Homemade Cosmic Brownie Recipe

If you grew up loving Little Debbie’s famous Cosmic Brownies, this Homemade Cosmic Brownie Recipe will take you straight back to childhood. These chewy, fudgy brownies are topped with a luscious layer of chocolate ganache and sprinkled with colorful rainbow chips for that nostalgic cosmic look. Perfect for dessert lovers, parties, or lunchbox treats, these brownies are rich, chocolatey, and irresistibly decadent.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 ounces (225 grams) chocolate chips
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Chocolate Ganache

• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups chocolate chips

Topping

• ¼ cup rainbow chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, whole eggs, and egg yolks. Whisk until the mixture is well combined.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and chocolate chips. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then repeat in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth.
4. Stir in the vegetable oil to the melted chocolate mixture.
5. Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture and whisk until fully combined.
6. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder until just incorporated—do not overmix.
7. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
8. While the brownies bake, prepare the ganache. Pour the heavy cream into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 1 minute, until hot but not boiling.
9. Add the chocolate chips to the hot cream and let sit for 2 minutes. Then stir until smooth and glossy.
10. Once the brownies are baked, pour the ganache over the top and spread evenly using an offset spatula.
11. Immediately sprinkle the top with rainbow chocolate chips for that signature cosmic look.
12. Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature before slicing.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: For the best texture, let the brownies cool completely before slicing. If you want perfect, clean cuts, chill the brownies in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut.
• Temperature: These brownies taste incredible both chilled and at room temperature. For an extra decadent experience, microwave a brownie square for 10–15 seconds before serving to warm up the ganache slightly.
• Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate them to prevent the ganache from melting.
• Refrigeration: Refrigerate for up to 7 days. The fudgy texture holds well, and the ganache stays smooth.
• Freezing: Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Lunchbox Tip: These make excellent lunchbox desserts! Wrap them in parchment paper to keep the ganache from sticking.

Variations

1. Salted Caramel Cosmic Brownies: Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce between the brownie and ganache layers for a sweet-salty twist.
2. Peanut Butter Cosmic Brownies: Swirl creamy peanut butter into the ganache before spreading it on top of the brownies.
3. Mint Chocolate Cosmic Brownies: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the ganache for a cool, refreshing flavor.
4. Nutty Cosmic Brownies: Stir chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the brownie batter for a satisfying crunch.
5. S’mores Cosmic Brownies: Layer crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows on top of the ganache before it sets.
6. Cookies and Cream Cosmic Brownies: Fold crushed Oreo cookies into the batter and sprinkle more on top of the ganache.
7. Espresso Fudge Cosmic Brownies: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a mocha flavor boost.
8. Coconut Dream Cosmic Brownies: Mix shredded coconut into the brownie batter and top with toasted coconut flakes.
9. Raspberry Cosmic Brownies: Spread raspberry jam between the brownie and ganache layers for a fruity touch.
10. Birthday Cake Cosmic Brownies: Replace the rainbow chips with colorful sprinkles and add a hint of almond extract for that classic birthday cake taste.
11. Dark Chocolate Cosmic Brownies: Use dark chocolate chips in both the batter and ganache for a deep, rich flavor.
12. White Chocolate Cosmic Brownies: Swap the ganache with melted white chocolate and top with pastel-colored chips.
13. Toffee Crunch Cosmic Brownies: Fold crushed toffee bits into the batter and sprinkle some on top for added texture.
14. Pumpkin Spice Cosmic Brownies: Mix ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice into the batter for a fall-inspired treat.
15. Cookie Dough Cosmic Brownies: Spread a layer of edible cookie dough on top of the brownies before adding ganache for a double dessert experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the ganache?
   Yes, dark chocolate will give the ganache a more intense and less sweet flavor.
2. Can I make these brownies without eggs?
   Yes, replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg substitute for an egg-free version.
3. What’s the best way to achieve fudgy brownies?
   Do not overbake. Bake until the center is just set and slightly soft to retain moisture.
4. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
   You can, but it will make the brownies sweeter and less rich.
5. Do I have to use parchment paper?
   It’s highly recommended for easy removal and clean edges when slicing.
6. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
   Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. The texture remains dense and chewy.
7. Can I use a different pan size?
   Yes, but adjust the baking time. An 8×8 pan will yield thicker brownies and may need extra baking time.
8. Why does the recipe use both eggs and egg yolks?
   Extra yolks add richness and help achieve the chewy, fudgy texture cosmic brownies are known for.
9. How do I prevent the ganache from becoming grainy?
   Make sure the cream is hot but not boiling before mixing with the chocolate chips. Stir slowly until smooth.
10. Can I skip the rainbow chips?
    Absolutely! You can top them with mini M&Ms, crushed candy, or sprinkles instead for a fun variation.

This Homemade Cosmic Brownie Recipe is the ultimate nostalgic dessert. With its dense, chewy texture and glossy chocolate ganache topped with colorful chips, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress kids and adults alike. Easy to make and even easier to love, these brownies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re recreating your childhood favorites or making something sweet for a party.

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