Homemade Cosmic Brownies: Fudgy, Chocolatey,and Nostalgic Treats

If you're craving an upgraded version of the classic Cosmic Brownies, you're in the right place. These homemade fudgy brownies are rich, deeply chocolatey, and perfect for satisfying both your sweet tooth and nostalgic cravings. Plus, they're much better than anything you'd find at the store.

By Kayla Hoang

Why You'll Love These Cosmic Brownies

Remember those indulgent Cosmic Brownies from your childhood? Whether you ate them as a snack at school or kept them as a treat in your lunchbox, we’ve all enjoyed them at some point. This homemade version will take you back to those days, but with a more sophisticated and decadent twist.

These brownies feature an ultra-fudgy base made with Dutch-process cocoa and bittersweet chocolate, topped with a luxurious ganache and colorful sprinkles that replicate the signature Cosmic Brownie look. Not only are they easy to make, but they also store well, making them an excellent dessert for parties, holidays, or a weekend indulgence.

What Are Cosmic Brownies?

Cosmic Brownies were introduced by Little Debbie and are inspired by the fun of cosmic bowling—an outer-space-themed bowling experience with neon lights and a cosmic glow. These brownies mimic that vibe with colorful sprinkles atop a rich, dark chocolate base.

Homemade Cosmic Brownies: Why They’re Better

While store-bought brownies are convenient, making them from scratch offers unparalleled taste and texture. The homemade version delivers an intense chocolate flavor, thanks to the combination of Dutch cocoa powder and melted bittersweet chocolate. These brownies are soft, moist, and rich—just like a perfect fudge brownie should be.

Instead of the thin glaze found on the original, we use a simple ganache that adds extra decadence and an eye-catching glossy finish. Plus, these brownies are perfect for customizing to your liking, making them the ultimate easy chocolate dessert recipe.

Expert Tips for Perfect Brownies

Achieving the best homemade Cosmic Brownies is easier than you think. Follow these pro tips for a flawless result every time:

Finely chop the chocolate: Whether for the brownie base or ganache, finely chopping the chocolate ensures it melts smoothly and quickly.
Whisk the sugars, eggs, and vanilla thoroughly: This step creates a light, smooth batter and helps you get that coveted crinkly top layer.
Watch for baking cues: Your brownies will puff up at around 25 minutes, with a toothpick still coming out wet. Let them settle for a few minutes before testing again. You’re aiming for moist crumbs on your toothpick, not wet batter.
Cut with precision: To get those picture-perfect slices, make sure your brownies are completely cooled. Use a hot, dry knife to slice for cleaner cuts, especially when working with ganache-topped brownies.

Creative Variations for Cosmic Brownies

These brownies are versatile! Here are some ways to switch up this recipe for a treat that matches your cravings:

Brownies with ice cream: Skip the ganache and enjoy these warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Add nuts: Mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture, or swap the sprinkles for toasted nuts for a nutty twist.
Customize the chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter taste, swap bittersweet chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate, or use a mix of both.
Use different toppings: Can’t find candy-coated sprinkles? Try mini M&Ms or your favorite colorful sprinkles.

How to Store and Serve

These brownies are perfect for make-ahead desserts. Here's how to store them:

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the fridge: They keep well in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can serve them cold for a more intense fudgy texture or bring them to room temperature for a softer bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the brownies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
5 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt

For the ganache and topping:

3 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Pinch of kosher salt
6 tbsp heavy cream
Candy-coated chocolate chip sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease with nonstick spray.
Make the brownie base: Melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in cocoa powder, oil, and chopped chocolate. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Whisk the sugars, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl until well-combined. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and mix.
Fold in dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together, then fold into the chocolate mixture until just combined.
Bake: Spread the thick batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-28 minutes. Cool completely before adding the ganache.
Make the ganache: Heat heavy cream and pour over chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth. Spread the ganache over the cooled brownies and add sprinkles.
Pour the ganache over the brownies:
Lift the brownies out of the pan by the parchment overhang and transfer to a cutting board. If desired, you can flip the brownies over so that the bottom is facing up for a very even surface to spread the ganache.
While the ganache is still warm and spreadable, pour it over the brownies and use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread into an even layer. It’s okay if it doesn’t look completely smooth at first. The ganache will settle into itself. Try to avoid pushing the ganache over the sides. Top the ganache with the candy-coated chocolate chip sprinkles as desired.
Chill and cut: Let the ganache set in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.