Why You Must Make These Brownies

• They’re a copycat Little Debbie recipe that’s even better than the original!
• If you adore rich, dense brownies with a fudgy frosting, these are for you!
• Cocoa powder in the brownies and semisweet chocolate in the frosting make them the perfect treat for chocolate lovers.
• And don’t forget about the iconic sprinkles that add a fun twist!

The History of Cosmic Brownies

It took me a while to understand why I had no memories tied to this Little Debbie delight. Shockingly, they weren’t introduced until December 1999! By then, I already had three kids and tended to avoid the snack aisle during grocery trips with them.

Legend has it that these Cosmic Brownies were designed amidst the cosmic bowling craze, which brought disco lights and groovy music to bowling alleys. And yes, cosmic bowling was quite the scene!

Essential Ingredients

• Kitchen Staples: Butter, Sugar, Brown Sugar
• Eggs: Bring them to room temperature for easier mixing—large eggs are your best bet.
• Coffee: Not a coffee drinker? No worries! Instant coffee or leftover brewed coffee works just fine.
• Vanilla Extract: Always opt for real vanilla extract—imitation just won’t cut it.
• Cocoa Powder: Ensure you use unsweetened cocoa powder, not hot cocoa mix or Dutch processed cocoa unless specified.
• Espresso Powder: A sprinkle of espresso enhances that chocolate richness. Instant espresso works well too!
• Cornstarch: This secret ingredient results in softer, more tender brownies.
• Baking Powder: Remember that baking powder and baking soda are not interchangeable! Also, check the expiration date—fresh is always best.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet Ghirardelli chocolate chips are my go-to.
• Cream: Heavy cream with around 36% butterfat gives the ganache its beautiful texture.
• Rainbow Chip Sprinkles: While mini M&Ms or other small colorful candies can work, the sprinkles truly elevate the look of these brownies.

How to Make Cosmic Brownies

Before diving into the instructions, let me share just how mouthwatering these brownies are—my husband couldn’t resist them! He even confessed to munching on a Cosmic Brownie for breakfast when we ran out of bread. Now that’s saying something!

Let’s get started:

1. Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a square baking pan with non-stick foil, making it easier to lift the brownies out for cutting later.
2. Mix the Batter: Combine the brownie ingredients as per the recipe. For fudginess, avoid overmixing or using a high-speed mixer, as this can whip too much air in, making for a cakey texture.
3. Room Temperature Eggs: Using room-temperature eggs helps incorporate them more easily.
4. Spread the Batter: Scrape the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top using an offset spatula.
5. Bake: Follow baking instructions. If you’re using a 9 x 9-inch pan, slightly reduce the baking time.
6. Check for Doneness: A toothpick should come out clean or with a couple of moist crumbs; no batter should cling to it.
7. Cool the Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool for at least 30 minutes.
8. Create the Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the cream and chocolate chips until smooth. Pour it generously over the brownies.
9. Add the Sprinkles: Top with rainbow chips, mini M&Ms, or your favorite colorful candies.

How to Cut Cosmic Brownies

Cutting brownies—especially those adorned with sprinkles—can be tricky, but don’t worry! Here are some tips to achieve perfect squares:

1. After cooling for about 30 minutes, score the top of the brownies lightly to mark where you plan to cut. This prevents the sprinkles from scattering.
2. For a batch of 16 brownies, first mark the middle in one direction, then rotate the pan a quarter turn and repeat to create four equal squares.
3. Now, divide each of those squares into four smaller squares. Return the brownies to the fridge to finish cooling.
4. When you’re ready to slice, use a sharp knife and clean it after each cut for sharper edges.

Frequently Asked Questions