There’s something absolutely magical about a pan of Rainbow Chip Brownies. One bite and you’re instantly transported to the happiest corner of the dessert universe: soft, fudgy chocolate goodness with cheerful bursts of rainbow chips in every morsel. These delightfully colorful brownies are as perfect for cozy nights in as they are for parties, potlucks, or just about any occasion that could use a little extra joy. Whether you’re baking for kids or your own inner child, this easy treat always delivers big, nostalgic smiles.

Rainbow Chip Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, you can bring these Rainbow Chip Brownies to life. Each ingredient plays its own delicious role, creating a brownie that’s rich, tender, and dotted with those irresistible pops of color.

Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter adds richness and the key to fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth brownies.
Granulated sugar: A cup of sugar not only sweetens but also helps create that classic shiny brownie top.
Eggs: Two large eggs give structure and make the brownies chewy around the edges while soft and gooey inside.
Vanilla extract: Don’t skip this splash; vanilla brings out the deep cocoa flavor and ties everything together.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Go for the best you have—this is where all the chocolatey magic happens.
All-purpose flour: Just a half cup keeps these brownies tender and fudgy rather than cake-like.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Baking powder: This helps the brownies cook evenly and keeps them from being too dense.
Rainbow chips (plus extra for topping): The star ingredient! Rainbow chips turn every slice into a festive treat with fun colors and vanilla crunch.

How to Make Rainbow Chip Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the ends hang over the sides—this makes the brownies easy to lift out later and ensures quick clean-up.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

Whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Keep whisking until the mixture looks thick, glossy, and slightly lighter in color. This step sets the stage for that shiny, classic brownie crust we all love.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs and pour in your vanilla extract, then whisk again until the batter is super-smooth and a little fluffy. Take your time here; mixing well gives your Rainbow Chip Brownies that luscious, pleasing texture.

Step 4: Stir in Cocoa and Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold everything together with a spatula—just until you see no more streaks of flour. Overmixing can make brownies dry, so a few gentle folds is all you need.

Step 5: Fold in Rainbow Chips

Now comes the fun part: fold in half a cup of rainbow chips. Watch as the chocolate batter turns festive with bursts of color! These chips not only add crunch but also a sweet, almost frosting-like flavor.

Step 6: Bake and Top with Extra Chips

Pour the luscious brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a handful of extra rainbow chips on top for that bakery-worthy look. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 22 to 26 minutes. For extra fudgy brownies, check at the shorter time; for cakier ones, give them a minute or two more. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let your brownies cool completely in the pan. This can be the hardest part (the smell!) but helps them set up perfectly. Once they’ve cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the block onto a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares—and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Rainbow Chip Brownies

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can make your Rainbow Chip Brownies extra fancy. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a few extra rainbow chips on each slice for ultimate cuteness.

Side Dishes

Brownies this vibrant deserve to be the star of the show, but you can’t go wrong with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cool glass of milk on the side. If you’re going all out, serve them with berries for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Rainbow Chip Brownies into brownie sundaes, stack them in mini towers for parties, or use small cookie cutters to create fun shapes for birthday treats. Arrange on a colorful platter for an eye-catching dessert display that guests won’t forget!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Rainbow Chip Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They keep their fudgy texture and don’t dry out, thanks to the butter and sugar blend.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. Place slices between layers of wax paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature for a sweet surprise anytime.

Reheating

If you love warm brownies, pop a serving in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The chips get melty, and the chocolate flavor springs right back to life!

FAQs

Can I use chocolate chips instead of rainbow chips?

You absolutely can, though you’ll lose the festive look and unique flavor that rainbow chips bring. Chocolate chips will work in a pinch for a more classic swirl, but the real fun comes from those bright, crunchy rainbow bits.

How do I know when my Rainbow Chip Brownies are done?

Keep a close eye during the final minutes. A toothpick stuck in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—more than that means they’re underbaked, but totally clean could make them overdone. Err on the side of a little fudgy!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Make a double batch and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time by about 5–8 minutes longer. Just keep an eye out for that classic brownie crackle top and set center.

Are Rainbow Chip Brownies safe for vegetarians?

Yes! This recipe uses only vegetarian-friendly ingredients. Still, double-check your rainbow chips to make sure they don’t include gelatin or other animal-derived additives, just in case.

Do I need to use Dutch-processed or natural cocoa powder?

Either works, but natural unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies a classic flavor and deep color. Dutch-processed will mellow the flavor slightly, but you’ll still get that rich, chocolatey bite.

Final Thoughts

There you have it: everything you need to turn your kitchen into a celebration with Rainbow Chip Brownies! They’re colorful, delicious, and guaranteed to put a smile on every face. Whip up a batch for friends, family, or just yourself—you’ll be hooked after your very first bite.

Rainbow Chip Brownies Recipe