Homemade Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies Recipe

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I’m going to show you how to make your homemade version of Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies. The best part? You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste while keeping the core flavors intact.

How to make Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies

Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies are a popular American snack cake made by McKee Foods under the Little Debbie brand: a rich, chewy chocolate brownie topped with fudge icing and sprinkled with rainbow-colored, candy‑coated chocolate chips (“cosmic candies”).

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

For the Iconic Topping:

• Colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces (You can use mini M&Ms, rainbow chocolate chips, or any brightly colored candy.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Grease the parchment lightly with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Using a fine mesh sifter, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. (Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the brownies less fudgy!)
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with the spatula.

Step 3: Bake

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the brownies look set and the center is no longer jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
2. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. (Pro Tip: Pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes to help firm them up.)

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. While the brownies are cooling, make the ganache topping. In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream.
2. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Alternatively, you can do this in a double boiler on the stovetop.

Step 5: Assemble the Cosmic Brownies

1. Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the ganache evenly over the top of the brownies using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
2. Immediately top the ganache with colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces, gently pressing them down so they stick.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

1. Refrigerate the brownies for 1-2 hours (or until the ganache is set).
2. Using the parchment overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
3. Use a sharp knife and cut into rectangular bars to mimic the classic Cosmic Brownie look.

Tips for Perfect Cosmic Brownies

• Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Cooling the brownies completely before adding the ganache is key. If the brownies are warm, the ganache may melt and lose its creamy texture.
• For Even Cuts: Use a warm knife (dip it in hot water and dry it off) when slicing the brownies for clean and precise edges.
• Make It Your Own: Want an extra layer of flavor? Add a ½ teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Storage Tips: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them chilled, they can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
• Candy Options: If you can’t find the exact colorful candies, try using chopped-up M&Ms or Skittles for an equally fun look.

What to serve with

Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies are already a star treat on their own with their rich, fudgy base and colorful candy-coated topping. However, pairing them with the right accompaniments can enhance the experience, balance the sweetness, and elevate these nostalgic brownies from a simple snack to a well-rounded dessert.

1. A Glass of Milk

Few things pair as perfectly with Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies as a classic glass of milk. The cool, creamy milk acts as a palate cleanser, cutting through the richness of the chocolate.

• Regular Milk: Whole milk complements the fudgy texture best, thanks to its creaminess, but 2% or even non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk work wonderfully too.
• For Kids: Let them dip their Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies into warm milk for added fun!

2. Ice Cream

Brownies and ice cream are a match made in dessert heaven—the warm, dense brownie pairs beautifully with the cold, creamy ice cream.

• Classic Pairing: Vanilla ice cream is the go-to option, as its subtle flavor lets the Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies shine.
• For an Out-of-This-World Vibe: Try a “cosmic” twist by adding a scoop of cookies and cream or rainbow sherbet. The colorful swirls in sherbet can mimic the “cosmic” theme.
• Top the ice cream with extra chocolate sauce, crushed candy, or sprinkles that match the Cosmic Brownie candy toppers.

3. Fresh Fruit

The natural sweetness and slight tartness of fresh fruit can provide a refreshing contrast to the dense Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies.

• Popular Options: Slices of strawberries, raspberries, or cherries work well with the chocolate flavor.
• Creative Presentation: Skewer brownie squares and fresh fruit on toothpicks to make fun dessert kabobs!

4. Coffee or Hot Beverages

Pairing Cosmic Brownies with a warm beverage can make the snack feel like a cozy indulgence perfect for grown-ups.

• Coffee: A strong espresso or cappuccino balances the sweetness. For a more indulgent treat, try a mocha or latte.
• Hot Chocolate: Double down on the chocolate theme with a cup of hot cocoa—top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of candy pieces to match the brownies.
• Tea: For a less rich option, try pairing with a mild tea like chamomile or a mint herbal tea, which refreshes the palate.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re craving Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies but need to adapt the recipe due to dietary restrictions, preferences, or simply because you don’t have some ingredients on hand, don’t worry! The brownie recipe is super flexible, and there are plenty of ingredient substitutes to ensure you keep the rich, fudgy taste and iconic look while meeting your needs.

Substitutes for Butter in the Brownie Base

Butter contributes to the fudgy texture and richness of the brownies, but you can swap it out if needed.

• Vegetable Oil: Use the same amount of vegetable oil (1 cup for the recipe). It keeps the brownies moist and is often used in boxed brownie mixes for a similar effect.
• Coconut Oil: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, melted coconut oil works well and adds a slight coconut undertone. Use it in a 1:1 ratio.
• Applesauce (Unsweetened): For a low-fat alternative, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce (e.g., ½ cup butter + ½ cup applesauce). This option is great for reducing calories but may result in a softer structure.
• Greek Yogurt: Use plain or vanilla Greek yogurt as a butter alternative (½ cup yogurt = 1 cup butter). It adds creaminess and protein without sacrificing moisture.

Substitutes for Sugar

This recipe uses both granulated sugar and brown sugar to create a rich flavor and gooey texture, but you can change things up depending on your preferences.

• Coconut Sugar: Replace equal parts of brown sugar or granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier, caramel-like sweetness.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey can replace sugar, but they may make the batter slightly thinner. Use ¾ cup of liquid sweetener for every 1 cup of sugar, and reduce other liquids slightly.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a low-carb or sugar-free version, use these natural sugar substitutes. Follow the package conversion instructions, as these are sweeter than regular sugar in small amounts.

Substitutes for Eggs

Eggs help bind the brownies and contribute to their dense texture. If you’re vegan, allergic, or simply out of eggs, here are alternatives:

• Flaxseed or Chia Seed Egg: Combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water to replace one egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Use this for all egg replacements in the recipe.
• Applesauce: Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce. This will create a slightly lighter texture but keeps the batter moist.
• Mashed Banana: Replace each egg with ¼ cup mashed banana for a natural sweetness and creamy texture. Note that this will add a slight banana flavor.
• Yogurt: You can substitute the eggs with ¼ cup plain yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) per egg.

Substitutes for All-Purpose Flour

Flour provides the structure for brownies, but there are many alternatives depending on dietary needs.

• Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Substituting 1:1 generally works well, but it might result in slightly denser brownies.
• Almond Flour: Replace with almond flour for a gluten-free option. Use 1 ½ cups almond flour for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and note that the texture may be slightly heavier.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: This is an excellent substitute for regular flour if you’re gluten intolerant. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, and stick to blends designed for baking.
• Oat Flour: Ground oats work well as an alternative. Use 1 cup oat flour for ¾ cup all-purpose flour.
• Coconut Flour: Coconut flour absorbs more liquid, so use ¼-⅓ cup coconut flour for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour and increase eggs or a binding agent.

Substitutes for Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is essential for that deep chocolate flavor, but it can still be swapped out if you’re out of cocoa powder or prefer alternatives.

• Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: If you want a smoother chocolate flavor, this is a great substitute. Use 1:1 to replace regular cocoa powder.
• Unsweetened Chocolate: Replace each ¼ cup of cocoa powder with 2 ounces of melted unsweetened chocolate, but reduce the butter or oil in the recipe slightly to account for added fat.
• Carob Powder: Use equal parts carob powder for a caffeine-free chocolate flavor alternative.

Substitutes for Heavy Cream (Ganache Topping)

Heavy cream creates the smooth ganache-like topping, but you can easily swap it depending on availability.

• Milk and Butter: Replace heavy cream with ¾ cup milk + ¼ cup melted butter for every cup of heavy cream needed.
• Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream (not coconut milk) for a dairy-free and rich alternative.
• Evaporated Milk: Use evaporated milk for a thick and creamy substitute. This works best when slightly warmed.
• Almond or Soy Milk (Dairy-Free): To create a ganache-like texture with non-dairy milk, combine ½ cup plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and whisk until thickened.

Substitutes for Candy-Coated Chocolates (Cosmic Topping)

For toppings, the colorful candy-coated chocolates give Cosmic Brownies their signature look, but there’s room for creativity.

• Mini M&Ms: These are the closest match to the original candies.
• Chocolate Chips: Use regular or rainbow-colored chocolate chips for a similar effect.
• Sprinkles: If you’re aiming for color and whimsy, rainbow sprinkles or edible glitter can replace the candies entirely.
• Chopped Candy Bars: Cut up your favorite chocolate candies (Snickers, Reese’s, etc.) for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let missing ingredients hold you back from making a delicious batch of Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies! With these substitutions, you can easily adapt the recipe to fit your dietary restrictions, preferences, or pantry stock while maintaining the nostalgic magic of the treat.

More Brownie Recipes:

• Crumbl Dubai Brownie Recipe
• Sam’s Club Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe