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The Best Homemade Fudgy Copycat Cosmic Brownies with Chocolate Ganache Topping

A rich, fudgy square of cosmic brownies topped with chocolate frosting and colorful candy-coated chocolates.

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Make ultra-rich, fudgy, and chewy homemade cosmic brownies that surpass the store-bought version. This scratch recipe features dense chocolate squares topped with smooth chocolate ganache frosting and signature colorful candy chips.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for batter)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup colorful candy-coated chocolate chips (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of butter. Remove from heat.
  3. Whisk the granulated sugar and brown sugar into the melted butter until fully combined.
  4. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3/4 cup cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
  9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  10. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened 1/4 cup butter until creamy.
  11. Whisk in the powdered sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder until smooth.
  12. Add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until the ganache is smooth and spreadable. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if the frosting is too stiff.
  13. Spread the chocolate ganache frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
  14. Immediately sprinkle the colorful candy-coated chocolate chips over the frosting before it sets.
  15. Allow the frosting to set for about 30 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • For the fudgiest texture, do not overbake the brownies. The center should remain slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.
  • You can substitute the colorful candy chips with rainbow jimmies or nonpareils if you prefer a different look for your cosmic brownies.
  • Chill the frosted brownies for 15 minutes before slicing to get clean, sharp cuts.

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