Short Description

Cosmic Fudge Brownies are ultra-rich and dense chocolate squares bursting with melty fudge and studded with colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces—perfect for satisfying any chocoholic’s craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These decadent brownies strike the perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor with a tender, fudgy texture. The playful candy shell adds a fun pop of color and crunch, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Ideal for casual gatherings, lunch boxes, or a special dessert moment at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsweetened cocoa powder
Semi‑sweet or dark chocolate
All‑purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Salt
Candy‑coated chocolate pieces (e.g., M&M’s)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Melt butter and chopped chocolate together in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
Whisk in sugar, followed by beaten eggs and vanilla extract, until the mixture is glossy and well combined.
Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold until just combined—don’t overmix.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle candy-coated chocolates across the top, gently pressing them into the batter.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let brownies cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack, then lift out using parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Servings and timing

Yield: Approximately 16 brownies (2-inch squares)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour

Variations

Nutty twist: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Espresso boost: Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to intensify the cocoa flavor.
Swirled peanut butter: Dollop ¼ cup creamy peanut butter over the batter before baking and swirl with a knife.
Salted top: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before baking for a sweet‑and‑salty contrast.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped brownies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm a brownie in the microwave for 10–12 seconds to revive that fresh‑baked softness.

FAQs

What’s the best way to get fudgy brownies instead of cakey ones?

Use a higher ratio of fat (butter and chocolate) to flour, avoid overmixing, and bake just until a few moist crumbs stick to a toothpick.

Can I use Dutch‑process cocoa instead of natural cocoa?

Yes—just replace cup for cup. Note that Dutch‑process may result in a slightly less acidic, deeper chocolate flavor.

Can I substitute the candy with something else?

Absolutely! Try chopped candy bars, chocolate chips, caramel bits, or white chocolate chips.

Do I need to let the brownies cool before cutting?

Yes, cool completely. This helps the brownies set firmly, allowing clean slices without crumbling.

How do I store brownies to keep them moist?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread to help retain moisture for longer periods.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes—just double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust bake time by 5–10 minutes.

Can I make these gluten‑free?

Yes—swap the all‑purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend. Check it’s suitable for baking.

How do I know when they’re done?

Look for shiny crackles on top and test with a toothpick. A few moist crumbs should cling to it.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes—just reduce added salt by about half.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

Use good-quality baking chocolate or chocolate bars (60–70 % cacao). They melt smoothly and give a deep flavor.

Conclusion

Cosmic Fudge Brownies deliver a spectacular blast of chocolate indulgence with a fun and colorful twist. Easy to make yet bursting with flavor and texture, they’re perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or simple midweek sweetness. Let them cool, cut into perfect squares, and watch them disappear—every bite is pure bliss!

Cosmic Fudge Brownies

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Cosmic Fudge Brownies are ultra-rich, fudgy chocolate treats topped with colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces, offering a delightful mix of gooey texture and crunch.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
Melt butter and chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
Whisk in sugar, then beaten eggs and vanilla extract until glossy and combined.
Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined.
Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly. Top with candy-coated chocolates, pressing them in slightly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then lift out and cut into squares.