainbow candy-coated sprinkles over the ganache before it sets.
10. Chill and Serve – Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the ganache before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 brownies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Cosmic Brownies – Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Peanut Butter Ganache – Swirl peanut butter into the ganache for a nutty twist.
• Double Chocolate Cosmic Brownies – Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option – Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration – Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days for a firmer texture.
• Freezing – Freeze uncut brownies for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
• Reheating – Let refrigerated brownies sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Yes! Bake the brownies as directed, then add homemade ganache and sprinkles.

Why are my brownies too cakey?

Make sure not to overmix the batter and use cornstarch for extra chewiness.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, but the brownies will be much sweeter. Dark chocolate balances the sweetness better.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. Chilling the brownies first helps, too.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Candy-coated sprinkles or mini M&M’s replicate the classic Cosmic Brownie look.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! They store well in the fridge and taste even better the next day.

How do I make my ganache thicker?

Use less heavy cream or let the ganache cool slightly before spreading.

Can I make these in a larger pan?

Yes, but baking time may be shorter for thinner brownies.

What pairs well with these brownies?

Serve with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter gives a richer flavor, but you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil.

Conclusion

Homemade Cosmic Brownies are a fun and nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories with every bite. With their fudgy texture, smooth ganache, and colorful sprinkles, they’re perfect for birthdays, parties, or just because. Try them today and enjoy a homemade version of this classic favorite!

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