Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe Just Like Childhood Favorites

If you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, you probably remember tearing open a shiny wrapper and biting into a fudgy square topped with rainbow candy-coated chips. Cosmic Brownies are pure nostalgia and still have a loyal fan base today. But did you know you can make them at home, and they taste even better than the packaged version?

Homemade Cosmic Brownies are ultra-chocolatey, dense, chewy and topped with a rich ganache and those signature rainbow candy bits. They’re fun for birthday parties, bake sales or just when you want a throwback treat that makes everyone smile.

This easy recipe shows you exactly how to recreate that classic look and taste with simple pantry ingredients and no fancy equipment needed.

What Are Cosmic Brownies?

Cosmic Brownies were made famous by Little Debbie and became a lunchbox staple for kids across America. They’re different from regular brownies because they’re soft, fudgy and topped with a glossy chocolate layer and colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces.

The secret is the combination of a chewy base and a thick ganache that sets perfectly on top. When you slice into them, you get that dreamy chocolate bite with a bit of crunch from the candies.

Ingredients for Homemade Cosmic Brownies

To make your own Cosmic Brownies, you’ll need:

For the brownies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the chocolate ganache topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

For the topping:

• Rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or mini rainbow chips

How to Make Cosmic Brownies

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang so you can lift the brownies out later.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until fully combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Don’t overbake them. The brownies should be fudgy, not cakey.

Let them cool completely in the pan before adding the ganache.

Step 4: Make the Ganache

In a heatproof bowl, add the chocolate chips. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for about 3 minutes.

Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies and spread it evenly with a spatula. Immediately sprinkle the rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips on top while the ganache is still soft.

Place the brownies in the fridge for about an hour to let the ganache set.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once the ganache is firm, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between slices for neat edges.

Tips for Perfect Cosmic Brownies

• For ultra-smooth ganache, use good quality chocolate chips or chop a chocolate bar into pieces.
• If you can’t find mini rainbow chips, use rainbow sprinkles or mini M&M’s.
• Chill the brownies before cutting to get those clean, bakery-style squares.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Fun Variations

• Add a swirl of peanut butter to the ganache for a peanut butter chocolate twist.
• Use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
• Swap rainbow chips for holiday-themed sprinkles to match the season.

Why Make Them at Home?

Homemade Cosmic Brownies are thicker, richer and fresher than the packaged kind. You control the ingredients, so they don’t have any weird preservatives or extra chemicals. Plus, you can cut them as big or small as you want.

They’re also a fun baking project with kids. Let them sprinkle the rainbow chips and help spread the ganache. It’s an easy way to bring a classic lunchbox treat to life in your own kitchen.

Final Bite

Cosmic Brownies are proof that some childhood snacks never go out of style. This homemade version brings back that sweet nostalgia with extra fudge and plenty of colorful crunch.

Next time you’re craving something chocolatey and fun, skip the store-bought box and bake a batch yourself. One bite and you’ll remember why these iconic brownies still hold a special place in so many hearts—and lunchboxes.