The Best Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe: Fudgy, Chewy & Iconic
Prepare to embark on a nostalgic journey with our incredible **Homemade Cosmic Brownies recipe**. This isn’t just any brownie; it’s a transcendent experience, delivering a depth of rich, fudgy chocolate flavor that elevates the classic treat to an entirely new level. Each bite features a perfectly chewy brownie base, generously crowned with a smooth, luxurious chocolate ganache, and adorned with those iconic, vibrant rainbow chip sprinkles that bring a smile to everyone’s face. Forget the store-bought versions; these homemade cosmic brownies redefine indulgence, offering a fresh, preservative-free delight that’s truly out of this world.
Why This Homemade Cosmic Brownie Recipe Works
Cosmic brownies have been an iconic grab-and-go snack since their popularization by Little Debbie in 1999. The combination of chewy chocolate brownies and vibrant rainbow sprinkles captured our hearts and taste buds for decades. However, here at Amanda’s Cookin’, we firmly believe that “homemade is always better than store-bought.” Just take our homemade Pop Tarts as a delicious example!
With unwavering confidence, we can assure you that these homemade cosmic brownies surpass their store-bought counterparts by a long shot. They offer a rich, truly fudgy texture – exactly what a perfect brownie should be – without being excessively sweet or cloying. More importantly, when you bake them yourself, you’re guaranteed a treat free from artificial preservatives and unknown additives. You control every ingredient, ensuring a fresh, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying dessert that tastes far superior to anything from a package. The process itself is a joy, allowing you to create a beloved classic with a gourmet touch.
Ingredients You Will Need for Homemade Cosmic Brownies
Crafting these delectable homemade cosmic brownies requires a simple list of readily available ingredients, split into two main components: the incredibly rich brownie base and the smooth, decadent chocolate ganache topping. While the full, precise measurements and detailed instructions are available in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post, let’s briefly highlight the key components you’ll be gathering.
For the fudgy brownies, you’ll need standard baking staples like all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor, and salt to balance the sweetness. Sugars will include both granulated and light brown sugar, which contribute to the brownies’ signature chewiness and moistness. Vegetable oil and melted unsalted butter are essential for a rich, tender crumb, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. Finally, a combination of large eggs and an extra egg yolk ensures the perfect fudgy consistency.
The silky ganache topping calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream, creating a smooth and glossy finish. And, of course, no cosmic brownie would be complete without a generous showering of those vibrant rainbow chip sprinkles for that iconic, playful look. Gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a truly magical dessert!
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
Understanding your ingredients is key to achieving the perfect homemade cosmic brownie. Here’s a closer look at some essential components and potential substitutions:
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For the deep, rich chocolate flavor we all crave in a brownie, unsweetened cocoa powder is crucial. You can use natural unsweetened cocoa or Dutch-processed cocoa. Dutch-processed tends to be darker and less acidic, leading to a smoother, mellower chocolate flavor. Either will work beautifully, but Dutch-processed often gives that rich, dark brownie hue.
- Butter and Oil Combination: This recipe utilizes both butter and vegetable oil. The butter contributes to the luxurious flavor and helps achieve that desirable chewiness, while the vegetable oil ensures a super moist and tender crumb. You can use canola oil or another neutral-flavored oil if vegetable oil isn’t available. Avoid strong-flavored oils like olive oil.
- Extra Egg Yolk: The addition of one extra egg yolk is a secret weapon for fudgy brownies. Yolks are rich in fat, which contributes to moisture and tenderness, preventing a cakey texture and promoting that dense, chewy, fudgy consistency that distinguishes a truly great brownie.
- GANACHE – Our silky chocolate ganache is what takes these brownies to the next level. For an extra shiny and professional-looking ganache, you can add 1/2 tablespoon of corn syrup along with the chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream. The corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, resulting in a beautifully smooth and glossy finish. For the chocolate chips, semi-sweet works best for balance, but you could experiment with dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor.
- SPRINKLES – To authentically recreate the iconic look of Cosmic Brownies, rainbow chip sprinkles are a must-have. These are often found by the name “rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips.” They aren’t just colorful; they add a delightful, subtle crunch. If you can’t find these specific sprinkles, regular rainbow sprinkles (the long, thin jimmies) can be used, though they won’t have the same specific texture. Alternatively, mini M&M’s or other small candy-coated chocolates could be a fun substitute, adding their own unique twist.
How to Make Homemade Cosmic Brownies
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe successfully. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and detailed instructions at the bottom of this post.
- **Prepare Your Baking Pan:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with two pieces of parchment paper. Arrange them so they hang over all four sides; this creates “handles” that will make it incredibly easy to lift your cooled brownies out of the pan for clean cutting.
- **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and aerated, which is important for even distribution and a tender brownie. Set this mixture aside.
- **Cream Wet Ingredients (Part 1):** In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to beat together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vegetable oil, melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the mixture thickens slightly and takes on a texture resembling fluffy, wet sand. This step properly incorporates the fats and sugars, laying the foundation for a rich brownie batter.
- **Add Eggs and Beat Thoroughly:** Now, add the two large eggs and the additional large egg yolk to your wet ingredient mixture. Beat this vigorously with your electric mixer for about 6 to 8 minutes. This extended beating time is crucial; it helps to incorporate air, making the mixture thick, fluffy, and visibly paler. This aeration contributes to the signature crackly top and chewy texture of the brownies.
- **Gently Combine Wet and Dry:** Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Beat just until everything is combined. Be very careful not to over-mix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, cake-like brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
- **Prepare for Baking:** Pour the rich brownie batter into your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the batter out evenly across the pan, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent baking.
- **Bake to Perfection:** Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and the top has started to crackle beautifully. The center might still look a tiny bit underdone, but resist the urge to over-bake! They will continue to set as they cool, and over-baking results in dry brownies.
- **Cool Completely (Crucial Step):** This is a critical step for perfect cosmic brownies. Allow the brownies to cool *completely* in the pan on a wire rack. This can take several hours. Attempting to frost or cut warm brownies will lead to a messy, crumbly disaster. Once fully cooled, you can use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the whole slab out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board.
- **Make the Silky Ganache:** While the brownies are cooling, prepare your luscious ganache. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream. Microwave for 45 seconds, then let it sit undisturbed for 30 seconds to allow the residual heat to melt the chocolate. Gently stir until smooth. If there are still unmelted chocolate bits, microwave in additional 10-second intervals, stirring gently after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and silky. As an alternative, you can also melt the chocolate and cream together using a double boiler over simmering water.
- **Assemble and Decorate:** Once your brownies are completely cool, evenly spread the prepared chocolate ganache over the top of the brownie base. Work quickly but smoothly. Immediately after spreading the ganache, generously sprinkle the rainbow chip sprinkles over the wet ganache. This ensures they adhere properly.
- **Allow Ganache to Set:** For neat slices and the best texture, let the ganache set completely before cutting and serving the brownies. This can be done at room temperature, or in the refrigerator for a quicker set.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Cosmic Brownies
To maintain the ganache’s ideal texture, similar to the original cosmic brownies, it’s highly recommended to store them in the refrigerator. Place your homemade cosmic brownies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Stored this way, they will remain fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 6 days. Bringing them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving can enhance their fudginess.
Absolutely! These cosmic brownies, ganache and all, freeze beautifully. To freeze them, first, arrange the cut brownies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them until they are firm to the touch (this prevents them from sticking together). Once firm, individually wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply unwrap and thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
The traditional “toothpick test” where it comes out clean isn’t ideal for fudgy brownies, as a perfectly baked brownie will still be slightly gooey in the center and will set further as it cools. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, your brownies are likely overcooked! Instead, look for these indicators: the brownies should be set along the outside edges, the top should appear slightly crackled, and the brownies will be puffed up in the oven (they will flatten slightly as they cool). A slight wobble in the very center is a good sign that they’ll be perfectly fudgy.
For those picture-perfect, clean brownie squares, a little trick goes a long way. After the ganache has fully set, run a sharp knife under hot water for about 10-15 seconds. Wipe the blade completely dry with a clean cloth, then make your first cut. Between each subsequent cut, repeat the process: run the knife under hot water, wipe it clean, and then slice. This prevents the chocolate ganache from sticking and dragging, giving you beautifully neat edges every time.
This recipe calls for an 8×8-inch baking pan. Using a pan of this size is crucial for achieving the correct thickness and fudginess. If you use a larger pan, your brownies will be thinner and might bake faster, potentially becoming drier. If you use a smaller pan, they’ll be thicker and take longer to bake, which could affect the texture. Always stick to the recommended pan size for optimal results.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Cosmic Brownies
These homemade cosmic brownies are a showstopper on their own, but there are countless ways to enjoy and serve them! The beauty of baking at home means you can easily customize them. While the classic rainbow chip sprinkles are essential for the iconic look, feel free to experiment. You could even use mini M&M’s or other small candy-coated chocolates if desired for a different crunch and burst of color.
For the ultimate nostalgic experience, serve your cosmic brownies with a tall, cold glass of milk – it’s a match made in heaven! These delightful treats are incredibly versatile. They are the perfect size and texture to wrap individually and pack into lunch boxes for school or work, providing a sweet pick-me-up during the day. They’re also ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or as a simple dessert to share with family and friends after dinner. For a special occasion, you could warm a brownie slightly and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning it into a truly decadent dessert. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these homemade cosmic brownies are guaranteed to be a hit!
More Related Brownie & Dessert Recipes
If you love the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies, you’re in luck! We have a fantastic collection of other brownie and dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth:
- Brownie In A Mug: A quick, single-serving treat when cravings strike!
- Chocolate Mint Brownies: A refreshing twist for mint chocolate lovers.
- Peanut Butter Brownies: The perfect salty-sweet combination.
- Oreo Cheesecake Brownies: Layers of rich brownie and creamy cheesecake, studded with Oreos.
- Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies: A luxurious blend of two favorite desserts.
- S’mores Brownies: All the campfire magic baked into a fudgy brownie.
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Cosmic Brownies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Brownies
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- 6 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
Ganache
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish
- 3 Tablespoons rainbow chip sprinkles
Things You’ll Need
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8×8 baking pan
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Hand mixer
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Mixing bowls
Before You Begin
- For an extra shiny ganache, add 1/2 tablespoon corn syrup along with the chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream.
- ***For best results, make sure to let the brownies cool completely before you spread on the ganache, and then let the ganache set fully before cutting. This ensures clean slices and optimal texture.
- The toothpick test doesn’t work great to test for doneness because brownies will still be a touch gooey when they’re finished (they will set as they cool). And they’re actually a bit overcooked if the toothpick comes out clean! Instead, you can tell when the brownies are finished because they’ll be set along the outside, crackled on top, and puffed (the puff will go down as they cool).
- For Slicing – To create clean slices, run your knife under hot water and wipe off the fudgy bits (then run under hot water again) before each slice. This keeps the ganache from sticking.
- Storage – To keep the texture of the ganache closest to that of a cosmic brownie, it’s recommended to keep them stored in the refrigerator. Store the homemade cosmic brownies covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
- To Freeze – First, flash freeze the brownies on a baking sheet until firm to the touch. Then, individually wrap the brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a large ziptop bag or air-tight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Unwrap and thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
Instructions
To Make the Brownies
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Preheat the oven to 350F. Line an 8 by 8-inch baking pan with 2 pieces of parchment paper so it hangs over all 4 sides for easy removal.
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Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
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Use a handheld electric mixer to beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, butter, and vanilla in a large bowl until it thickens slightly, and looks like fluffy wet sand. Add the eggs and egg yolk, and beat until the mixture is thick, fluffy, and turns paler (about 6 to 8 minutes using a handheld electric mixer).
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Add the dry ingredients and beat just to combine, being careful not to over-mix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and spread it out evenly.
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Bake until the brownies are set along the outside and the top starts to crackle, about 20 to 25 minutes, being careful not to over-bake. Cool completely.
Making the Ganache
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Once the brownies are cooled, make the ganache. Add the chocolate chips and cream to a large bowl, microwave for 45 seconds, let it sit for 30 seconds, and then gently stir. Microwave in additional 10-second intervals until the chocolate is fully melted, stirring gently between each interval. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler instead of the microwave.
Assembling the Brownies
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Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the ganache on top, and then add the rainbow chip sprinkles.
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Let the ganache set before cutting and serving.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.