This Cosmic Brownies recipe is the homemade version of Little Debbie’s famous treat. A chewy decadent brownie topped with a chocolate glaze and sprinkled with rainbow chocolate chips. It makes for the perfect copycat recipe for the brownies we all know and love, only better!
Homemade Cosmic Brownies
I can pretty confidently say that brownies are my favorite dessert. You’ve seen me make coconut oil brownies, better than box mix brownies, Halloween cream cheese swirl brownies…just to name a few.
My parents were never big on packaged desserts. I really don’t think I’ve had a Twinkie. But there is something so nostalgic about any of the snacks that come in those recognizable boxes.
I was always so intrigued by the little rainbow chips on Cosmic Brownies. They’re still so fun.
Well, not only are these a copycat of those brownies but because they are homemade they are so much better. They are nut-free and safe for school lunches and bake sales, they make a great afternoon snack with a cold glass of milk and of course perfect for an after-dinner dessert.
Ingredients you’ll need
Below is a list of ingredients you’ll need to make these brownies. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card with measurements.
- Granulated sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
- Eggs
- Butter – unsalted
- Chocolate chips
- Rainbow chocolate chips
- Vegetable oil
- All-Purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Condensed milk
Tools found on Amazon to help you:
- 9×13 Baking Dish – I love that this has a lid for storing.
- Mixing Bowls – I love the grippy bottoms on these.
- Offset Spatula – Helps to spread the glaze (or any frosting).
- Rainbow Chips – In case you can’t find them in the store.
How to make them
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven and line your baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
STEP TWO: Combine sugars, vanilla, salt, eggs and egg yolks in a large bowl. Meanwhile melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler, whisking together until fully combined. Then whisk in the vegetable oil into the chocolate and butter mix.
STEP THREE: Pour the chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture and mix until fully combined. Then gently fold in the flour and cocoa until your batter is complete.
STEP FOUR: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake until done, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. In the meantime make a glaze.
STEP FIVE: Place chocolate chips into a medium-sized, heatproof bowl and set aside. In a large heatproof bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and butter and microwave it. Stir and microwave it again until combined.
STEP SIX: Add the chocolate that you set aside into the melted butter and stir until all is combined and melted together. If you need to microwave a bit longer you can do this too.
STEP SEVEN: By this time your brownies should be out of the oven. Pour the ganache over the brownies and immediately sprinkle with rainbow chips.
Let cool completely before slicing.
Why are they called Cosmic Brownies?
The original Little Debbie’s snack version of these cosmic brownies were developed in the 60’s however there doesn’t seem to be much written on why they are called what they’re called. One can only assume it’s because the colorful chocolate chips atop the dark chocolate brownie mimics the galaxy!
How to store them
Brownies can be left at room temperature for up to 4 days when kept in an airtight container.
How long do they last?
They are best eaten within the first couple of days while they are sitting on your counter in the kitchen but if not, they can be transferred to the freezer, wrapped individually, for up to 3 months. They won’t last that long. Promise.
Where do I find rainbow chips?
Rainbow chips are unique in that they are chocolate chips that are candy-coated which gives them those fun colors! They are not as easy to find as regular chocolate chips but Walmart carries them, usually any bulk food/candy store and if you are really having a hard time, you can always order online.
While you have them, make some Cosmic Brownie Cookies and Cosmic Brownie Hot Chocolate Bombs while you’re at it.
Need more homemade Little Debbie treats? Try these:
Cosmic Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs plus 2 yolks
- 8 Tb unsalted butter
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
For the Glaze
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Topping
- ¼ cup Rainbow Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- To a large bowl, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, whole eggs and yolks and whisk until combined.
- To a microwave safe bowl, add the butter and chocolate chips. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave another 30 seconds and stir. Repeat until melted and smooth.
- Whisk in the vegetable oil to the melted chocolate.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture and mix until fully combined. Gently fold in the flour and cocoa.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.
While the brownies are baking, make the glaze.
- Place chopped or grated chocolate into a medium microwave safe bowl and set aside.
- In a large microwave safe bowl combine your sweetened condensed milk and butter.
- Microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Microwave another 30 seconds.
- When the butter is melted, carefully add your chocolate chips and stir in until melted. You can also microwave for 15 seconds more until chips are all melted and ganache is smooth.
- Pour the ganache over the brownies and immediately sprinkle with the rainbow chips.
- Let cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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