If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate chocolate treat bursting with color and deliciousness, you’re going to love this Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe. These brownies are fudgy, rich, and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache that’s sprinkled with playful rainbow-coated chocolates, making every bite a little celebration. It’s the perfect blend of classic comfort and whimsical fun that’s sure to brighten any day or occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe just right starts with simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From velvety butter and semisweet chocolate to the perfect balance of sugars and flour, every item builds layers of texture, flavor, and that iconic cosmic appeal.
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps create that fudgy texture you want in brownies.
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped: Melts into the batter for a deep, intense chocolate flavor.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: Gives a subtle caramel undertone and keeps the brownies moist.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the perfect crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Provides structure and richness to the batter.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the chocolatey notes for a warmer flavor profile.
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour: The foundation for the chewy yet tender bite.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts chocolate intensity and gives that classic deep brown color.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Elevates sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips: For the luscious ganache topping that’s smooth and glossy.
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates a silky ganache when mixed with chocolate chips.
- Rainbow coated chocolate sprinkles: The finishing touch that makes these brownies truly cosmic and fun.
How to Make Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 square baking dish by greasing it and lining with parchment paper. Let the parchment paper hang over the edges to make lifting the brownies out a breeze once baked. This simple prep step guarantees your brownies will come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate
In a heat-safe bowl, melt your unsalted butter and chopped semisweet chocolate together in the microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals to get a smooth, velvety mix. This rich base is the start of that decadent chocolate flavor packed into your Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe.
Step 3: Whisk Together Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until pale and creamy—about 1 to 2 minutes. This aerates the mix, helping create a lighter texture. Then, whisk in your vanilla extract to brighten all those chocolatey notes.
Step 4: Combine Chocolate Mixture
Slowly pour the melted butter and chocolate mixture into your sugar and eggs while whisking steadily. This ensures everything blends smoothly, making a luscious batter that’s begging to be poured into your pan.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Switch to a rubber spatula and gently fold in your flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Folding instead of stirring keeps the batter tender and fudgy—just what you want for your Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe.
Step 6: Bake and Chill
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When done, let the brownies cool for 30 minutes at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator to chill for 1 to 2 hours. This chilling step helps the brownies set perfectly, making slicing much easier later on.
Step 7: Create the Chocolate Ganache
Once your brownies are chilled, it’s time to whip up the irresistible ganache. Place the chocolate chips in a bowl and heat the heavy cream until bubbling hot. Pour the cream over the chocolate, let sit for 30 seconds to melt, then whisk until smooth and glossy—a perfect cosmic glaze for your brownies.
Step 8: Top and Set
Pour the ganache evenly over the chilled brownies. Sprinkle the rainbow-coated chocolate sprinkles generously on top for that fun cosmic vibe. Return your brownies to the fridge for another 30 minutes to 1 hour until the ganache sets solidly. Now they’re ready to slice and dazzle!
How to Serve Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries alongside your Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also complements the fudgy richness beautifully, elevating your presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies with a tall glass of cold milk or a bold cup of coffee to balance the intense chocolate sweetness. A scoop of fruity sorbet or a fresh fruit salad can bring a refreshing contrast and make your dessert experience even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow friends and family? Try cutting your cosmic brownies into little squares and stacking them as bite-sized brownie towers. Or sprinkle edible glitter on top for a shimmer effect that truly lives up to their cosmic name. Presentation is all about fun with this dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe leftovers keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is your friend, especially given the ganache topping. Just keep them tightly sealed to prevent drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make these brownies ahead of time, freezing works great. Wrap the brownies tightly with plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to keep that perfect texture.
Reheating
To refresh your brownies, especially if refrigerated or frozen, allow them to reach room temperature, then warm gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will soften the ganache and make every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious once again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate for the ganache?
Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate works wonderfully, you can experiment with milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier ganache or dark chocolate for a slightly more intense, bittersweet finish. Just adjust the cream quantity if needed for consistency.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Look for a set surface with a few moist crumbs when you insert a toothpick in the center. The brownies should not be overly gooey but still fudgy in the middle. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep a close eye during those last few minutes.
Can I make the brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and you should get fantastic results. Just be sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What’s the best way to cut the brownies for serving?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to get neat slices. For even squares, let your brownies chill thoroughly after baking and ganache setting to avoid messy edges.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
You can definitely customize your Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe by folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cherries into the batter. Just add them after mixing the dry ingredients to keep the texture balanced and extra delightful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely magical about making your own Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe from scratch—rich chocolatey layers combined with a stunning, colorful topping that makes every bite feel special. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or the star of your next celebration, these brownies are guaranteed to bring smiles and happy hearts. Go ahead, bake a batch and watch them disappear in no time!
Print
Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
These Homemade Cosmic Brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and colorful rainbow sprinkles. Perfectly chewy with a deep chocolate flavor enhanced by both cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate, these brownies are baked to perfection and chilled for the ideal texture. A fun and indulgent treat for any occasion, they combine classic brownie comfort with a festive twist.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Ganache and Topping
- 3/4 cup (120g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy whipping cream
- Rainbow coated chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease and line an 8×8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy brownie removal.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a heat-safe bowl, melt the butter and chopped semisweet chocolate together in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals until smooth, about 90 seconds total.
- Mix Sugars and Eggs: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is pale and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Switch to a rubber spatula and fold in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt gently, taking care not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Chill: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 1-2 hours until fully set.
- Make the Ganache: Place the semisweet chocolate chips in a small bowl and heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe dish for about 1 minute or until bubbling hot. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 30 seconds. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Apply Ganache and Sprinkles: Pour the ganache evenly over the chilled brownies and spread with a spatula. Sprinkle rainbow-coated chocolate sprinkles over the ganache while still wet.
- Final Chill and Serve: Return the brownies to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the ganache is completely set. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan, slice into 16 squares, and enjoy your cosmic treat!
Notes
- Allow the brownies to chill thoroughly before adding ganache to prevent melting or running.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy alternative.
- For thicker ganache, use a bit more chocolate chips or reduce cream slightly.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain fudgy texture.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
