Homemade Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies: A Fudgy, Chewy, Chocolatey Dream

Our homemade gluten-free Cosmic brownies recipe is a delightful, from-scratch take on a beloved childhood favorite. Prepare to be amazed by their irresistibly chewy, fudgy texture, intensely rich chocolate flavor, and signature vibrant sprinkles. These gluten-free brownies aren’t just a good alternative; they are undeniably better than the original store-bought version, bringing pure nostalgic joy without the gluten!

I absolutely adore a fantastic gluten-free copycat recipe. Whether it’s the comforting goodness of Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cream Pies, the luxurious chew of Gluten-Free Levain Bakery Cookies, or the creamy layers of Gluten-Free Magnolia Banana Pudding, recreating classic treats without gluten brings such immense satisfaction. But, I must confess, these homemade Cosmic brownies might just claim the top spot. They elevate a simple brownie to an extraordinary level, making it taste like pure heaven in every bite. Curious why these fudgy brownies are a game-changer?

This Classic Childhood Favorite Has Never Tasted Better

Our gluten-free Cosmic brownie recipe is like taking the nostalgic Little Debbie Cosmic Brownie and turning the volume all the way up. We’re talking about a more intense chocolate flavor, a far superior texture that is both delightfully chewy and deeply fudgy, and a commitment to higher quality ingredients throughout. The only thing we’re removing is the gluten – everything else is amplified for an unparalleled homemade dessert experience!

• EASE: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of homemade brownies. This recipe is designed for simplicity, utilizing common pantry staples and requiring no fancy equipment or advanced baking skills. While precise directions are key for the best results, the process generally involves straightforward whisking, stirring, and baking. Just follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be on your way to brownie bliss!
• FLAVORS: Prepare for a truly authentic chocolate experience. Where store-bought versions often fall flat, our homemade gluten-free Cosmic brownies burst with a deep, rich chocolate flavor. This intensity comes from both the dense brownie base and the luscious, smooth chocolate ganache frosting. The combination creates a decadent taste that will have you savoring every single bite. The texture is the epitome of brownie perfection: ultra-fudgy and wonderfully chewy. Pure yum!
• TOP TIPS: For consistent, perfect results every time, we highly recommend weighing your dry ingredients with a kitchen scale. This prevents accidental over-measurement of flour, which can lead to dry brownies. If you don’t have a scale, use the “scoop and level” method to lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup before leveling it off. Additionally, patience is a virtue: always allow your brownies to cool completely before applying the ganache frosting, and let the ganache set fully before slicing. These steps ensure a clean cut and an optimal presentation.

Happy baking! xo, Emily

Gather Your Essential Ingredients for Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies

• Chocolate Chips: You’ll need a generous amount of good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for both the fudgy gluten-free brownie base and the decadent, silky chocolate ganache frosting. We prefer brands like Guittard or Enjoy Life, which tend to melt more smoothly due to fewer added stabilizers. For an even deeper chocolate profile, you could experiment with dark chocolate chips, but rest assured, the semi-sweet option already delivers plenty of rich, chocolatey goodness.
• Butter: Whether you opt for salted or unsalted butter, both will work beautifully in this recipe. I often use salted butter, finding it adds a nice balance to the sweetness, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
• Sugar: Regular granulated white sugar is essential. It not only provides the perfect level of sweetness to the brownies but also plays a crucial role in creating that signature glossy, crackly crust on top, making your brownies look incredibly appetizing.
• Eggs: Eggs are fundamental to achieving that desirable fudgy texture. They also help to dissolve the sugar when whipped, contributing significantly to the shiny, crinkly tops that are the hallmark of a perfectly baked brownie.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract is non-negotiable. It enhances and deepens the overall chocolate flavor, adding a warm, aromatic note that elevates the entire brownie experience.
• Gluten-Free Flour: For consistently excellent results, we highly recommend using King Arthur Measure-For-Measure Gluten-Free Flour blend. If you choose a different 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensure it explicitly contains xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is vital for providing structure and chewiness in gluten-free baking, and without it, your brownies may not achieve the desired texture. Do not substitute with alternative flours like almond flour, coconut flour, or oat flour, as these have different properties and will alter the recipe significantly.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For a classic Cosmic brownie appearance and flavor, natural unsweetened cocoa powder (like Hershey’s or Ghirardelli) is preferred over Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Natural cocoa provides a lighter, more traditional chocolate color and a slightly fruitier chocolate flavor that complements the semi-sweet chips beautifully.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is a must-have in any good chocolate recipe. It cleverly balances the sweetness and significantly enhances the depth and complexity of the chocolate flavors, preventing the brownies from tasting one-dimensional.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the star ingredient for our simple yet luxurious chocolate ganache. Heavy cream melts with the chocolate chips to create a smooth, pourable, and ultimately firm-setting topping. If heavy cream isn’t available, a mixture of half butter and half milk can be used, but be aware that the resulting ganache will likely be softer and have a thinner consistency.
• Rainbow Chips Sprinkles: These iconic sprinkles are what truly make a Cosmic brownie. They go by various names—confetti chips, rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips, or rainbow bit chips—but the key is to look for small, candy-coated chocolate pieces. Finding gluten-free options can sometimes be a challenge, but we highly recommend the gluten-free rainbow bit sprinkles from Sweetapolita. You can often get a discount by shopping my page or using code SWEETSANDTHANKYOU at checkout.

How To Create Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide

For precise ingredient measurements, detailed instructions, and additional expert tips, please refer to the complete recipe card below.

First, Craft Your Perfect Brownie Base

1. Preheat & Prepare Your Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a standard metal 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on two sides to easily lift the brownies out later. Set this prepared pan aside.
2. Melt Chocolate & Butter Together. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the specified amount of semi-sweet chocolate chips with the butter. Melt in short 15-20 second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and luscious. To prevent scorching the chocolate, especially if your microwave is powerful, consider using a lower power setting. Once melted, set the chocolate mixture aside to cool slightly while you work on the next step.
3. Whip Sugar & Eggs for Glossy Tops. In a large mixing bowl (a glass bowl is often recommended for better heat retention and visual cues), combine the granulated sugar and large eggs. Using a whisk or a handheld electric mixer, whip this mixture vigorously for 2-3 minutes. This crucial step incorporates air, causing the mixture to double in volume, lighten significantly in color, and almost completely dissolve the sugar. Do not skip or rush this step, as it’s key to achieving those coveted shiny, crinkly brownie tops.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients for Homogeneity. Pour the slightly cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the whipped egg and sugar mixture. Add the vanilla extract. Gently mix until all components are smoothly and evenly blended, ensuring no streaks of egg or chocolate remain.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients Carefully. Next, add the gluten-free flour blend, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as no dry patches of flour are visible. Overmixing can lead to tougher brownies.
6. Bake & Cool Your Brownies to Perfection. Evenly spread the brownie batter into your prepared 8×8 inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the top appears set and glossy. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before attempting to frost them. To speed up the cooling process, you can let them cool on a wire rack at room temperature for 20 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator until thoroughly chilled.

Next, Prepare the Silky Ganache & Decorate Your Cosmic Masterpiece

1. Gently Heat the Cream (and optional Corn Syrup). In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan on the stovetop, heat the heavy whipping cream until it is steaming and just on the verge of boiling. If you’re using corn syrup for that extra glossy finish, now is the time to add it to the cream.
2. Melt the Chocolate into the Cream. Once the cream is hot, pour it over the remaining chocolate chips. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. This allows the hot cream to slowly melt the chocolate. After 5 minutes, gently and slowly stir the mixture in one direction until the chocolate is fully melted, resulting in a smooth, glossy, and luxurious ganache.
3. Frost the Cooled Brownies Evenly. Pour the prepared ganache over your completely cooled brownies. Use an offset spatula to gently spread the ganache into an even layer, covering the entire surface. If you notice any small air bubbles in the ganache (a common occurrence!), you can gently tap the pan on the counter a few times or lightly shake it back and forth to help the bubbles rise and disappear, leaving a perfectly smooth surface.
4. Add Sprinkles & Allow to Set for Clean Slices. Immediately after frosting, generously decorate the brownies with your rainbow chips sprinkles. Once sprinkled, allow the brownies to set completely. For the neatest, most professional-looking slices, I highly recommend placing the brownies in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until the ganache is firm. Once set, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. For extra clean cuts, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each slice. Enjoy your beautiful, fudgy, gluten-free Cosmic brownies!
5. Storage Recommendations. Any leftover brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to extend their freshness. For longer storage, freeze individual brownie squares in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQ + Expert Tricks for the Best Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies

What Kind of Sprinkles Do You Use For Cosmic Brownies? Achieving that authentic Cosmic brownie look is all about the sprinkles! You’re looking for “rainbow bit chips,” which are essentially small, candy-coated chocolate sprinkles, sometimes also called “rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips.” Many commercial brands might not be explicitly labeled gluten-free, but we’ve found excellent gluten-free rainbow bit chips at Sweetapolita. If these aren’t accessible, don’t worry! You can use rainbow quins, your favorite gluten-free rainbow sprinkles, or even mini M&M’s for a similar playful effect.

Don’t Rush The Eggs & Sugar! This cannot be stressed enough: thoroughly beating the eggs and granulated sugar for the full 2-3 minutes is a critical step. This process is what properly dissolves the sugar crystals and incorporates air, which are both essential for creating that iconic shiny, crinkly crust on top of your brownies. Patience here will be greatly rewarded with superior texture and appearance!

Your Choice of Pan Matters Significantly! For baking brownies, I highly recommend using a light-colored metal 8×8 inch baking pan. Metal pans conduct heat more efficiently and evenly, leading to a consistently baked brownie. If you opt for a glass or ceramic pan, you might notice the brownies “climbing” the sides during baking and then sinking in the center after cooling, resulting in an uneven surface. Additionally, brownies baked in glass or ceramic often require a longer baking time due to their different heat retention properties.

Can I Make Them Dairy-Free? While I haven’t personally tested a dairy-free version of this specific recipe, I believe it’s certainly possible with a few thoughtful substitutions. You would want to start by using a high-quality vegan butter substitute, along with dairy-free chocolate chips. For the ganache topping, coconut milk or full-fat coconut cream would be good alternatives to heavy whipping cream. Please note, however, that finding truly dairy-free rainbow bit sprinkles might be challenging, as most are candy-coated with dairy-containing chocolate. You might need to skip the traditional sprinkles or find another dairy-free topping.

More Delicious Gluten-Free Copycat Recipes To Try

Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownie Cookies

Gluten-Free Banana Pudding (Like Magnolia!)

Gluten-Free Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies

Average Rating: 5 stars from 2 votes

Author:
Emily Dixon, Sweets & Thank You

With their fudgy texture, rich chocolate flavor & signature colorful sprinkles, our homemade gluten-free Cosmic brownies are even better than the original!

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Cooling Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 40 minutes

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Servings:
12 -16 Brownies

Equipment

• 1 Metal 8×8 Pan

Ingredients

For The Brownies

• 1 ⅓ cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (226 grams/8 oz)
• 5 Tablespoons Butter
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar (150 grams)
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• ⅓ cup Gluten-Free Measure-For-Measure Flour (40 grams)
• 3 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (24 grams) – I prefer natural cocoa powder rather than Dutch processed here
• ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt

For The Ganache & Topping

• 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (170 grams/6 oz)
• ½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1 teaspoon Corn Syrup (Optional, for glossier ganache)
• 2 Tablespoons Candy Coated Chocolate Chip Sprinkles *See notes!

Instructions

First, Make The Brownies

1. Preheat & Prep. To start, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a metal 8×8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Melt Chocolate & Butter. In a microwave safe bowl, combine 1 1/3 cups chocolate chips with the butter and melt in 15-20 second intervals until smooth. (If you have a low power setting, I recommend it here to avoid scorching the chocolate.) Let chocolate cool slightly while you work on the eggs and sugar.
3. Whip Sugar & Eggs. In a large bowl (glass works best!), combine granulated sugar and eggs. Whip with a whisk or handheld electric mixer for 2-3 minutes, or until doubled in volume, much lighter in color, and the sugar is almost completely dissolved. Do NOT rush this step!
4. Combine Wet Ingredients. Add chocolate mixture to the egg mixture along with the vanilla and mix until smooth and evenly blended.
5. Add Dry Ingredients. Next, add gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, and salt and mix until just combined and no dry patches remain.
6. Bake & Cool Brownies. Smooth batter into the prepared pan and bake 18-20 minutes, or until the top is set and glossy and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. (It shouldn’t be full of wet batter.) Let the brownies cool completely before frosting. (You can speed this up by cooling on a wire rack 20 minutes at room temperature, then transferring to the fridge until cooled.)

Next, Make The Ganache & Decorate The Brownies

1. Heat Cream (and corn syrup, if using!) until nearly boiling (either on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe bowl).
2. Melt Chocolate. Add chocolate chips to steaming cream and let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Gently and slowly stir in one direction until the chocolate is melted, smooth, and glossy.
3. Frost Brownies. Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies and spread into an even layer. If your ganache has small air bubbles, you can gently tap the pan on the counter or gently shake the pan back and forth to remove them.
4. Add Sprinkles & Set. Decorate the brownies with sprinkles, then let the brownies set completely before slicing. I recommend putting the brownies in the fridge for the neatest slices! Use a sharp knife to cut into slices & enjoy!
5. Store. Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container 1-2 days at room temperature or 3-4 days in the fridge. Or, freeze up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

Notes

• Gluten-Free Flour. We recommend King Arthur Measure-For-Measure gluten-free flour blend for these brownies. If you use another 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, be sure it contains xanthan gum. Always weigh flour with a scale for best results, or use the scoop and level method to spoon flour into the measuring cup.
• Cocoa. We’re using natural cocoa powder rather than Dutch processed cocoa powder for this recipe.
• Use The Right Sprinkles. Cosmic brownie sprinkles are called all kinds of things, but look for key words like “candy coated chocolate sprinkles,” “candy coated chocolate chips,” or “Rainbow Bit Chips.” Most brands are not labeled gluten-free even if they aren’t made from gluten ingredients, but we like the ones from Sweetapolita (which ARE gluten-free). If you can’t find them, mini m&m’s or rainbow sprinkles will do in a pinch!
• Corn Syrup is not *strictly* necessary, but will give your ganache a beautiful glossy sheen. Feel free to leave it out, if needed.

Video

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Course:
Brownies, Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Diet:
Gluten Free

Keyword:
cosmic brownies, gluten free cosmic brownies, gluten-free brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate ganache, rainbow sprinkles

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sweetsandthankyou.com/gluten-free-cosmic-brownies/