Ultimate Cosmic Brownies Recipe Better Than Store-Bought

Thick, fudgy, chocolatey perfection with a glossy ganache topping and signature rainbow sprinkles—these Ultimate Copycat Cosmic Brownies are everything you loved about the store-bought treat but made even better at home. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or just need an indulgent dessert, this recipe delivers all the chewy goodness you crave with simple ingredients and a touch of homemade magic.

I first made these when I was chasing that classic Cosmic Brownie texture for my kids. Let me tell you, it’s not about fancy ingredients—it’s about getting the balance just right. After a few (okay, maybe five) test batches, I finally nailed it. The result? A rich, dense brownie with just the right amount of chew, topped with an irresistible layer of chocolate ganache and colorful candy sprinkles. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these ASAP!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better Than the Box: These brownies have all the nostalgia of store-bought Cosmic Brownies but with richer flavors and no preservatives.
• Super Fudgy Texture: The dense, chewy base is like biting into pure chocolate bliss.
• Kid-Approved: The bright rainbow sprinkles make these a hit with little ones (and big kids at heart).
• Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy chocolate or obscure pantry items—you probably have most of these on hand already.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, picnic, or just a midweek treat, these brownies are guaranteed to impress.

What makes this recipe stand out? It’s all about recreating that ultra-smooth ganache topping and nailing the chewy brownie texture. Plus, you can customize it—swap in dark chocolate chips or use themed sprinkles for holidays. It’s the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients to create that classic Cosmic Brownie taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Brownie Base:
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup (140g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Ganache Topping:
  • 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• For Decoration:
  • Rainbow candy sprinkles (the essential finishing touch!)

Pro Tip: Use high-quality chocolate chips for the ganache. It makes a world of difference in flavor and texture!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make these Ultimate Cosmic Brownies, but having the right tools will make your life easier:

• Mixing Bowls: At least two—one for the brownie batter and one for the ganache.
• 9×9-inch Baking Pan: The ideal size for thick, fudgy brownies. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Whisk and Spatula: A whisk for mixing wet ingredients and a spatula for folding the batter.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate and cream together.
• Offset Spatula: This is optional but great for spreading the ganache smoothly.

If you don’t have a 9×9-inch pan, you can use an 8×8-inch pan for even thicker brownies. Just adjust the baking time slightly!

How to Make Ultimate Copycat Cosmic Brownies

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until combined. Stir in the cocoa powder until fully incorporated.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
5. Prepare the Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
6. Spread the Ganache: Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies and spread it evenly with an offset spatula.
7. Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle the rainbow candy on top while the ganache is still wet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
8. Slice and Serve: Once the ganache is firm, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Tip: For clean slices, wipe your knife with a damp paper towel between cuts.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overbake: The brownies will continue to set as they cool, so pull them from the oven when the center is just slightly underdone.
• Room temperature ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs helps the batter mix evenly and results in a better texture.
• Chill for clean layers: Letting the ganache set in the fridge makes slicing much easier and gives you those perfect, bakery-style layers.
• Use a scale: If possible, measure your ingredients by weight for the most accurate results.

These little tricks make all the difference in achieving that iconic Cosmic Brownie look and taste!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and dairy-free chocolate chips for the ganache.
• Holiday-Themed Brownies: Replace the rainbow sprinkles with red and green ones for Christmas or heart-shaped candies for Valentine’s Day.
• Extra Chocolatey: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips or chunks into the brownie batter for double the chocolate punch.

Feel free to get creative—these brownies are a blank canvas for all your favorite flavors and themes!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These brownies are best served at room temperature with a tall glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store them in the fridge for up to a week if you like a firmer texture.
• Freezer: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Pro Tip: The brownies taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these brownies are more of an indulgence than a health food, here’s what you can expect per serving:

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 38g
• Protein: 4g

The homemade version has no artificial preservatives, giving you a cleaner option compared to the store-bought kind. Plus, you can tweak the recipe to suit dietary needs!

Conclusion

If you’re ready to relive the best parts of childhood while indulging in a dessert that’s even better than the original, these Ultimate Copycat Cosmic Brownies are just the recipe you need. They’re rich, chewy, and topped with that iconic ganache and sprinkles—what’s not to love?

I’d love to hear how your brownies turn out! Did you stick with the classic recipe, or did you try one of the variations? Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media. Tag me so I can see your beautiful brownies!

Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water.

Do I have to use heavy cream for the ganache?

Not at all. You can substitute coconut cream or even whole milk in a pinch, though the texture may be slightly less rich.

How do I get the ganache layer super smooth?

An offset spatula works wonders for spreading ganache evenly. If you don’t have one, use the back of a spoon.

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, but the thickness and baking time will vary. An 8×8-inch pan will make thicker brownies, while a 9×13-inch pan will create thinner ones.

What’s the best way to store these brownies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for a week. For long-term storage, freeze them individually.

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