Cosmic Brownies Recipe

My kids love these Cosmic Brownies and would beg for me to buy the pre-packaged ones from the store. However, this dessert recipe is simple to make at home. Once you try them, you will be making them at home instead of buying them.

These colorful treats are better than the store bought version. These Little Debbie brownies are loved by the entire family especially the kids. With simple ingredients, you can make the chocolate flavor brownies for any occasion. My kids enjoy making homemade treats. Try these other fudgy brownie recipes – Nutella Brownies or Slutty Brownies.

What is a Cosmic Brownie?

My kids love the Little Debbie Homemade Cosmic Brownies. My kids were not surprised when I made this copycat version of their favorite fudgy chewie brownie.

They are a rectangle of chocolate goodness! Then the brownie is topped with this creamy icing that just melts in your mouth. The colorful candy pieces just completes the brownie.

Why We Love Cosmic Brownies

• Simple Ingredients – We recommend starting this recipe with a brownie mix. We love simple recipes and this one is the best. Topping with the delicious, fudgy ganache frosting makes the best treat.
• Easy to Prepare – This recipe is prepared with 4 simple ingredients and that includes the frosting ingredients. No need to spend all day in the kitchen for your kids favorite brownies, when you can prepare these brownies.
• Kid Approved – There is no need to by the store bought cosmic brownies, when you can make them at home. My kids even prefer my recipe over the ones at the store.
• Frosting – The fudgy, simple ingredient ganache frosting is what makes these brownies perfect.
• Make Ahead – Since these brownies can be prepared ahead of time, they are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Fudge Brownies – Use any type of brownie mix that you prefer
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Feel free to use other type of chocolate chips. Dark chocolate is a great substitute
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Makes the ganache topping smooth and creamy
• Colored Chocolate Chips – Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips can be found at the craft store or on Amazon.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

• M&M’s Variation – You could even use seasonal M&M’s for the rainbow chip to make these for different holidays. Pretty pastels for Easter, pinks for Valentine’s Day, Red and Green for Christmas. There are so many options you can make.
• Brownies – We used a brownie mix in this recipe, but you can make brownies from scratch. If making from scratch we recommend using high quality cocoa powder for best results.
• Sprinkles – Use rainbow chip sprinkles instead of M&M’s for an easy substitution.

How to Make Cosmic Brownies

• Step 1 – Heat Oven – Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients – Combine the dry ingredients and make the brownies according to the box mix instructions including mixing in the eggs in a bowl.

Step 3 – Prepare the baking pan – Prepare baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray, melted butter, or parchment paper. Second, pour brownie batter in prepared pan and bake the brownies

• Step 4 – Cook Brownies – Once toothpick is inserted and comes out clean. The brownie is done. Let the brownies cool completely.

How to Make Ganache Frosting

Next, while the brownies are cooling to room temperature, make the fudge topping.

Step 1 – Heat Cream and Chocolate Chips – Heat up the heavy cream in a sauce pan on the stove top. I like to do this over medium heat. You can also melt in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl.  Pour the chocolate chips into the the cream and stir until the melted chocolate and the mixture is smooth.

Step 2 – Pour melted chocolate over brownies – – Now it is time to pour that delicious chocolate mixture all over the top of the brownies. I use a offset spatula to get a smooth top. If you like chocolate ganache, you will love this. It is pretty simple to get the icing smooth. The spatula helps to smooth out any wrinkles or places that still need icing.

Step 3 – Top with Colored Chocolate Chips – Finally, sprinkle the chocolate chips on the top of the icing! Make sure to do this right away so the chocolate will stick to the brownies. 

Step 4 – Place brownies in Fridge – Put the brownies in the fridge so they can set. This takes about an hour and then you can serve the cooled brownies.

Recipe Tips

• Baking Pan – Prepare baking pan by lining with parchment paper or foil for easy clean up. This also allows you to easily remove the brownie from the pan.
• Cutting Brownie – We recommend using a plastic knife to cut brownies.
• Baking Brownies – Be careful to not over bake the brownies. This will make them lose their delicious fudgy consistency. Bake time will vary.
• Cookie Tray – We love making these brownies for many occasions. They are perfect for the holidays, cookie exchange parties and even on your holiday dessert trays.
• Combining Ingredients – When combining ingredients, make sure not to over mix ingredients. Combine the ingredients until mix and then place in the baking pan and bake.
• Ganache Frosting – The ganache frosting may take longer to set. Make sure the ganache frosting is set before adding in sprinkles or M&M’s to the frosting.

What to the Best Way to Cut Cosmic Brownies?

• Cool Brownies Completely – The brownies need to cool completely before slicing them.
• Knife – Begin cutting the brownie, cleaning the knife with each slice. We like to cut into medium size squares.
• Spatula – Use a spatula to scoop out brownie and serve.
• Parchment Paper – If you lined your baking pan with parchment paper, remove the entire pan of brownies. Then place on a cutting board then slice. We find that this is easier than cutting in the pan.