Fudgy Cosmic Brownies — ultra-rich, chewy, and chocolaty with a glossy ganache topping and colorful candy crunch in every nostalgic bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra-fudgy texture with a glossy ganache finish
Made entirely from scratch with simple pantry staples

Just the right amount of sweetness and chew
Fun and festive thanks to the colorful candy topping
Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or late-night cravings

Easy to make and customize
Freezer-friendly and great for batch baking
A childhood favorite turned into an elevated treat

No mixer required — just one bowl
Guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate craving

Ingredients

For the brownies:

10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the ganache topping:

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Rainbow candy-coated chips or sprinkles (for topping)

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until glossy and smooth.
Add the eggs and vanilla, whisking until the mixture is thick and well combined.

Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and cornstarch. Stir gently just until no streaks remain — avoid overmixing.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool completely.

To make the ganache, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Pour ganache over the cooled brownies and smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle rainbow chips evenly across the ganache and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

Once firm, lift out of the pan and slice into squares.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 9 brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories per serving: 330 kcal

Variations

Extra Chocolatey: Add chocolate chunks to the brownie batter
Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans

Frosting-Free: Skip the ganache and just enjoy the fudgy base
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
Mint Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the ganache

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge.

Reheating:
For a warm treat, microwave a brownie for 10–15 seconds, but note the ganache may soften.

FAQs

Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead Of Semisweet?

Yes, but it will be sweeter. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly in the brownie base.

Why Add Cornstarch To Brownies?

Cornstarch helps create that chewy, dense texture — a key feature of cosmic-style brownies.

Do I Have To Use Rainbow Chips?

Nope! Use sprinkles, mini M&Ms, or even crushed candy bars.

How Do I Know When Brownies Are Done?

They’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I Use A Different Pan Size?

Yes, but baking times will vary. For thinner brownies, use a 9×9 pan and reduce bake time slightly.

Can I Make The Ganache Ahead?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate. Warm slightly before spreading for a smooth consistency.

How Do I Slice The Brownies Neatly?

Chill thoroughly, use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges.

Are These Brownies Very Sweet?

They are rich and chocolatey, balanced by the ganache. Using dark chocolate chips can reduce sweetness.

Can I Add Espresso Powder?

Yes! A small pinch intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.

Can These Be Made Vegan?

Yes, with plant-based butter, egg replacers, and dairy-free cream and chocolate alternatives.

Conclusion

Fudgy Cosmic Brownies are the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence. With their rich chocolate base, smooth ganache, and colorful topping, they’re as fun to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just because, these brownies promise to deliver childhood joy in every bite — with a homemade twist that makes them even better.

More Decadent Desserts to Bake Next

If you loved the chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor of these Fudgy Cosmic Brownies, here are more indulgent treats to explore:

For something fun and nostalgic, don’t miss the Crispy Fried S’mores Bites—a perfect mix of campfire flavor and crunch.

Try the gooey, nutty perfection of the Brownie Pecan Pie, blending two classic desserts into one unforgettable bite.

Indulge in layers of sweet richness with the Samoa Cheesecake, inspired by the iconic cookie.

Craving caramel? The No-Bake Caramel Rolo Cheesecake delivers creamy satisfaction without turning on the oven.

Mix up your chocolate game with the fruity twist of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Fudgy Cosmic Brownies

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 9 brownies 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Rich, dense, and chewy brownies topped with a silky chocolate ganache and a playful scatter of rainbow chips — the ultimate upgrade to your favorite childhood treat, made entirely from scratch.

Ingredients

Scale

10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Rainbow candy-coated chips or sprinkles (for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until glossy and smooth.

Add the eggs and vanilla, whisking until the mixture is thick and well combined.
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and cornstarch. Stir gently just until no streaks remain — avoid overmixing.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool completely.
To make the ganache, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Pour ganache over the cooled brownies and smooth the top with a spatula.

Sprinkle rainbow chips evenly across the ganache and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Once firm, lift out of the pan and slice into squares.

Notes

Do not overbake to maintain fudgy texture.

Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache for best flavor.
Store brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert

Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie

Calories: 330 kcal
Sugar: 27 g
Sodium: 85 mg

Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g

Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g

Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg