Cosmic Brownies
These classic Cosmic Brownies are nostalgic, fun, rich, and decadent! This copycat recipe will remind you of your childhood. These brownies are quick and easy to make at home. You will love the dense, fudgy brownies, smooth chocolate frosting, and fun rainbow sprinkles!
For another classic treat, try these Nutty Buddies!
This recipe offers a taste of nostalgia, but with complete control over the ingredients and endless customization options. Get ready to create fudgy, decadent brownies bursting with flavor and topped with a sprinkle of fun – all in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for copycat Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies is simple and delicious!
- This recipe requires no fancy equipment or techniques, perfect for beginner bakers and busy weeknights.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness, add different mix-ins, or even swap the frosting for a ganache! For a fun flavor, make these Ube Brownies!
- These brownies boast richer chocolate flavor and higher-quality ingredients compared to their store-bought counterparts.
- The brownies are rich, dense, and fudgy. They are as rich as these Dark Chocolate Brownies.
- These treats are great for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
- They are made with much cleaner ingredients than the store-bought version.
- This recipe can be made with gluten free flour.
- Check out these Millionaire Bars for another fun dessert recipe!
What are Cosmic Brownies?
Cosmic brownies are chocolatey snacks with a layer of frosting on top and colorful candy bits. They are super popular for satisfying sweet cravings!
Their story begins in the 1990s when Little Debbie, a famous snack company, first introduced them. People loved the fun look and delicious taste and they have been a favorite treat ever since!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for these gluten free Cosmic brownies. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and instructions.
Granulated sugar helps sweeten these brownies.
In addition, light brown sugar adds sweetness.
Use unsalted melted butter. This makes the brownies extra fudgy.
Cocoa powder adds a delicious chocolate flavor. Use regular or dark cocoa powder.
Vanilla extract adds a homemade flavor.
Use two whole eggs and one egg yolk.
For the flour, use either gluten free flour or all purpose flour. Since I am gluten free, I used gluten free flour.
A little tapioca flour helps thicken the batter, thus creating the rich fudgy texture.
Top with chocolate frosting. Use homemade or store bought.
Lastly, top with rainbow chip sprinkles!
Taste & Texture
These cosmic brownies have a classic fudgy texture, offering a satisfying chew in every bite.
The rich chocolate frosting complements the brownies perfectly, and the rainbow sprinkles add a touch of fun.
These brownies are more rich and dense than classic brownies. Refrigerate them for an even more dense texture.
How to Make
Step 1
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, light brown sugar, melted butter, and cocoa powder. Stir vigorously for 2 minutes.
Step 3
Then, add in the vanilla, eggs, and egg yolk. Stir to combine.
Step 4
Add in the gluten free flour and tapioca flour. Stir until a slightly thick brownie batter forms.
Step 5
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Then, smooth into an even layer.
Step 6
Bake for 24 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
Step 7
Once the brownies have fully cooled, top with chocolate frosting and sprinkles. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the frosting has set.
Step 8
Lasty, slice and serve these cosmic brownies!
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best cosmic brownies.
Stir the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder vigorously. This is mandatory in achieving the perfect texture.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for the most intense chocolate flavor.
Let the brownies cool completely before frosting them. Warm brownies will melt the frosting.
To make the brownies extra fudgy, refrigerate before serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Switch up the flavor of your cosmic brownies with these fun additions!
Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a few tablespoons of peanut butter to the batter and swirl it in with a knife for a peanut butter brownie twist. Check out these Peanut Butter Brownies for inspiration.
Mint Chocolate Chip: Replace the rainbow sprinkles with Andes mints or mint chocolate chips for a refreshing twist. You will love these Mint Cookies too!
Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the warm brownies before adding the frosting for a sweet and salty combination.
Chopped Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra texture and nuttiness.
How to Serve & Store
Cosmic Brownies are best enjoyed chilled. This gives them the ultra thick dense texture.
Serve with a tall glass of milk, a chocolate smoothie, ice cream, or coffee.
You may also enjoy whipped cream on top!
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Use a gluten free all-purpose flour blend like I did!
Yes, you can bake the brownies and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days before frosting them.
Cosmic brownies are made of simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder (which makes them chocolaty), eggs, butter, and sometimes a bit of salt. The top is covered with a layer of chocolate frosting, and then they sprinkle colorful candy bits on top to make them extra fun!
Equipment Needed
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: Parchment paper is helpful for easy clean up.
Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: I use these mixing bowls every time I make these cosmic brownies.
Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
You May Also Enjoy
If you make this Cosmic brownies recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along! For more sweet treats, check out these Dessert Recipes.
Get the Recipe: Cosmic Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ cup gluten free flour
- 1 tbsp tapioca flour
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, light brown sugar, melted butter, and cocoa powder. Stir vigorously for 2 minutes.
- Then, add in the vanilla, eggs, and egg yolk. Stir to combine.
- Add in the gluten free flour and tapioca flour. Stir until a slightly thick brownie batter forms.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Smooth into an even layer.
- Bake for 24 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Once the brownies have fully cooled, top with chocolate frosting and sprinkles. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the frosting has firmed up and set.
- Finally, slice and serve!
Notes
- Stir the melted butter mixture for 2 minutes. This is key in achieving the shiny top on the brownies.
- Use 2 whole eggs and an additional 1 egg yolk.
- If you are not gluten free, feel free to use regular all purpose flour.
- If needed, replace tapioca flour with cornstarch.
- The brownies are done baking when a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- The brownies must cool fully before topping with frosting.
- Place the frosted brownies back in the fridge to allow the frosting to thicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.
- Store in the fridge for up to one week.
- Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
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