Copycat Cosmic Brownies Ganache

This copycat cosmic brownies recipe brings that famous chewy chocolate treat right into your kitchen. With a fudgy base and a smooth ganache topped with rainbow candy pieces these brownies come as close as possible to Little Debbies nostalgic classic. The colorful crunchy topping and glossy ganache over extra rich brownies make these hard to resist and even harder to keep around for more than a day.

I still remember the first time I tried making these for a bake sale and my friends could not believe they were homemade. The colorful candies make them look so authentic and even better than store bought.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Ensures the brownies have the perfect chewy but tender structure Look for unbleached flour for best results
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor Choose a high quality Dutch process for extra richness
• Kosher salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor Use fine kosher or sea salt flakes
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies super moist and chewy Neutral oils like canola or grapeseed work too
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and provides that iconic chew Choose dark brown for a deeper molasses note
• Granulated sugar: A balance for sweetness and structure Use pure cane sugar for the best flavor
• Unsalted butter: Brings richness and enhances flavor Always melt the butter fully to combine well
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and create a fudgy crumb Use room temperature eggs for easy mixing
• Light corn syrup: Gives an extra chewy texture and glossy finish Look for clear varieties with no added color
• Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor Always pick pure vanilla not imitation for the richest taste
• Semisweet chocolate chips: For the ganache seek out brands with 60 percent cacao for a smooth finish
• Heavy cream: Creates a creamy rich ganache with the chocolate Full fat is best here for luscious texture
• Rainbow chips: The signature look and sweet crunch Choose the classic candy coated chocolate chips if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Line a nine inch square baking pan with parchment paper making sure to cover the sides then lightly grease with cooking spray This will help you lift the brownies out cleanly once baked

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium sized bowl whisk together the all purpose flour cocoa powder and salt Combine these thoroughly so there are no pockets of cocoa or flour This step ensures your brownies bake evenly without lumps

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk together the vegetable oil brown sugar granulated sugar and melted butter Mix until fully blended and smooth Now add the eggs corn syrup and vanilla whisking until the mixture becomes glossy and fully combined

Combine Wet and Dry:

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture Stir gently using a rubber spatula just until combined Do not overmix This helps the brownies stay tender and prevents them from becoming cakey Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top

Bake:

Place the pan in the center of your preheated oven and bake for about twenty five minutes Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center The brownies are done when a few moist crumbs cling to the tester Let the pan cool completely before topping

Make the Ganache:

Add semisweet chocolate chips to a heatproof bowl Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it starts to simmer and small bubbles appear around the edge Immediately pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips Let it sit undisturbed for one minute then whisk until the mixture turns glossy and smooth

Top and Finish:

Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies and use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly to the edges While the ganache is still soft sprinkle a generous handful of rainbow chips across the top Gently press them in to make sure they stick Refrigerate the brownies for about twenty minutes or until the ganache is set then slice and serve

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I love the deep chocolateiness you get from the combination of cocoa powder and real chocolate in this recipe. My family always fights over the edges because they get that perfect chewy bite especially right after chilling in the fridge.

Storage Tips

Store the brownies in an airtight container either at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week. The ganache lasts longer when chilled but be sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying so the texture softens back up.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have light corn syrup you can use honey or golden syrup for a similar chew but keep in mind it may add slight flavor changes. For a dairy free version trade the butter for more oil and use coconut cream in the ganache. If rainbow chips are hard to find substitute with regular mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles.

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Serving Suggestions

Slice brownies into small squares for lunchbox treats or cut larger pieces for special occasions. For parties add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. These brownies are also delicious crumbled over chocolate pudding.

Cultural and Historical Context

Cosmic Brownies first hit store shelves in the 1990s and quickly became a lunchbox legend across America. Their chewy dense texture and chocolate coated candy toppings made them instantly recognizable. This homemade version brings that same comfort and nostalgia to your own kitchen.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ How do I get that iconic chewy texture?

Use both brown and granulated sugar for moisture and chewiness, and avoid overbaking so a few crumbs remain on a tester.

→ What creates the glossy ganache topping?

Warm heavy cream is poured over chocolate chips and whisked until smooth, creating a rich, shiny topping.

→ Can I substitute rainbow chips?

Mini chocolate candies or sprinkles work as replacements, although rainbow chips give the most authentic look.

→ Why is corn syrup added?

Corn syrup helps the brownies stay moist and enhances their chewy texture.

→ How should brownies be stored?

Once set, store brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week to maintain freshness and texture.