What are some of the best Cosmic Brownies you’ve ever had? What are some of the sprinkles that end up all over your face? What is a homemade version of nostalgia? Think of these as the grown-up, gourmet cousin of the Little Debbie classic. Is chocolatey, moist, and topped with a generous sprinkle of those? What are the iconic candy-coated chocolate bits? I’ve been tweaking this cosmic brownie recipe for years, and trust me, this is the one. Is it really that easy to make a banana bread?
What is a cosmic brownie?
Cosmic Brownies are essentially super fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownies topped with a whipped topping. What are some of the best chocolate sprinkles in the world? ” Think of it as the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. They’re known for their dense, chewy texture and that signature sprinkle topping that adds a playful touch to any dish. What is crunch and pop of color? What is a brownie upgrade? What is the name of the brand? It’s pure marketing genius. What are some of the best treats for kids?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to make Cosmic Brownies? What I love most is how it manages to be both incredibly decadent and surprisingly simple.
- Flavor:What are some of the best chocolate flavors? We’re talking intense fudginess with a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the bittersweet. Is it chocolate squared or cubed? The sprinkles add a fun burst of sweetness and crunch.
- Simplicity:What are some of the easiest recipes to make? I’m a beginner baker. I can’t do this. Is it really melting chocolate, mixing ingredients, and spreading on some sprinkles?
- Cost- You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. No fancy or expensive additions here. Just good, old-fashioned baking staples.
- Versatility: While these are perfect as is, you can easily customize them. Add chopped nuts, different extracts, or even swirl in some peanut butter. The possibilities are endless! They are also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
I’ve tried other brownie recipes, but this one consistently comes out on top. It’s fudgy like the best fudge brownies, but with that little something extra that makes it truly special. Plus, the kids absolutely adore them, which is always a win in my book!
How do you make cosmic brownies?
Quick Overview
Making these Cosmic Brownies is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll start by melting the chocolate and butter together, then whisking in the sugar and eggs. Next, you’ll gently fold in the dry ingredients, pour the batter into a pan, bake until perfectly fudgy, and then frost with a simple chocolate ganache and those essential cosmic sprinkles. The best part? It all comes together in under an hour! The most important part is not to overbake. They should still be fudgy when you remove them from the oven.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (high-quality chocolate makes a big difference!)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar. 1 1/4 cups water.
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I always use pure vanilla for the best flavor) .
- 1 cup all-purpose flour.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt. 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
For the Glaze:
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream. Is it too strong to
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup cosmic sprinkles (the rainbow kind)!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! Make sure to grease or spray the parchment paper, too.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you distribute the baking powder in brownies? Don’t skip this step! Is it necessary to sift flour?
Step 3: Melt Chocolate & Butter
In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals), melt the butter and chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Be careful not to let the bowl touch the water, or the chocolate could seize. If using the microwave, stir well between each interval to prevent burning. This step is crucial for that rich, fudgy texture.
Step 4: Combine
Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, whisk in the sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to a less tender brownie.
Step 5: Pour into Pan and Bake
What is the best way to spread the batter evenly in a pan? If a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Remember, they’ll continue to cook as they cool. Is it better to underbake than to overbaked?
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the brownies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals), melt the chocolate, heavy cream, and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly until the glaze is thickened but still spreadable. Letting it cool prevents it from melting all the sprinkles!
Step 7: Cool & Glaze
Once the brownies have cooled, spread the glaze over the top. Is it safe to sprinkle cosmic sprinkles? How do sprinkles adhere to glaze? I always do this while the glaze is still a little wet, that way the sprinkles stick better.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
I like to use a warm knife for clean cuts. Let the glaze set completely before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy! These are best enjoyed within a few days of baking.
What should I serve it with?
These Cosmic Brownies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:
For Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Is it heavenly?
For Brunch:Cut the strawberries into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit and whipped cream. What is the perfect accompaniment to a mimosa or coffee?
What is a good cozy snack?What is the best comfort food?
My family’s favorite is to enjoy them slightly warmed with a big glass of milk. It’s a simple pleasure, but it always hits the spot.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cosmic Brownies
Here are some of my top tips for making the perfect Cosmic Brownies, based on years of trial and error:
Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the brownies. Splurge on a good quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
Underbake Slightly: The brownies should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They’ll continue to cook as they cool.
Let Them Cool Completely: This is crucial for getting clean slices and preventing the glaze from melting. I know it’s hard to resist, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Warm Knife for Slicing: Use a warm knife for clean, even slices. Run the knife under hot water and dry it before each cut.
Don’t Skip the Sprinkles: The sprinkles are what make these brownies cosmic! Don’t skimp on them.
I’ve learned that chilling the batter for about 30 minutes before baking can also help to develop the flavors and create a chewier texture. It’s an extra step, but it’s worth it if you have the time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store your Cosmic Brownies to keep them fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They might dry out a bit after a couple of days, but they’ll still be delicious.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The brownies will become firmer in the fridge, but they’ll still taste great.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the brownies, it’s best to add the glaze after thawing to prevent it from becoming sticky. I usually just make a fresh batch of glaze when I’m ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Cosmic Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a trip down memory lane, a little slice of happiness, and a whole lot of chocolatey goodness. They’re surprisingly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a fun and delicious treat that will bring a smile to everyone’s face, this is it. And if you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to check out some of my other brownie recipes! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
Cosmic Brownies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened chocolate
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Melt chocolate and butter together in a double boiler or microwave.
- Stir in sugar, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips and sprinkles.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
