Copycat Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies

If you grew up in the ’90s, you likely have fond memories of finding a Little Debbie dessert tucked inside your school lunch bag. It was a good day when I found a Star Crunch, Oatmeal Creme Pie or Cosmic Brownie (thanks, Mom!). By the way, did you know Cosmic Brownies were named after the cosmic bowling trend? Who knew?

If you’re up for a fun time in the kitchen, then try your hand at a homemade version of Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies. I did, and I have zero regrets.

What are Cosmic Brownies?

Cosmic Brownies are a snack cake product from the Little Debbie brand. These brownies are especially dark, fudgy and dense, with an iconic chocolate fudge ganache frosting that’s decorated with rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips. Two brownies come in each package, and they were an iconic snack or dessert for a lunch box in the 1990s and 2000s.

Ingredients for Copycat Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies

• Butter: Soften your butter to room temperature so it creams super easily with the sugar.
• Sugar: We sweeten these copycat cosmic brownies with 1 cup granulated sugar.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla extract beautifully rounds out the chocolaty brownies with a delicate floral sweetness.
• Egg whites: I typically separate egg whites in the shell, but if that makes you too nervous, try these other methods for separating egg whites from yolks.
• All-purpose flour: This type of flour is our preferred flour for brownie recipes. Its mix of hard and soft wheat builds a nice structure for the brownies but keeps them moist and tender.
• Baking cocoa: Splurge on the best cocoa powder at the store and watch it make your chocolate desserts the best they’ve ever been!
• Baking powder: Double-check that the baking powder sitting in your pantry for a while hasn’t expired. It is best used within six months but can technically last for up to one year.
• Glaze: One of the best elements of copycat Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies is the rich, silky chocolate glaze on top. Don’t forget the iconic rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips!

Directions

Step 1: Make the batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, two to three minutes. Beat in the vanilla and egg whites, one at a time, until the mixture is fluffy, one to two minutes.

In another large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, beating until combined.

Step 2: Bake the brownies

Pour the batter (it will be thick) into an 8-inch square baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the brownies cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Add the glaze and decorate

When the brownies are completely cool, it’s time for the glaze. In a large bowl, whisk together the water, vanilla extract and cocoa. Gradually whisk in the confectioners’ sugar. When the glaze is smooth and glossy, pour it onto the cooled brownies. You may need to use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer. Then, top it off with a healthy dose of rainbow sprinkles.

Step 4: Cut and serve!

Finally, cut the brownies into rectangles 1-1/2×3 inches long. Score the center so you can break each rectangle into two pieces, just as you used to do with the original Cosmic Brownies. Ahh, this takes me back. But I have to admit, I like this homemade version better!

Recipe Variations

• Use ganache instead of frosting: You can make a chocolate ganache that will give the brownies the staple glaze of the store-bought version.
• Swap in oil: If you want firmer brownies with a crispier crust, use oil instead of butter. Since butter is solid at room temperature (versus vegetable oil being a liquid), the solid base combines with sugar to create more of a creamy texture. Therefore, brownies made with butter come out softer than brownies made with vegetable oil.
• Add your favorite brownie mix-ins: From chopped nuts, Oreos and Reese’s to chocolate chips and swirls of Nutella, you can make these copycat Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies uniquely yours.

How to Store Copycat Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies

Store your copycat Cosmic Brownies in an airtight container. If you decide to stack the brownies, place a sheet of waxed paper or parchment between each layer to prevent sticking, but know that the toppings will get a little smudged. The brownies can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to five days.

Can you make copycat Cosmic Brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! If you’re making these for a gathering, bake, frost and decorate the brownies the day before serving so there’s less chaos the day of the party.

Copycat Little Debbie Cosmic Brownie Tips

How can I make clean, precise cuts in these brownies?

Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies are cut into neat little squares. Re-creating that precision at home isn’t hard at all! Grab a sharp chef’s knife and run it under hot water. Carefully wipe away the water with a clean towel and make your first cut. The warmth of the knife will easily slice through the frosting and brownies without any sticking occurring. Repeat these steps between every cut.

Is it better to bake these in a glass or metal baking dish?

Stick to a metal baking dish here. Brownies in a glass or ceramic baking pan will take longer to bake, and brownies made in a glass baking pan come out more dense and less airy.