The Ultimate Homemade Fudgy Cosmic Brownies: A Little Debbie Copycat Recipe

Recreate a cherished childhood favorite with these incredible homemade Cosmic Brownies! Our recipe delivers the perfect balance of intensely fudgy, rich chocolate brownies, generously topped with a silky chocolate ganache and adorned with those iconic rainbow candy-coated chocolates. Forget the store-bought versions – this copycat recipe elevates the classic Little Debbie treat to an entirely new level of deliciousness, proving that homemade always tastes best.

While the nostalgic charm of Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies is undeniable, this homemade version surpasses the original in every way. We strip away the preservatives and artificial flavors, relying instead on simple, high-quality ingredients to create a treat that is not only reminiscent of your favorite childhood snack but also boasts a depth of flavor and texture that only a homemade dessert can offer. You won’t need any special equipment to whip up these delightful chocolate masterpieces, just a passion for delicious baking and a craving for pure chocolatey bliss.

If you’re a devoted chocolate enthusiast looking for more decadent dessert ideas, explore our other beloved recipes such as the elegant Chocolate Mousse Cake, the irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake, and our supremely moist Moist Chocolate Cake.

Why This Homemade Cosmic Brownie Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

• Better Than Little Debbie’s Original: While the store-bought Cosmic Brownies evoke fond memories, their adult taste can often be a letdown. This homemade recipe captures all the nostalgic essence and iconic look but delivers a profoundly superior taste and texture. Made with fresh ingredients, these brownies are genuinely delicious, rich, and satisfying, free from the processed taste of mass-produced snacks.
• Irresistibly Fudgy and Chewy Texture: The hallmark of a truly great brownie is its texture, and our Cosmic Brownies absolutely nail it. We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to ensure each bite offers that perfectly fudgy, moist, and chewy consistency that is essential for a true Cosmic Brownie experience. You won’t find any dry or cakey brownies here – just pure, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate decadence.
• Crafted with Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: The beauty of homemade baking lies in the quality of your ingredients. Unlike the shelf-stable, preservative-laden ganache of the commercial version, our chocolate topping is made with just two premium components: rich heavy cream and high-quality chocolate chips. This simple combination creates a ganache that is luxuriously smooth, intensely flavorful, and undeniably superior to anything you’ll find in a package.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect Homemade Cosmic Brownies

Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to achieving the best possible Cosmic Brownies. Below are some crucial notes and tips to ensure your baking success. For a complete list of measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe instructions provided further down.

• Oil (Canola or Vegetable): We recommend using neutral-flavored canola oil or vegetable oil. These oils contribute to the brownies’ moistness and fudgy texture without imparting any unwanted flavors, allowing the rich chocolate to shine through.
• Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of your baked goods. Be sure to melt the butter ahead of time, allowing it sufficient time to cool to room temperature before incorporating it into the batter. This prevents it from scrambling the eggs or affecting the batter’s consistency.
• Eggs (Large, Room Temperature): For optimal emulsification and a smoother, more uniform batter, it’s vital that your eggs are at room temperature. Take them out of the refrigerator at least two hours before you plan to start baking. Room temperature eggs combine more easily with other ingredients, creating a more cohesive and evenly baked brownie.
• Powdered Sugar: To achieve a perfectly smooth and refined texture in your brownies, sifting the powdered sugar is highly recommended. Powdered sugar is prone to clumping, and these clumps can lead to an undesirable gritty texture in your finished brownies. Sifting ensures a silky-smooth batter and a delightful final product.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process): For an exceptionally rich, deep, and less acidic chocolate flavor, we strongly recommend using Dutch-process cocoa powder. Its alkalized nature creates a darker brownie and a more mellow, intense chocolate taste compared to natural cocoa powder. This makes a noticeable difference in the overall profile of your Cosmic Brownies.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (for Ganache): For the ganache, semi-sweet chocolate chips are the ideal choice. They provide a balanced sweetness that complements the rich brownies without being overly sugary. We advise against using milk chocolate for the ganache, as it can make the final topping excessively sweet, potentially overwhelming the brownie’s flavor.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar (for Brownies): The quality of your chocolate bar significantly impacts the brownie’s depth of flavor. We love the Lindt 78% bar for its intense chocolate notes, but any high-quality semi-sweet chocolate bar can be substituted. Be mindful that using darker or lighter chocolate will alter the flavor profile of the brownies. Aim to stick close to the semi-sweet range for the most authentic taste.
• Rainbow Candy Coated Chocolates: These vibrant sprinkles are essential for the signature “Cosmic” look! We used these specific rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips, but if you have a similar rainbow-colored candy or sprinkle mix available, feel free to use those. Their colorful crunch adds both visual appeal and a delightful texture.

Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Dairy-Free Options: For those with dairy sensitivities or preferences, this recipe is adaptable! Feel free to substitute your favorite dairy-free butter, milk (for ganache), and chocolate alternatives. Ensure they are suitable for baking and melting for the best results.
• Gluten-Free Exploration: While this recipe has not been specifically tested with gluten-free flours, we encourage adventurous bakers to experiment. If you successfully adapt this recipe to be gluten-free, please share your results – we’d love to hear about them!

Step-By-Step Instructions: Crafting the Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

Follow these detailed steps to create the incredibly fudgy and decadent brownie base for your Cosmic Brownies. Precision in baking ensures a perfect outcome!

STEP 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, take a 9×9 inch baking pan and generously spray it with baking spray, ensuring full coverage. To make removal effortless, line the bottom and two opposing sides of the pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang slightly for easy lifting. Once the parchment paper is in place, spray the entire lined surface again for extra non-stick insurance.

STEP 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Melt Chocolate. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Sifting is crucial here to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth batter. Give these dry ingredients a quick whisk to combine thoroughly and set the bowl aside. Separately, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt your semi-sweet chocolate bar. Heat it in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat it.

STEP 3: Achieve a Fluffy Egg and Sugar Mixture. Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the powdered sugar, granulated sugar, large eggs, and the extra egg yolk on high speed for a full 3 minutes. This step is vital for incorporating air into the mixture, which contributes to the brownies’ fudgy texture. The mixture should become noticeably pale in color and beautifully fluffy, almost ribbon-like.

STEP 4: Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients. Reduce the mixer speed to medium. Gradually add the cooled melted butter, oil, pure vanilla extract, and the melted chocolate to the egg mixture. Mix until all these wet ingredients are just combined and fully incorporated. Then, switch to a low speed and slowly add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until the flour streaks have just disappeared. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tougher brownies.

STEP 5: Prepare for Baking. Remove the mixing bowl from the stand mixer. Use a rubber spatula to carefully scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring that all ingredients are thoroughly combined and no pockets of unmixed batter remain. This ensures an even bake. Once the batter is uniform, pour it into your previously prepared 9×9 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula.

STEP 6: Bake to Perfection. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 33-37 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Remember, it’s best to slightly underbake these brownies; they will continue to set and firm up as they cool, resulting in that coveted fudgy interior. Overbaking can lead to dry or cakey brownies.

STEP 7: Cool Completely. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven. It is absolutely crucial to let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to remove them or apply the ganache. Rushing this step can cause the brownies to break apart and ruin their texture. Patience is key for perfect Cosmic Brownies!

Step-By-Step Instructions: Creating the Silky Chocolate Ganache and Decorating

Once your brownies are completely cooled, it’s time to whip up the luxurious chocolate ganache and add the iconic rainbow topping that makes these brownies truly “Cosmic.”

STEP 1: Prepare Cream and Chocolate. Pour your semi-sweet chocolate chips into a heat-safe mixing bowl. In a small saucepan, add the heavy cream and heat it over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Continue heating, stirring occasionally, until the cream begins to steam and small bubbles form around the edges – do not let it boil vigorously.

STEP 2: Achieve a Smooth Ganache. Carefully pour the hot, steaming cream directly over the chocolate chips in the heat-safe bowl. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 2 minutes; this allows the heat from the cream to begin melting the chocolate. After 2 minutes, use a rubber spatula to gently stir the mixture from the center outwards. Continue stirring until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the ganache is completely smooth, glossy, and uniform in consistency.

STEP 3: Decorate Your Brownies. Once the brownies are completely cool and the ganache is ready, pour the warm ganache evenly over the entire surface of the brownies in the pan. Use an offset spatula to gently spread the ganache all the way to the edges, creating a smooth and even layer. While the ganache is still wet, generously sprinkle the rainbow candy-coated chocolates over the top. We recommend using about 3/4 cup for a vibrant and authentic Cosmic Brownie look.

STEP 4: Set and Serve. To set the ganache, you have a couple of options depending on when you plan to serve. If you’re serving immediately, place the brownies in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This will quickly firm up the ganache. If you’re preparing them in advance or serving later, place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Once the ganache is set, remove the brownies from the pan (using the parchment paper overhang), cut them into your desired bar shapes, and serve!

Expert Baking Tips for Flawless Fudgy Brownies

• Enhancing Fudginess with Egg Yolk and Cornstarch: To achieve that ultimate fudgy brownie texture, this recipe strategically includes an extra egg yolk and a tablespoon of cornstarch. The additional egg yolk contributes more fat to the batter, which is essential for creating a moist, soft, and dense texture, countering the tougher, more cake-like texture that can result from too much gluten development in flour.
• The Role of Cornstarch in Texture: Cornstarch acts as a tenderizer by helping to break down the gluten strands that form when flour is mixed with liquids. This inhibition of gluten development prevents the brownies from becoming overly chewy or cakey, instead promoting a wonderfully soft and fudgy crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Mastering the Toothpick Test: When performing the toothpick test to check for doneness, it’s crucial to look for moist crumbs, not wet batter. If the toothpick comes out with raw batter, the brownies need a few more minutes in the oven. The ideal result is a toothpick with moist, clinging crumbs, indicating a perfectly fudgy, slightly underbaked center that will finish cooking as it cools.
• Proper Flour Measurement: Always measure your flour correctly. Spoon the flour lightly into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Never scoop flour directly from the bag, as this can compact it, leading to too much flour and dry, cakey brownies. For best accuracy, use a kitchen scale.
• High Altitude Adjustments: If you are baking at a high altitude, you may need to make a slight adjustment to the recipe. Adding an extra 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour can help counteract the lower atmospheric pressure and prevent the brownies from sinking or becoming overly crumbly.
• Bringing Ingredients to Room Temperature: Beyond eggs, ensure all dairy ingredients like butter are brought to room temperature before baking. This promotes better emulsification, leading to a smoother batter and a more uniform, consistent texture in your finished brownies. Plan ahead and pull them out of the fridge at least 2 hours before you start.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmic Brownies

Recipe Variations for Your Cosmic Brownies

• Customize Brownie Bar Shape: If you want to perfectly mimic the iconic long, skinny bar shape of Little Debbie’s Cosmic Brownies, simply cut your baked brownies accordingly. Our recipe uses a square cut for personal preference, but the shape is entirely up to you!
• Alternative Rainbow Toppings: If rainbow candy-coated chocolates are hard to find, don’t worry! You can easily substitute them with classic rainbow sprinkles for a similar colorful effect, or use mini M&M’s for a slightly different chocolatey crunch.
• Add a Dash of Espresso Powder: For an even deeper and richer chocolate flavor, consider adding 1-2 teaspoons of espresso powder to your dry ingredients. Espresso doesn’t make the brownies taste like coffee, but it significantly enhances the chocolate notes.
• Nutty Cosmic Brownies: If you enjoy the combination of chocolate and nuts, feel free to fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter just before pouring it into the pan. This adds a delightful textural contrast.

Special Tools for a Seamless Baking Experience

While this recipe doesn’t require highly specialized equipment, these tools can make the process even smoother and more enjoyable:

• 9×9 Inch Metal Square Pan: For optimal heat distribution and even baking, we recommend using metal square pans. Glass pans tend to conduct heat differently and can sometimes lead to uneven baking or dryer edges.
• Parchment Paper Sheets: Save yourself time and frustration by using premade sheets of parchment paper. They lay flat and fit pans perfectly, making lining much easier than wrestling with rolls of parchment paper.
• Baking Spray with Flour: A good quality nonstick spray that contains flour is excellent for ensuring your brownies release cleanly from the pan every single time, even with parchment paper.
• Offset Spatula: This handy tool, like this one, is incredibly useful for evenly spreading the ganache over the brownies, achieving a smooth and professional finish with ease.

Storing and Freezing Your Delicious Cosmic Brownies

Proper storage ensures your Cosmic Brownies remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Store these homemade Cosmic Brownies in an airtight container, such as a cake carrier or a large Tupperware, at room temperature or in the fridge. They will stay fresh and fudgy in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilling them can enhance their density and chewiness.

For longer storage, you can easily freeze individual brownie slices. Once the ganache is fully set, wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 30 days. Thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Other Irresistible Brownie Recipes to Discover

If you loved making these Cosmic Brownies, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic brownie creations from our collection:

• Brownie Rolls
• Nutella Brownies
• Strawberry Brownies
• Lemon Brownies
• Birthday Cake Brownies

We hope you adore this recipe for homemade Cosmic Brownies! If you loved it, please make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW below. We’d also love to see your creations! Tag us on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats. For more baking inspiration and ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest. Happy baking!

Cosmic Brownies Recipe

These Cosmic Brownies are a delightful copycat of the classic Little Debbie’s version! They feature intensely fudgy, rich chocolate brownies, generously topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and vibrant rainbow candy-coated chocolates for that iconic look and taste.

Author: Stephanie Rutherford

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 2 reviews

Print Recipe | Pin Recipe | Leave a Review

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Chilling Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins

Servings: 16 slices

Ingredients

Chocolate Brownies

• 1 1/2 cups White granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
• 3 Large eggs, room temperature
• 1 Egg yolk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Oil, canola or vegetable
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 3.5 oz Semi-sweet chocolate bar, melted (Lindt 78% chocolate recommended)
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process recommended)
• 1 TBSP Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Salt

Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup Heavy cream
• Rainbow candy coated chocolates (approximately 3/4 cup for topping)

Instructions

Chocolate Brownies

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175°C). Spray a 9×9 inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Spray again.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate bar in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth.
3. Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer), beat the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
4. Reduce mixer speed to medium. Add the cooled melted butter, oil, pure vanilla extract, and melted chocolate to the egg mixture. Mix until just combined. Then, on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 33-37 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. It’s best to slightly underbake them to ensure a fudgy texture as they cool.
7. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to remove them or decorate.

Chocolate Ganache

1. Pour the semi-sweet chocolate chips into a heat-safe bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it is hot and steaming, but not boiling.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt. Then, use a rubber spatula to gently stir the mixture until it is fully combined and smooth.
3. Pour the warm ganache over the completely cooled brownies. Use an offset spatula to gently spread the ganache evenly to all edges. Immediately sprinkle the rainbow candy-coated chocolates generously over the wet ganache (we recommend about 3/4 cup for a vibrant topping).
4. To set the ganache, place the brownies in the freezer for 10 minutes if serving immediately. If serving later, place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Once the ganache is firm, cut the brownies into bars and serve.

Notes

• Flour Measurement: Always spoon and level your flour, or use a kitchen scale for accuracy. Compacted flour can lead to dry, cakey brownies.
• High Altitude Baking: If baking at high altitudes, consider adding an extra 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the recipe.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For optimal mixing and texture, ensure all dairy ingredients, including eggs and butter, are brought to room temperature at least 2 hours before baking.

Nutrition Information (per slice)

Calories: 322kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 36mg, Sodium: 151mg, Potassium: 165mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 308IU, Vitamin C: 0.04mg, Calcium: 23mg, Iron: 2mg