Cosmic Brownies are a nostalgic treat that brings back the joy of childhood. These thick, fudgy brownies are topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and sprinkled with colorful rainbow jimmies, making them the ultimate dessert indulgence.

Homemade Cosmic Brownies

Like many, my grocery store visits tend to become a bit of an adventure. Balancing my desire for wholesome ingredients with the cravings that often arise can be challenging. Recently, I found myself reminiscing about childhood snacks, particularly Cosmic Brownies. After grabbing a box for my kids to try, I quickly realized they didn’t taste as magical as I remembered. Determined to recreate that nostalgic flavor with better ingredients, I set out to develop a homemade version.

The Secret Ingredient

After experimenting with various recipes, I discovered that the secret to achieving thick, tender, and chocolatey brownies lies in a surprising ingredient: cornstarch! While I typically shy away from adding cornstarch, it plays an essential role in the texture of these brownies. Just a note: if you’re looking for alternatives, options like arrowroot, potato starch, or even rice flour can be used, but keep in mind they might not substitute directly in equal amounts.

Cosmic Brownie Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter
• Cane Sugar
• Brown Sugar
• Dutch Cocoa Powder
• Vanilla Extract
• Eggs
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Rainbow Sprinkles

Where to Find Rainbow Sprinkles?

Those colorful rainbow sprinkles are essential for that nostalgic Cosmic Brownie look! While they are often hard to find in traditional grocery stores, you can usually locate them in the baking aisle of your local craft shop, like Joann’s or Hobby Lobby. If you’re in a rush, there are also convenient online options to get your sprinkle fix!

How to Make Cosmic Brownies

The journey to homemade Cosmic Brownies is simple and enjoyable! Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a skillet with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in the Dutch cocoa powder until smooth.

Step 2: Mix in the Sugars

Once melted, incorporate both the cane sugar and brown sugar, whisking until the mixture thickens up. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until you achieve a glossy batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix!

Step 4: Spread and Bake

Spread the batter into your prepared skillet, leveling it with your spatula. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

While the brownies are cooling, combine the chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for one minute, stirring halfway, until you can whisk it into a smooth, glossy ganache.

Step 6: Top with Ganache and Sprinkles

Once the brownies have slightly cooled, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, spreading it evenly. Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of rainbow jimmies on top for the perfect finishing touch!

Step 7: Cooling Time

For optimal slicing, let the brownies cool fully and refrigerate them for about an hour. This step is crucial if you want neat, clean edges. Of course, if you can’t wait, serve them warm, but do keep in mind they may be a little soft.

How to Store Cosmic Brownies

The easiest way to store Cosmic Brownies is to keep them right in the skillet they were baked in. Just cover the skillet with plastic wrap and refrigerate. They should stay delicious for about a week—if they last that long! Alternatively, you can wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap for on-the-go treats. If you’re looking to keep them longer, you can freeze them for several months, letting them thaw naturally for a perfect dessert ready by lunchtime.