Homemade Cosmic Brownies
Recreating copycat recipes brings back the joy of classic treats from childhood. These cosmic brownies have a fudgy and dense texture, making them uniquely indulgent. Topped with smooth chocolate ganache and colorful rainbow chips, they deliver that perfect balance of chewiness and nostalgia. Every bite feels like a trip back to the best childhood snacks we all loved.
These homemade brownies capture the magic of Little Debbie brownies, but with a richer chocolate flavor and softer bite. The ganache topping adds a glossy finish, making them an irresistible nostalgic dessert. Whether you’re baking for fun or reliving sweet memories, these copycat cosmic brownies are the ultimate childhood favorite.
Copycat Cosmic Brownies Ingredients
A perfect Cosmic Brownie recipe starts with the right ingredients. Each element plays a key role in achieving that super fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor we all love. Here’s what you need:
Baking Soda – Ensures a slight lift while keeping them dense and chewy
Salted Butter, partially melted If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – The mix of sugars enhances the rich flavor and keeps the brownies moist.
Eggs – Essential for structure and chewiness.
Corn Syrup – The secret to achieving that super fudgy consistency.
Vanilla – Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate.
Flour – Just all-purpose flour for the perfect texture.
Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder – This gives a deeper chocolate flavor, but regular cocoa works too.
Cornstarch – Helps create a soft, tender bite.
Salt – Brings out the chocolate’s richness.
Cosmic Brownie Frosting Ingredients
Some stores like Walmart may carry them, or you can buy online.
Salted Butter adds richness, but unsalted butter works with a pinch of salt.
Cream Cheese makes the frosting extra rich without overpowering the flavor.
Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder gives a deep chocolate flavor, but regular cocoa works too.
Powdered Sugar sweetens and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
Vanilla Extract enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Milk helps thin the frosting to the perfect consistency.
Candy Coated Chocolate Chips are classic but can be hard to find in stores.
Mini M&M’s are a great substitute if you can’t find the original chips.
How to Make Cosmic Brownies
- Preheating the oven to 350° F is the first step. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the slightly melted butter and both types of sugars. Beat on high for 5 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step ensures a smooth texture.
- Add the eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla to the mixture. Mix again for another 5 minutes. This helps create that chewy texture Cosmic Brownies are known for.
- Gently combine the flour, cocoa, salt, cornstarch, and baking soda. Avoid overmixing to prevent activating the gluten, which can make the brownies drier and give them a cakier texture.
- Fold the batter by hand a few times before spreading it evenly into the prepared pan. This ensures everything is properly mixed without overworking the batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching carefully to avoid over baking. The brownies should be fudgy, with slightly cracked edges and a set center.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness. It should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean that would mean they’re over baked. Let them cool slightly before adding the frosting.
How to Make Cosmic Brownie Fudge Frosting
Finish with Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips
Take them out and immediately sprinkle candy-coated chocolate chips on top. Let them cool in the pan, then freeze for 30 minutes for cleaner cuts.
Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth and lump-free. This creates a rich base that makes the frosting extra creamy.
Incorporate Cocoa Powder and Milk
Scrape the bowl and mix in cocoa powder with a small amount of milk (tsp or two). This helps the ingredients blend while keeping the consistency thick.
Prevent Overmixing for the Right Texture
Use the lowest setting on your mixer to avoid adding too much air. Overmixing can make the frosting too light instead of fudgy.
Add Vanilla for Depth of Flavor
Stir in vanilla and continue mixing until fully combined. It deepens the chocolate flavor and gives the frosting a balanced sweetness.
Spread Over Brownies While Warm
Scoop the frosting onto cool brownies. The slight residual heat will melt it just enough, making it easy to spread smoothly.
Set the Frosting in a Warm Oven
Place the frosted brownies in a warm oven (turned off) for 3-5 minutes. This step helps the top layer become super smooth and glossy.
Tips For Making The Most PERFECT Copycat Cosmic Brownie
Getting the best results starts with understanding the texture of the brownie batter. It will be very thick, so don’t worry if it feels different from other recipes. Instead of a whisk, switch to a silicone spatula to fold in the dry ingredients. This helps prevent overmixing and makes it easier to spread and flatten the batter into the prepared pan. Once the brownies have cooled, it’s time for the velvety smooth ganache, which is made with just two ingredients chocolate and heavy cream.
To ensure a silky finish, heat the heavy cream until it’s bubbling hot before pouring it over the chocolate chips. Avoid the urge to whisk immediately; letting the ingredients sit for a moment allows the chocolate to melt fully. Whisking too soon introduces air, which lowers the temperature, increasing the risk of the chocolate not melting properly, leading to a lumpy ganache. Take your time, and you’ll have a flawless, glossy topping for your brownies.
How to Cut Brownies Cleanly
For the cleanest cut, make sure your brownies are properly chilled at least a few hours, but overnight is even better. This helps both the chocolate frosting and the brownie set for a sharp slice. A super sharp knife is a must. Use a large blade and press down evenly in one motion, rather than rocking the knife. After each slice, wipe the blade clean to prevent build-up. If needed, a warmed blade can help, but always rinse and dry well before making the next cut.
How to Store Cosmic Brownies
To keep your brownies fresh and fudgy, store them in a single layer inside an airtight container. If kept at room temperature, they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to 1 week. You can enjoy them eaten cold straight from the fridge or let them return to room temperature for a softer bite. If you love the nostalgic taste of Little Debbie chocolate brownies, homemade versions with cosmic brownie sprinkles taste even better when stored properly!
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Homemade Cosmic Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- For the Fudge Frosting:
For the Fudge Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 9”x13” (20cm x 30cm) pan by lining it with parchment paper, making sure there’s a slight overhang for easy removal.
- In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (without letting the bowl touch the water), melt the dark chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth. You can also do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second increments and stirring well each time.
- Sift the cocoa powder over the melted mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric handheld mixer on medium to high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture lightens in color and increases in volume. A stand mixer with a whisk attachment works too.
- Gently mix in the chocolate mixture, then add salt and vanilla extract until combined.
- Fold in the flour by hand until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Transfer it to the prepared pan, then tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles. Let it sit for a minute, then tap again.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking after 15 minutes. The edges should be set, and a skewer inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs—avoid overbaking.
- Once done, remove the brownies from the oven and let them stand for 5 minutes before preparing the icing ingredients.
Chocolate Icing for Cosmic Brownies
- Sift together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt into a bowl. This step ensures a smooth, lump-free icing. Add butter and mix until the dry ingredients coat it evenly.
- Once the brownie has rested for 5 minutes, pour in the boiling water. Stir the icing ingredients until the butter melts and the mixture is evenly combined. Start with a spatula, then switch to a whisk to bring everything together smoothly.
- Pour the hot icing over the brownie, using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. The heat from the brownie will help the icing melt and settle.
- Let the icing stand for 1-2 minutes, then top with sprinkles of your choice for that classic cosmic brownie look.
- Place the brownies in the fridge and allow them to chill completely for a few hours or overnight to set the icing properly.
- Once firm, remove the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to slice them into even pieces. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days for freshness.
FAQs
How do I get the perfect fudgy texture in my brownies?
Use high-quality dark chocolate, don’t overbake, and mix the batter gently to keep the structure intact.
Why is my brownie batter too thick?
A thick batter is normal due to the cocoa powder and melted chocolate mixture. Ensure all ingredients are fully combined for smooth results.
Why is my ganache lumpy?
If the chocolate chips didn’t melt completely, the heavy cream might not have been hot enough. Try stirring gently and letting the heat do the work.
How do I get clean cuts when slicing brownies?
Chill the brownies first, use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade between cuts. Avoid sawing back and forth.
Do I need a stand mixer to make these brownies?
No, a handheld electric mixer works just fine, but you can also mix by hand if needed.
