Cosmic Brownies Recipe

Prepare to be swept into sweet, nostalgic bliss—these Cosmic Brownies are everything you love about the iconic childhood treat, with a rich, fudgy middle, glossy chocolate icing, and, of course, a galaxy’s worth of rainbow sprinkles on top! Whether you’re reliving school lunchbox memories or sharing with your own family, this homemade version delivers the unbeatable taste and texture everyone dreams about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how pantry staples transform into something as wondrous as Cosmic Brownies! Each ingredient is essential, working together to build layers of deep chocolate flavor, a tender crumb, and that bold, happy finish.

• Dark Chocolate (72%): Coarsely chopped—for intense chocolate depth and a truly decadent brownie base.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create that soft-yet-chewy texture—no need for room temp, straight from the fridge works!
• Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: This gives an ultra-dark color and lush chocolatey taste, but regular unsweetened cocoa works too.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and perfect those shiny tops—make sure they’re at room temperature!
• Caster Sugar & Brown Sugar: The combo delivers sweetness along with a hint of caramel depth from the brown sugar for gooey, irresistible centers.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness and brings the chocolate flavors to life.
• Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste: Accentuates the chocolate and adds a luxurious aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: Sifted for a smooth, lump-free batter—crucial for that classic dense, fudgy finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Makes the icing ultra-smooth and creamy, just like the original Cosmic Brownies topping.
• Cocoa Powder (for Icing): Amp up the chocolate intensity in the glossy icing.
• Salt (for Icing): A little goes a long way in enhancing the chocolate flavor.
• Butter (for Icing): Creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth spread for the top.
• Boiling Water: Brings the icing together into a pourable, luscious covering.
• Rainbow Sprinkles: The superstar garnish! Use your favorites for instant nostalgia and fun.

Variations

Cosmic Brownies are a canvas for your creativity! Don’t hesitate to switch things up based on what’s in your pantry, your dietary needs, or just to give the classic a fun twist that speaks to your personal craving.

• Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for an allergy-friendly treat.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of slightly warmed peanut butter onto the brownie batter and swirl before baking for a nutty upgrade.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and check your chocolate brand for a non-dairy version—still pure fudgy bliss!
• More Cosmic Crunch: Add mini chocolate chips or chopped candy bars under the icing for a hidden surprise.

How to Make Cosmic Brownies

Step 1: Prep the Pan & Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a 9″ x 13″ pan with parchment paper. Let some paper hang over the sides so you can lift out your brownies with zero stress. This tiny tip means perfect slices every time!

Step 2: Melt Chocolate & Butter

In a heatproof bowl set over gently simmering water (or the microwave, if you prefer!), melt the dark chocolate and butter together, stirring until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. This luscious base is the secret to the deep chocolate flavor of your Cosmic Brownies.

Step 3: Combine Cocoa

Sift your cocoa powder right on top of that chocolate-butter mixture and stir it in until seamlessly blended. This step boosts the color and gives even more chocolate intensity—don’t skip it!

Step 4: Whip the Eggs & Sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs, caster sugar, and brown sugar together for 2–3 minutes. You want the mixture to look paler and fluffier—this is how you get those shiny tops and a soft, chewy interior.

Step 5: Mix it All Together

Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into your whipped eggs and sugars. Add in the salt and vanilla extract and give another gentle mix. Finally, sift in the flour and stir until just combined—overmixing is not our friend here!

Step 6: Bake and Check for Done-ness

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and tap it a few times on the counter to dispel any sneaky air bubbles. Bake for 18–20 minutes (start checking at 15), until the edges are set and a skewer comes out with moist crumbs—underbaked is better than overbaked for that classic gooey bite.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Icing

While the brownies cool for 5 minutes, sift the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt for the icing, then mix in the softened butter. Add boiling water and stir (or whisk) until smooth and spreadable—the icing should be glossy and pourable.

Step 8: Ice, Sprinkle & Chill

Quickly spread the warm icing over the hot brownies, smoothing with an offset spatula. Sprinkle with your favorite rainbow toppings while the surface is still soft (so they stick!), then chill the whole tray in the fridge until set and sliceable.

How to Serve Cosmic Brownies

Garnishes

No Cosmic Brownies are complete without their iconic rainbow sprinkles! Experiment with star confetti, mini chocolate chips, or even edible glitter—the more cosmic, the better! A drizzle of white chocolate makes an eye-catching finishing touch too.

Side Dishes

Balance out the richness by serving a brownie square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of whipped cream, or a glass of cold milk. For an “adults-only” twist, try pairing with espresso or a boozy milkshake for a seriously decadent dessert bar.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Cosmic Brownies into neat bars and arrange on a platter for parties, tuck them into lunchboxes for a midday surprise, or use small cookie cutters for fun shapes. You can even stack and ribbon-tie individual pieces as charming edible gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your homemade Cosmic Brownies keep best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The texture stays fudgy and the icing maintains its glossy finish—perfect for grab-and-go treats throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual brownie squares (icing and all!) tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top bag. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer—simply thaw in the fridge before serving for instant chocolatey bliss.

Reheating

For the freshest taste, enjoy Cosmic Brownies cold or at room temperature, but if you crave extra gooeyness, a quick 8–10 seconds in the microwave softens both the icing and brownie for pure melt-in-your-mouth heaven!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Baking up a batch of Cosmic Brownies is a guaranteed ticket to happy smiles and a little kitchen magic. I hope you’ll make these soon and share a slice (or two!) with your favorite people—because everyone deserves a cosmic treat now and then. Happy baking!

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