If sheer happiness could be baked into a pan, the result would definitely be Rainbow Chip Brownies. These brownies are rich and chocolatey but with a splash of nostalgia thanks to those cheerful pops of pastel rainbow chips on top and inside every bite. They’re the perfect treat to brighten up a party, make an ordinary day extra special, or just channel pure dessert joy into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring with a cup of coffee, these brownies deliver the kind of playful, fudgy decadence that always leaves people reaching for seconds.

Rainbow Chip Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these brownies lies in their simplicity—each ingredient plays an important role, from creating that signature dense, fudgy base to layering in a burst of color. Let’s break down what you need and why every item is essential.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings richness and a velvety mouthfeel; melting it ensures a glossy, cohesive batter.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps achieve that sought-after crinkly brownie top.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together, adding structure and moisture for fudgy results.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the chocolate flavor with a warm, fragrant boost.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Delivers deep cocoa richness without extra sweetness.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Gives just the right amount of structure so the brownies don’t crumble apart.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of lift, keeping the brownies from getting too dense.
Rainbow chips (1/2 cup, plus extra for topping): The star of the show—tiny, festive bursts of color and vanilla flavor that make every bite fun!

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, leaving a little overhang on two sides for easy lifting later. This not only prevents sticking but makes slicing and serving those Rainbow Chip Brownies a total breeze.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until fully combined. This step is key—the heat from the butter dissolves the sugar a bit, setting you up for that shiny, crisp brownie top everyone loves.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs and splash in the vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture turns smooth and glossy—don’t rush this part, as it makes for extra fudgy brownies.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder just until everything’s combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage so your Rainbow Chip Brownies stay tender, not tough.

Step 5: Fold in the Rainbow Chips

Now comes the fun part—gently fold in 1/2 cup of rainbow chips, distributing them evenly through the batter for maximum color and vanilla flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Spread, Top, and Bake

Pour the brownie batter into your lined pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle a generous handful of extra rainbow chips over the top for that signature playful look. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 22 to 26 minutes, depending on how fudgy you like your brownies. Check by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the Rainbow Chip Brownies cool completely in the pan so they set properly. Use the parchment handles to lift them out, then slice into squares—admire those colorful chips before you dig in!

How to Serve Rainbow Chip Brownies

Garnishes

Give your Rainbow Chip Brownies an extra flourish by dusting them with a little powdered sugar or topping with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For even more pizzazz, a few additional rainbow chips gently pressed into the top just before serving make them irresistible and photo-ready.

Side Dishes

These brownies shine all on their own, but if you’re going all-out, pair them with a scoop of creamy vanilla or birthday cake ice cream. Fresh berries—especially strawberries or raspberries—offer a tart contrast that balances the chocolatey sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or bake sales, try cutting the Rainbow Chip Brownies with a heart or star-shaped cookie cutter for an adorable twist. Layer small brownie cubes in a glass with whipped cream and fruit for a colorful parfait, or wrap squares in parchment and tie with a pastel ribbon to make delightful edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you can resist eating the whole batch, stash leftover Rainbow Chip Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They’ll stay soft, chewy, and just as magical as the day you baked them.

Freezing

Rainbow Chip Brownies freeze beautifully! Place completely cooled brownies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep their freshness and color for up to two months—perfect for those random chocolate cravings.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked magic, pop a brownie (or a few) in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. They’ll emerge perfectly gooey and slightly warm, ready to brighten any afternoon snack break.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate chips instead of rainbow chips?

Absolutely! While you’ll miss the fun splash of color and delicate vanilla flavor rainbow chips offer, chocolate chips make a rich, classic variation that still tastes fantastic.

How do I tell when Rainbow Chip Brownies are done?

The key is to look for set edges and a center that just stops wobbling. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging—if it’s totally clean, they’re likely overbaked.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the bake time as it may need a couple of extra minutes to cook through evenly.

What kind of rainbow chips should I use?

You can find pastel or vibrant rainbow chips, perfect for matching any occasion. For birthdays, holidays, or baby showers, feel free to coordinate colors for extra themed fun.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The texture remains fudgy and crowd-pleasing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something simply joyful about baking and sharing these Rainbow Chip Brownies. Whether for a celebration or just because, their colorful looks and rich, chocolatey taste never fail to bring smiles. I hope you’ll try them soon and let them work their cheerful magic in your kitchen too!

Rainbow Chip Brownies Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delightful Rainbow Chip Brownies that are a fun and colorful twist on classic brownies. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth with a burst of color and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup rainbow chips

Topping:

Extra rainbow chips for topping

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix the Batter: Whisk melted butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold in rainbow chips.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan, sprinkle extra rainbow chips on top, and bake for 22–26 minutes until set.
Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan before slicing into squares.