This Cosmic Brownies Recipe makes thick, fudgy brownies topped with rich chocolate ganache and rainbow candies for a little crunch.
Author’s Notes
A Childhood Favorite, Made Even Better!
When I was little, the treat I got most excited about was Cosmic Brownies. I’ve always been a chocolate and brownie girl, but something about that thick, fudgy base with the rich chocolate topping and those little rainbow candies on top…omg, there is nothing better.
It probably helped that my mom didn’t buy them often, so when I did get one, it felt like a big deal.
Now they’re still nostalgic, but if I’m honest, they’re not quite as good as I remember. So I made my own version and this is IT!
This Cosmic Brownies Recipe yields bars that are dense, super rich and chocolatey, and really close to the original, just better. Real chocolate, a simple ganache on top, and you can finish them with rainbow chips or mini M&M’s. They’re so dang good!
Ingredients In This Cosmic Brownies Recipe
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Butter & sugars | Use melted butter for a dense, fudgy texture. Brown sugar adds extra moisture and depth. Use soft, fresh brown sugar. |
| Eggs & vanilla | Whisk until smooth for a glossy, crackly top. Room temp eggs give the best texture. |
| Flour, cocoa powder & salt | Use Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor. Spoon and level to avoid dry brownies. |
| Chocolate chips (in batter & topping) | Divide as directed so you get melty pockets inside and on top in this Cosmic Brownies Recipe. |
| Heavy cream & rainbow candy chips | Warm cream fully for a smooth ganache. Add candies after spreading so they stick nicely. |
How To Make My Cosmic Brownies Recipe
- Prep pan & oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, grease and line an 8 x 8-inch pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir until just combined, then fold in most of the chocolate chips.
- Fill pan: Spread batter evenly and sprinkle remaining chips on top. Bake.
- Cool & top: Cool completely, then make and spread ganache. Add candies on top.
Chelsea’s Top Tip
Don’t Over-Bake
A really good pan helps ensure this Cosmic Brownies Recipe bakes evenly.
Pull the brownies out when the center still looks slightly underdone. They’ll set as they cool and stay soft and fudgy instead of ending up dry and hard.
Storage
Store leftovers from this Cosmic Brownies Recipe in an airtight container up to 4 days. Keep in a single layer or separate with parchment to protect the topping. Freeze by wrapping individual squares up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp.
More Nostalgic Favorites
Cosmic Brownies Recipe
Equipment
- 8 x 8-inch baking pan light-colored
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 11 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup Dutch process cocoa powder see note 1
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips divided
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Rainbow candy chips or sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 x 8-inch metal pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Avoid foil or wax paper.
- Whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk until creamy.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Switch to a wooden spoon and stir until just combined. Stir in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips. Do not overmix.
- Scrape batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips over the top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, until just set to the touch. Do not overbake. Centers should stay soft and fudgy. Let brownies cool completely before adding the topping.
- Add chocolate chips to a heat-safe bowl. Microwave cream for 1 minute, then pour over chocolate. Cover and let sit 4 minutes, then stir until smooth. Microwave in 15-second bursts if needed.
- Pour topping over cooled brownies and spread evenly. Immediately add rainbow chips or sprinkles on top.
- Refrigerate 1–2 hours, until topping is set. Lift brownies out using parchment. Cut with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts. Serve chilled.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
