What makes Cosmic Brownies different from regular brownies?

Cosmic Brownies stand out for their dense, chewy texture and smooth chocolate ganache topping. Regular brownies can range from cakey to fudgy, but Cosmic Brownies are specifically crafted to be extra moist and rich, often using corn syrup and cornstarch for structure. They’re also topped with colorful candy-coated chips for a signature cosmic finish.

Can I freeze homemade Cosmic Brownies?

Absolutely. Once frosted and fully set, wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. The texture stays chewy and satisfying even after freezing.

What cocoa powder works best for homemade brownies?

Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe nothing fancy, just sifted to remove clumps. Dutch-processed cocoa will work but creates a deeper, slightly different flavor. Stick with what you enjoy, but sift it no matter what for smooth batter and even mixing.

How do I get that smooth, shiny ganache top?

Start with warm heavy cream poured over semisweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for 3 minutes, then stir slowly until smooth. Pour over fully cooled brownies and chill for at least an hour. The ganache firms up into a shiny, sliceable topping that looks just like the lunchroom classic.

Homemade Cosmic Brownies: Easy, Chewy, and Better Than Store-Bought

Name: Homemade Cosmic Brownies: Easy, Chewy, and Better Than Store-Bought
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 tablespoons (142 grams) unsalted butter; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar; 1/3 cup (67 grams) packed light brown sugar; 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (88 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk; 1 tablespoon corn syrup; 2/3 cup (85 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups (255 grams) semisweet chocolate chips; Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips, or mini M&M’s, sprinkles, or other candy, for topping

Description

These homemade cosmic brownies are thick, chewy, and topped with silky ganache and rainbow candy chips. A nostalgic school snack reimagined with real ingredients and bold chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

For the brownies:

▢10 tablespoons (142 grams) unsalted butter

▢1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

▢1/3 cup (67 grams) packed light brown sugar

▢3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (88 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

▢1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

▢2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk

▢1 tablespoon corn syrup

▢2/3 cup (85 grams) all-purpose flour

▢1 tablespoon cornstarch

▢1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

For the frosting:

▢1/2 cup heavy cream

▢1 1/2 cups (255 grams) semisweet chocolate chips

▢Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips, or mini M&M’s, sprinkles, or other candy, for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch metal pan with parchment or foil and spray with cooking spray.

2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (about 90 seconds). Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder.

3. Let cool slightly if hot. Stir in vanilla, eggs, egg yolk, and corn syrup until well combined.

4. Add flour, cornstarch, and salt. Stir until just combined. Batter will be thick.

5. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan.

6. To make the frosting, heat cream in the microwave for 1 minute. Add chocolate chips and let sit 3 minutes.

7. Stir ganache until smooth. Pour over cooled brownies and spread evenly.

8. Top with rainbow candy-coated chips. Chill for 1–2 hours or until set.

9. Cut into squares and serve chilled for best texture.

Notes

Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for 1 week. They also freeze well for up to 2 months. Serve chilled for the best chewy bite.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American