π Christmas
Best Homemade Cosmic Brownies Copycat Recipe
Homemade cosmic browniesβyep, Iβm pretty sure theyβre the solution to my shiny sprinkle snack problem.
I grew up in France, a place where Little Debbie is unknown and her Cosmic Brownies would be considered something closer to an atomic sugar bomb on steroids rather than a genuine food item.
But what’s an immigrant French Mom supposed to do when she gets hit with two pairs of adorable puppy dog eyes begging for those “shiny sprinkle browniesβ every time we pass the grocery store snack section?
I’ve never had Little Debbieβs cosmic brownies in my lunchbox, but my U.S.-born kids sure noticed them in everyone elseβs.
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And while Iβm not one to say no to a special treat, Iβm also not thrilled about a long list of ingredients that I canβt pronounce.
So naturally, I whipped up a homemade version from scratch. Rich, chewy, and full of that nostalgic chocolate flavor, minus the strange, mystery additives.
Whether youβre baking for school lunches, birthday party treats, or just because you need a fudgy chocolate fix, this copycat cosmic brownies recipe brings the real and healthier deal to your kitchen, rainbow sprinkles and all.
Cosmic Brownies Ingredients
If youβve ever flipped over a box of Little Debbieβs cosmic brownies and squinted at the ingredient list, youβve probably thought, βWaitβ¦ what even is that?β
Between the artificial flavors, unpronounceable preservatives, and a whole parade of additives, itβs easy to see why the homemade version wins.
But you can make these homemade cosmic brownies from scratch with healthier ingredients from your pantry.
These fudgy brownies are made with simple ingredients you actually recognizeβunsalted butter, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and flour.
Plus, no need to worry about artificial dyesβjust use dye-free rainbow sprinkles or candy coated chocolate chips to keep that iconic look.
Just make sure to check your labels. There are other dye-free versions out there that keep things fun without the artificial extras.
I used rainbow sprinkles for this batch, but traditionally, copycat cosmic brownies are topped with rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips.
The chewy texture, dense brownie base, and rich chocolate ganache topping give you everything you love about the original cosmic brownies without the store-bought versionβs baggage.
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Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe Tips
- Donβt skip the extra egg yolk. Itβs a secret weapon for that chewy texture and fudgy brownie center.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter. This helps everything mix together evenly and creates a smoother brownie batter.
- Parchment paper is your best friend. It makes lifting those brownies out of the baking pan a breeze (and helps make the cleanest cuts).
- Cool completely before frosting. The ganache needs a cool base to set properlyβunless youβre going for a gooey chocolate puddle (weβve all been there).
- Let it chill. Two hours in the fridge or four hours at room temp gives you that classic cosmic brownie snap when you cut in.
- For birthday party treats, bake a double batch. These tend to disappear fastβespecially when those rainbow chips are involved.
Faqs
Can I use a different chocolate for the ganache?
Absolutely. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips both work great. Want something lighter? Try milk chocolate chips for a sweeter take.
Do I have to use corn syrup?
Corn syrup adds that glossy finish and helps with chewiness, but if you really want to skip it, a bit of honey or maple syrup can work as a substituteβitβll just slightly change the texture.
Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
You can, but it will give your homemade cosmic brownies a different flavor and a slightly different texture. If youβre going for the real thing, stick with butter.
How do I store these brownies?
Pop them in an airtight container. Theyβll keep for 3 days at room temp, a week in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer. How in the world something like this would ever survive that long in your freezer I’ll never understand. But good for you.
Bonus tip: They taste amazing cold, too.
Do I have to use rainbow sprinkles?
Nope! While I used sprinkles in my version, most copycat cosmic brownies use rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips. Just be mindful that many contain artificial dyes. There are dye-free options available if you want to keep things more natural.
More Fun Party Treats Youβll Love
Got your brownies baking? Donβt stop there. These party-perfect treats will keep the sweet vibes going strong!
π° Moist Chocolate Cake from Scratch β Rich, decadent, and totally worth licking the spoon.
π« 3-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge β So easy, so chocolatey, and gone in seconds.
π₯ 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies β Crunchy, chewy, and made with stuff you already have.
π₯€ Summer Party Punch β This fruity punch is basically summer in a glass.
π Vanilla Birthday Cake with Marshmallow Frosting β A fluffy classic thatβs anything but boring.
Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe
These homemade cosmic brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with silky chocolate ganache and colorful sprinklesβjust like the classic treat, but made with real, simple ingredients you can feel good about. Perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, or birthday party treats!
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- For the Brownies:
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- Β½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, plus 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- β cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- Β½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 1ΒΎ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Β½ cup heavy cream
- Rainbow sprinkles, to decorate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. The mixture will be thick.
- Add in the vanilla extract, eggs, egg yolk, and corn syrup. Mix until fully combined.
- Add in the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Stir just until combined—the brownie batter will be thick, and that’s exactly what you want.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly to the edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the center is set. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
- For the ganache frosting: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat for one minute. Stir until the chips are fully melted and the ganache is smooth. If needed, heat for an additional 15–30 seconds. Avoid overheating.
- Pour the rich chocolate ganache over the cooled brownies and spread to the edges.
- Decorate with rainbow sprinkles, rainbow morsels, or extra chocolate chips.
- Let the brownies set in the fridge for 2 hours or at room temperature for about 4 hours. Slice and serve.
Notes
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for one week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Recommended Products
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This homemade cosmic brownies copycat recipe is birthday party treat perfection! Donβt lose itβpin this recipe for safe keeping!
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