Cosmic Brownies

Rich, fudgy, and topped with a silky chocolate ganache and colorful candy-coated chips, these Cosmic Brownies are the ultimate homemade version of the nostalgic lunchbox treat. They’re dense, chewy, and completely irresistible for kids and grown-ups alike.

Course baked goods

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 22

Total Time 33

Servings

Calories 353kcal

Author Kylee Ayotte

Ingredients

Brownies

10 tablespoons butter melted
1 cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar packed
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa powder
1 cup flour all purpose - spooned and leveled
½ teaspoon salt

Topping

¾ cup heavy cream
¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup rainbow candy-coated chips

Instructions

Get prepped: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted 10 tablespoons butter, 1 cup white sugar, and½ cup brown sugar until smooth. Add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, whisking until combined. Stir in the ⅓ cup unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa powder, 1 cup flour, and ½ teaspoon salt until no streaks remain. The batter will be thick.
Bake the brownies: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the center is just set. Set aside to cool completely.
Make the ganache: Heat ¾ cup heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until steaming but not boiling. Pour it over ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
Add the topping: Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies, then sprinkle with ½ cup rainbow candy-coated chips. Chill until set, then slice into bars and serve.

Notes

Don’t overbake. The brownies are ready when the center is just set and no longer looks shiny. That’s how you keep them soft and fudgy instead of dry.
Use melted butter. Starting with melted butter gives you that dense, chewy texture that makes these taste like the original Cosmic Brownies.
Whisk thoroughly. Mixing the butter and sugars well helps create that classic shiny, crackly top everyone loves.
Chill before slicing. Let the ganache set in the fridge before cutting. It makes cleaner slices and gives that perfect bakery look.
Warm the cream carefully. Heat it until it’s steaming, not boiling, so the chocolate melts smoothly and doesn’t seize up.
Customize your topping. Have some fun with it. Swap in crushed candy bars, mini chocolate chips, or colorful sprinkles for your own version of “cosmic.”

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