Ya'll remember that nostalgic Little Debbie brownie with the rainbow sprinkles that was packed in your lunch box as a kid? The one that kids would ask you to trade for? Well, I made my own homemade Cosmic Brownies today and it blows Little Debbie's out of the water!
A chocolate, rich, and chewy brownie all topped with fudge like frosting and rainbow confetti sprinkles. Man, I wished I was in kindergarten grade all over again!
Nonetheless, at least my kindergartener can take it in her lunch. And in her words, "Mom, you make the best desserts, and you are the best mom ever". I don't know about that kiddo, and some days I feel like I am failing, but just for today I will take it and enjoy my homemade version of a Little Debbie's classic.
Ingredients and substitutions
Most of these ingredients will be found in your pantry except for maybe the sprinkles! Now worries, they are not expensive to make!
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Enhances the flavor of these brownies and an alternative can be dutch processed cocoa powder.
- Milk chocolate
- Semi Sweet chocolate
- Heavy cream
- Rainbow confetti sprinkles: I found these sprinkles at Meijer, but check out your local craft stores as well.
Tips for successful brownies
- The sprinkles on top can vary if you don't have the rainbow chip crunch, just use any kind of jimmies. Most can be found at your local craft store.
- When ever making a chocolate type ganache frosting, use high quality chocolate like Lindt or Ghirardelli to create a better texture.
- Once these brownies are frosted, it is best to keep them refrigerated as hotter temps will make the frosting softer.
- Store them up to 3-5 days in the fridge. In addition, let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating.
- These brownies freeze well too! Wrap them in a freezer bag and store up to 2 months. Thaw to room temperature before eating.
How to make these brownies
These Cosmic brownies are simple to make. Follow these several steps and you will have the perfect brownies.
First, prepare 9x9 square cake pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
Second, mix wet ingredients together until smooth and pale.
Third, add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until incorporated. Stir in milk.
Fourth, transfer batter to prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. Cool brownies.
Lastly, mix up ingredients for frosting and spread evenly on brownies. Sprinkle on rainbow confetti and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Cut and serve!
FAQ's
Cosmic brownies are rich and decadent and will make a great brownie recipe without the jimmies on top. Other brownie recipes that are just as good are my easy chocolate caramel brownies and Oreo cookies brownies.
These brownies were created because of a cosmic bowling trend in September 1999.
Cosmic brownies
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups with spoons
- 9x9 baking pan
- Non-stick spray
- Saucepan
- spatula
Ingredients
Cosmic brownies
- 1⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon 2% milk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fudge like frosting
- 4 oz milk chocolate chopped
- 4 oz semi sweet chocolate
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter chopped
- 1.4 oz rainbow confetti sprinkles
Instructions
For the brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9x9 baking pan with non stick spray and then line with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. Set aside.
- Microwave the unsalted butter in 30 second increments until completely melted.
- In a large mixing bowl, transfer melted butter and add sugar and whisk until just combined. With electric mixer, beat on medium for 2-3 minutes until mixture light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat for an additional 2 minutes until mixture is thick and pale.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix on low until the ingredients have just combined. Stir the milk in until it is smooth.
- Transfer batter to prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Let the brownies cool.
For the frosting
- In a medium saucepan, heat heavy cream until it just simmers. Add in the chopped chocolate and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes. Stir until smooth and then add the butter and mix until melted.
- Pour the chocolate over the brownies and use a spatula to spread the chocolate into an even layer. Add the rainbow sprinkles on top.
- Chill the brownies for about 1-2 hours. Lift brownies out of the pan cut cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Brownies and Bars oh my!
Fun fact of the day!
Little Debbie is actually a real person and is CEO of Mckee foods.
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