Name: Cosmic Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
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 for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 73 reviews

If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that feels like a party in every bite, then you absolutely need to make this Cosmic Brownies Recipe. These brownies are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy chocolate base topped with silky, creamy frosting and a joyful sprinkle of rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips that add both crunch and eye-catching color. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe delivers pure delight in every square.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several square chocolate brownies on a white marbled surface, each with two layers: a dense, dark brown base layer with a slightly rough texture, and a smooth, glossy chocolate frosting layer on top. The frosting is decorated with small, shiny, colorful candy pieces in bright colors like green, pink, yellow, orange, blue, purple, and red scattered evenly across the top surface. The brownies appear moist and rich, and one brownie is tilted slightly, showing the thick frosting and texture clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is half the magic behind these incredible brownies. Each one plays a key role in building that deep chocolate flavor, fudgy texture, or luscious frosting that makes this Cosmic Brownies Recipe stand out from the rest.

Unsalted butter (10 tablespoons / 142 grams): Provides a rich and creamy base that helps create that irresistible fudgy texture.
Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200 grams): Adds sweetness and helps with the chewy consistency.
Light brown sugar (1/3 cup / 67 grams): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to balance the chocolate.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons / 88 grams, sifted): Infuses a deep chocolate intensity essential for fudgy brownies.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and rounds out the chocolate flavors beautifully.
Large eggs plus 1 egg yolk (2 eggs + 1 yolk): Provides structure and richness for a dense yet tender crumb.
Corn syrup (1 tablespoon): Helps maintain moisture and adds a subtle chewiness.
All-purpose flour (2/3 cup / 85 grams): Just enough to hold the brownies together without making them cakey.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Keeps the texture silky and smooth
Fine sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates an indulgent, glossy frosting that melts in your mouth.
Semisweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups / 255 grams): The heart of the frosting, delivering decadent chocolate richness.
Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips: The final playful touch that adds a burst of color and crunch.

How to Make Cosmic Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8-by-8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper or foil. Don’t forget to spray it with cooking spray! This step ensures your brownies come out cleanly without sticking, setting the stage for a flawless baking experience.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Sugars

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter for about 90 seconds on high. Once melted, stir in both the granulated sugar and the light brown sugar along with the sifted cocoa powder. This combination is the backbone of the rich chocolate flavor and luscious texture you’re after.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Corn Syrup

Let the mixture cool slightly if it’s still hot to prevent cooking the eggs. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, the two eggs plus one egg yolk, and the corn syrup. Stir everything together until it’s perfectly combined — this creates a smooth batter that promises fudgy brownies.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Next, add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and fine sea salt. Stir until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make brownies tough. The batter will be thick, dense, and ready to pour into your prepared pan for baking.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes. You want a beautifully set brownie with just a hint of softness at the center. Once out of the oven, let the brownies cool completely in the pan—it’s worth the wait because that cooling step sets the perfect base for the frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

While your brownies cool, warm the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute on high. Immediately add in the semisweet chocolate chips and allow them to sit for 3 minutes to soften, then stir until you achieve a silky smooth frosting. Pour it evenly over the cooled brownies and gently smooth it out with a spatula.

Step 7: Add the Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips and Chill

Sprinkle the top generously with rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips. This is where the magic truly adds a cosmic flair both in look and texture. Pop your brownies into the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to let the frosting set fully before slicing.

How to Serve Cosmic Brownies Recipe

A grid of fifteen square chocolate brownies is shown on a white marbled surface, arranged in three rows and five columns. Each brownie has one thick layer of smooth, shiny dark chocolate frosting spread evenly on top with slight swirls and creases. Scattered randomly on the frosting are small, colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces in bright colors like red, green, yellow, orange, blue, pink, purple, and black. The brownies have clean, sharp edges showing the dense, moist chocolate base underneath. The image is bright and sharp, taken from above for a clear top view photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few extra rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips on top make the brownies feel festive and fun. For an added touch, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each square just before serving can elevate the chocolate flavor beautifully. Fresh berries or a mint sprig can also add an elegant contrast.

Side Dishes

Cosmic brownies are wonderful on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes for a dreamy dessert. A cup of hot coffee or cold milk complements the richness perfectly and balances the sweet explosion from the candy chips.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, consider cutting your Cosmic Brownies Recipe into bite-sized squares and serving them on a colorful platter that matches the candy chips. Layering brownies with chilled fruit or creating a brownie parfait are fun twists that showcase the layers and textures of this delightful treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store your leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. Keeping them chilled not only preserves freshness but also helps maintain the luscious frosting’s texture and flavor.

Freezing

Want to save your cosmic brownies for later? Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They keep beautifully frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving for the best results.

Reheating

If you like your brownies slightly warm, a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds is all it takes. This brings out the fudgy softness and intensifies the chocolate flavors while keeping the frosting delightfully creamy. Just be careful not to overheat and melt the candy chips.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the brownies from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the flavor balance.

Are the rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips necessary?

They are the signature of a true Cosmic Brownies Recipe, adding not only a fun pop of color but also an enjoyable crunch. If unavailable, you can substitute with any candy-coated chocolates or colorful sprinkles.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, but keep the cornstarch as is. The brownies will still be fudgy and delicious.

Why do the brownies need to cool completely before frosting?

Cooling fully prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off. It also helps the brownies set so that when you slice them, they hold their shape and look just as stunning as they taste.

How thick should the frosting layer be?

A generous but even layer about 1/4 inch thick works perfectly. It’s rich enough to balance the brownie’s density without overpowering it, giving that wonderful creamy finish every bite deserves.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress yourself and your loved ones, this Cosmic Brownies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of textures, colors, and flavors that come together brilliantly in every bite. So go ahead, bake a batch, and watch these cosmic treats disappear fast—with plenty of smiles trailing behind.