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Extra fudgy and oh-so chocolate-y Copycat Cosmic Brownies! Made in two bowls using minimal ingredients, and baked until they’re just barely done, but still fudgy alllll the way to the edges. Then, after cooling, these decadent brownies are topped with the simplest two ingredient ganache and finished with the iconic rainbow chocolate chips. Every bite is reminiscent of the classic treat, but SO much better. They’re the perfect nostalgic bake!

brownies with ganache and rainbow chips on top, a knife beside, and empty glasses behind.

About The Recipe

With how much you all loved our Nutter Butter Cookies, we couldn’t let January end without one more childhood-favorite treat! This time, we decided to make a Little Debbie’s classic…Cosmic Brownies!

As a kid, I would have happily sat down and eaten a whole box of them. Though, as an adult, maybe not so much. Though, with these brownies, I can definitely say that I have eaten most of this pan since my mom and I made them!

brownie with bite missing on parchment lined cooling rack with more brownies around, a knife beside, and empty glasses behind.

overhead shot of eleven brownies on parchment paper with bowl of rainbow chips beside.

The inspiration behind this recipe was when we went to the grocery store the other day. We needed the basics. Flour, sugar, eggs, etc.

When we were walking down the baking isle, I saw these candy-coated chocolate sprinkles/chips. I literally STOPPED in my tracks!

It immediately sparked my memories of cosmic brownies. So, I grabbed a bottle and told my mom what I was thinking! She LOVED the idea.

So, now we’re here! Homemade cosmic brownies.

They’re just like the brownies you know and love, but elevated. They’re more flavorful, extra chocolate-y, and oh-so fudgy.

close up of two brownies leaning against each other with more brownies around.

Though, while the brownie is definitely the star, the ganache on top does steal the show! It adds a richness, while also adding an extra layer of chocolate.

Every bite is a chocolate lover’s dream!

What is a Cosmic Brownie?

If you’ve never had a cosmic brownie, think the most fudgy and chocolate-y brownie that’s topped with a chocolate fudge-like icing and finished with rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips/sprinkles.

This version is still a very fudgy brownie, but topped with ganache! It’s a little fancier, even more delicious, and oh-so chocolate-y.

Reasons You Will Love These Cosmic Brownies

The brownies are made in only two bowls!
No specialty equipment or tools are needed for this recipe.
Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry!
The ganache is made in the microwave and is ready in just about 1 minute.
Perfect for kids and adults alike!
Make for a great back-to-school snack.
Extra chocolate-y!!

overhead shot of brownies with one brownie missing a bite.

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls
Whisk
Rubber Spatula
8 Inch Square Pan
Cooling Rack

Ingredients

(Full ingredient amounts and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post)

For The Brownies:

Bittersweet Chocolate – Our go-to for brownies! This cuts some of the sweetness, while also providing a dark and incredibly rich chocolate flavor in every bite. If you don’t have bittersweet chocolate, you can use semi-sweet.
Salted Butter – Keeps the brownies moist and fudgy, while also adding just the right amount of salt!
Large Eggs – Makes these brownies oh-so tender and gives them just the right amount of aeration/rise.
Granulated Sugar – Perfectly sweetens these brownies!
Vanilla Extract – Simply a must-add to every baked good!
All-Purpose Flour – No need for anything fancy with these brownies. All-purpose flour gives them the perfect texture.

vanilla, butter, eggs, sugar, chocolate chips, and flour on marble surface.

For The Topping:

Heavy Cream – The essential ingredient for ganache! Be sure to use heavy cream, otherwise, it will not set up.
Bittersweet Chocolate – Some more chocolate because double chocolate is ALWAYS better! Like I said before, if you don’t have bittersweet, feel free to use semi-sweet.
Rainbow Chip Sprinkles – These not only add the look of a cosmic brownie, but also adds a pleasant crunch to every bite!

chocolate wafers, rainbow colored chips, and heavy cream on marble surface.

How To Make Cosmic Brownies

Step 1: Prepare brownie batter

Combine chocolate and butter in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 30 seconds. Stir well. Continue to microwave in 15 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Set aside.

chocolate chips and stick of butter in glass bowl.

Combine eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth.

Add the melted chocolate/butter mixture and whisk until well combined.

Add the flour and stir only until blended.

flour added on top of chocolate mixture.

Step 2: Bake

Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.

brownie batter in square cake pan on marble surface.

Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 3: Make ganache

Place chocolate and cream in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 30 seconds. Stir well. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring after each, until chocolate is melted. Continue stirring until completely combined and smooth.

chocolate wafers and heavy cream in glass bowl.

Step 4: Decorate

Pour on top of cooled brownies and spread to the edges.

ganache in the piled in the middle of brownies on wire cooling rack.

ganache spread to edges of brownies on wire cooling rack.

Top with sprinkles and let the ganache set completely before cutting/serving.

rainbow colored chips added on top of ganache.

What Type of Chocolate Should I Use?

For this recipe, we highly recommend using a high quality dark or a bittersweet chocolate! Anywhere from 60% – 70% works wonderfully with this recipe.

How To Tell When Brownies Are Perfectly Baked

We found that, with these brownies in particular, using a cake tester or tooth pick is the best way to tell when they’re perfectly baked. After inserting the cake tester, it should still be a little damp with maybe one or two crumbs on it.

This means that the brownies are still fudge-y and moist, while being just barely baked!

brownies on parchment lined cooling rack with measuring cup of rainbow chips, two empty glasses, and wire cooling rack behind with a knife beside and plate of brownies.

How To Store

Since these brownies are so moist, it’s best to keep them in a zip-top bag or airtight container and in the fridge for 5-7 days. You can also store them in the freezer in a freezer safe bag for up to 2 months!

Substitutions

Semi-sweet can be used in place of bittersweet chocolate.
To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free chocolate and your favorite plant-based butter.

Looking for more recipes like this? Here are a few you may like: Hostess Cupcakes, Homemade Ding Dongs, Triple Chocolate Pop Tarts, Homemade Twinkies, Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches

close up of two brownies propped against each other with three more brownies around and a measuring cup of rainbow chips behind.

Expert Tips

If you’re worried the brownies may stick, place an 8 inch square piece of parchment in the bottom of your pan. Then, spray with baking spray!
Be careful to not over-mix the brownie batter!
These brownies are very fudgy. If you like them a little more done, leave in an additional 5 minutes.
To get the ganache to set faster, place the brownies in the fridge for 10-15 minutes!

When you make these Copycat Cosmic Brownies, leave a comment down below! We love hearing from you and answering any questions you might have! Also, be sure to tag us on social media and hashtag it #BakersTable.

– Still Hungry? –

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Copycat Cosmic Brownies

About The Recipe

What is a Cosmic Brownie?

Reasons You Will Love These Cosmic Brownies

Equipment Needed