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Frosting & Fettuccine

Home » Recipe Search » Bars & Brownies

Feb 10, 2023

Fudgy Homemade Cosmic Brownies

5 from 1 vote
BySam Adler
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These homemade copycat Cosmic Brownies are super fudgy and rich! They are topped with a smooth chocolate frosting and the classic rainbow crunch sprinkles. They are just like the packaged brownies you love but even better because they are made fresh!

Cosmic brownies layer on a yellow surface.

Tell me who doesnt LOVE a thick, chocolatey, decadent Cosmic Brownie!

The original Cosmic Brownies are made from Little Debbie’s but sometimes you don’t want to go to the store and buy them. Thats why we are making them here today! As a professional baker I love figuring out how to make classic, sometimes nostalgic recipes on my own. It’s a fun challenge and today I figured it out!

Cosmic brownies are a classic American dessert made from rich chocolate brownie batter and topped with dense chocolate brownie frosting. The cosmic part comes from the colorful sprinkles that top it off! They are tender, fudgy, and indulgent – they’ll satisfy any sweet tooth! Plus, they can be enjoyed as a snack or a dessert and have no preservatives in them!

If you love rich decadent brownies, you’ll also love these fudgy cream cheese brownies, or these super fun birthday brownies or decadent dairy-free brownies!

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE

  • This classic dessert is fudgy and rich but has no preservatives like the store bought ones.
  • Kids (and adults!) love these classic brownies- they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
  • You don’t need special tools or equipment to make these just some bowls, measuring cups, and spoons. No mixer needed!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Ingredients for homemade cosmic brownies.
  • Butter – Adds a smooth and rich texture to the brownies and a buttery flavor that pairs well with the chocolate.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate – Melts down into the batter to give the brownies their classic chocolate flavor and dense texture.
  • White Sugar – Along with the chocolate, sugar helps sweeten up the base of the brownie.
  • Eggs – Helps bind the brownies together and also adds richness to the texture.
  • Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the brownie mix.
  • All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the batter and helps it hold its shape when baking.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds extra chocolate flavor to the brownies.
  • Kosher Salt – Balances out all of the sweetness from the sugar, chocolate, and frosting.
  • Brownie Frosting– Make this frosting to slather all over the brownies when cooled.
  • Sprinkles– Top the brownies immediately with sprinkles!

Types of sprinkles

Cosmic brownies have special sprinkles called Rainbow Chip Sprinkles (Brownie Crunch) made by Wilton, which are really hard to find because they don’t sell them anymore on the Wilton site.

BUT- You can find them in a sprinkle mix (not a stand alone) from Walmart or from Nuts.com.

If you can’t find them, you can also use mini m&m’s or any kind of sprinkles. But to get close to exact copycat cosmic brownies you need the rainbow chip ones.

Hot tip– Immediately after frosting the brownies, top them with sprinkles because the frosting sets up fast!

HOW TO MAKE COSMIC BROWNIES FROM SCRATCH

Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350° F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper or spray with baking spray. Set aside while assembling the brownie batter.

Melt the chocolate and butter: In a medium size microwavable safe bowl, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together, in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.

Assemble the brownie batter: To the melted chocolate and butter, add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix on low to medium speed with a hand mixer or whisk by hand until combined. Then, add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until just combined without overworking.

Bake and cool: Pour the batter into the prepared pan spreading evenly. Bake for 28-30 mins until the edges of the pan start to break away. Cool completely.

Frost and enjoy: Once the brownies are cooled, top with a layer of chocolate brownie frosting and top with rainbow crunch sprinkles or colorful mini M&M’s. Enjoy!

Chocolate melted in a bowl.
Melt the butter and sugar.
Cosmic brownie batter in a bowl.
Make the full brownie batter.
Brownie batter in a 8x8 parchment lined tray.
Evenly spread the batter in an 8×8 lined pan.
Brownie frosting in a glass bowl.
Make the brownie frosting!

Yield

The fun thing about these is that you can cut them large or small depending on how you like them or how many people you want to serve. Cut these into 12 for larger pieces or into 16 for smaller pieces.

How to cut brownies cleanly

  1. Refrigerate the brownies for 2 hours. Brownies cut more easily when they are cold.
  2. Dip a large chefs knife in warm water for 5 seconds.
  3. Wipe off the knife and cut the brownies in a straight line wiping off the knife after each cut. 
  4. Start in the middle and then cut into 1/3rds, then rotate and repeat.

TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS

  • When melting the chocolate, be sure to only microwave in 30-second intervals and to stir in between each interval. This will help keep the chocolate from burning.
  • Make sure not to overcook the cosmic brownies, or they will become dry. The brownies are fully cooked once the edges start to come away from the pan. For super fudgy brownies take them out at 25 minutes.
  • Let the brownies cool completely before frosting, as the frosting will not set if the brownies are still warm.
  • Sprinkle the brownies right after the frosting, if you wait too long the frosting will set and wont allow the sprinkles to stick.

STORAGE AND FREEZING

Storing- Once cooled, you can store the brownies in an airtight container on your counter for 2-3 days or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing- To freeze, make sure they are cooled and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw on the counter before enjoying them.

A closeup of the texture of a brownie.

FAQ

Why are cosmic brownies so good?

Cosmic brownies are so good because they are a delicious combination of rich, fudgy chocolate brownie with creamy chocolate frosting and colorful, crunchy sprinkles. They are decadent and full of texture!

Do cosmic brownies still exist?

Yes! Cosmic Brownies are still available for purchase at some supermarkets and online.

Can cosmic brownies be made vegan?

Yes, cosmic brownies can be made vegan by using vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, dairy-free frosting, and egg replacer such as a flaxseed or chia seed mixture however this recipe has not been tested with vegan ingredients. Let me know in the comments if you try it!

A closeup of the texture of a brownie.

Fudgy Homemade Cosmic Brownies

These homemade copycat Cosmic Brownies are super fudgy and rich! They are topped with a smooth chocolate frosting and the classic rainbow crunch sprinkles. They are just like the packaged brownies you love but even better because they are made fresh!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Kosher
Keyword: cosmic brownies from scratch, fudgy cosmic brownies, homemade cosmic brownies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 58 minutes
Servings: 12 Brownies
Calories: 234kcal
Author: Sam Adler

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 6 oz semi sweet chocolate about a heaping 1 cup
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 batch chocolate brownie frosting see instructions below
  • Rainbow Chip Sprinkles

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F and line a 8×8 pan with parchment paper or spray with baking spray.
  • In a medium size microwavable safe bowl, melt the 1/2 cup butter and 6 oz chocolate together, 30 seconds at a time until fully melted.
    Chocolate melted in a bowl.
  • Add in the 1 cup sugar, 3 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix on low to medium speed with a hand mixer or whisk by hand.
  • Add in the 2/3rd cup flour, 3 tbsp cocoa, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix until combined.
    Cosmic brownie batter in a bowl.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28-30 mins until the edges of the pan start to break away. Cool.
    Brownie batter in a 8x8 parchment lined tray.
  • For the frosting make this easy brownie frosting and top with rainbow crunch sprinkles or mini m&ms.

Notes

Remember to frost the brownies with the frosting when they are cool and to immediately top with sprinkles because the frosting dries quickly. 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Fudgy Homemade Cosmic Brownies
Amount Per Serving (1 brownie)
Calories 234 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 62mg21%
Sodium 175mg8%
Potassium 118mg3%
Carbohydrates 25g8%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 22g24%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 303IU6%
Calcium 19mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Filed Under: Bars & Brownies Tagged With: Chocolate

About Sam Adler

Sam Adler is a Le Cordon Bleu professionally trained pastry chef, Saveur Blog Award winner, food photographer, and food blogger over on FrostingandFettuccine.com. She has been featured in numerous online and in-print publications including Taste of Home Magazine, Saveur Magazine, The Feed Feed, and Food Blogger Pro. Sam lives in Hollywood florida with her husband, two young kids, and french bulldog. When she’s not baking and dancing in her kitchen you can find her at her favorite yoga spot.

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Hi! Im Sam Adler,

I'm a professionally trained pastry chef and food photographer.
This is a place where you will find easy yet impressive looking desserts. I also share a ton of food photography resources too! What can I say, I love pretty & delicious baked goods! Learn more about me!

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Saveur Blog award winner for best food Instagram

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#ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up #ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up from classic sufganiyot to make these fun donut fries! Puffy, golden, and delicious, dip your “fries” into melted chocolate or raspberry jelly and celebrate all week long! @aldiusa makes it super easy with their amazing selection of high quality products at seriously unimaginable prices. Run to your nearest @aldiusa to find all the ingredients you need to make these and have a Happy Chanukah!
Find the recipe below!

#ALDILove
Prep time: 1 hr 45 mins
Cook time: 1 min
Yield: 40 donut fries
2 pack Baker’s Corner Active Dry Yeast
1 1/2 cup warm water
1/3 cup Sugar
2 Simply Nature Grade A Organic Cage Free Brown Eggs
2 tbsp Stonemill Pure Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup Carlini Pure Vegetable Oil
5-6 cups Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour
1 tsp Kosher salt
½ cup Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar
For Dipping:
1 cup Baker’s Corner Dark or Milk Chocolate Morsels
Simply Nature Organic Raspberry Preserves
Method:
•Mix the yeast with water in a mixer bowl and let stand for 10 mins until frothy. Add the
sugar, eggs, vanilla, and oil to the bowl and mix until well combined.
•Start adding only 5 cups of flour and salt, and knead/mix on medium speed in a stand mixer
fitted with the dough attachment for 5 minutes until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If the
dough seems sticky, add ¼ cup flour to the dough until it no longer sticks to the bowl when
mixing.
•Let the dough rest in the bowl for an hour to double in size. 
•Punch down the dough and remove it from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface. Using a
lightly floured rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangle. About 18”x 15” and 1/2 of an inch in
thickness. 
•Using a pizza cutter, cut in half vertically. Then slice thin strips horizontally. You want them
thin as they will puff up while frying.
•Let the fries rest for another 15 mins. 
•Meanwhile, using a deep fryer or a large pot, heat your oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the donut
fries 30 seconds per side, then drain on a paper towel.
•Dust the donut fries with powdered sugar and set aside.
•Microwave 1 cup of dark or milk chocolate for 30 seconds at a time until melted. Scoop
jelly into another bowl. Dip the fries in the chocolate or jelly!
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