Name: Homemade Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 2 tablespoons coffee or water; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon instant espresso granules (optional); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup half-and-half or cream; 1 cup M&M minis

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If you grew up in the 90s, the mere mention of Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies likely brings a smile to your face. These delightful treats, with their chocolatey goodness and colorful candy topping, were the perfect end to any lunchbox. But why settle for store-bought when you can whip up a batch of Homemade Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies that are even better? With rich chocolate, gooey texture, and that nostalgic crunch from M&M minis, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings and bring back memories. Let’s get started on this chocolaty adventure!

Top Reasons to Make Homemade Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies

Freshness: Nothing beats the taste of freshly baked brownies right out of the oven.
Customization: You can adjust the sweetness, chocolate intensity, or add your favorite toppings.
Healthier Ingredients: Control what goes into your brownies, making them a better option than store-bought varieties.
Fun Activity: Baking is a great way to spend time with family or friends, creating precious memories.

What We’re Using

1 cup unsalted butter, melted: The base for our rich and fudgy brownies.
2 large eggs: These will help bind our ingredients together.
1 cup granulated sugar: For the perfect sweetness.
1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
2 tablespoons coffee or water: Enhances the chocolate flavor; leftover coffee works great!
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A must for that warm, aromatic flavor.
1 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder: The key player in achieving that deep chocolate taste.
1 teaspoon instant espresso granules: Optional but recommended for a richer flavor.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps structure the brownies.
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: For extra chocolaty goodness.
½ cup half-and-half or cream: Adds creaminess to the frosting.
1 cup M&M minis: The colorful topping that makes these brownies iconic.

What You’ll Need (Gear)

Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk: To easily mix your ingredients together.
Spatula: For folding in the chocolate chips and spreading the batter.
Baking pan (9×13-inch): The perfect size for these brownies.
Parchment paper: To line your baking pan for easy removal.
Oven: Preheated to 350°F for the perfect bake.

Directions: Homemade Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Whisk until smooth. Then, add the eggs, coffee or water, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, instant espresso granules (if using), and all-purpose flour. This ensures there are no lumps and helps to evenly distribute the cocoa.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mix

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment overhang and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the brownies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the half-and-half or cream with the remaining chocolate chips. Stir until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before spreading it over the cooled brownies.

Step 7: Top with M&M Minis

While the frosting is still slightly warm, sprinkle the M&M minis over the top, pressing them gently into the frosting. Allow the brownies to set at room temperature for a bit before cutting them into squares.

Year-Round Variations

Nutty Cosmic Brownies: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch.
Mint Chocolate Cosmic Brownies: Swap half of the chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.
Peanut Butter Cosmic Brownies: Swirl in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter into the batter before baking.
Seasonal Toppings: Use seasonal candies, like pastel M&Ms for Easter or red and green for Christmas.

Little Things that Matter

When making Homemade Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies, a few little tips can make a big difference:

Ensure your butter is fully melted but not too hot when mixing with sugars to avoid cooking the eggs.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Let the brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
For even squares, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

These brownies are perfect for make-ahead treats. Here’s how to store them:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Freeze: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months.
Reheat: For a warm treat, microwave a brownie for about 15-20 seconds.

Quick Q&A

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give your brownies a deeper and more intense flavor.

What if I don’t have instant espresso granules?

If you don’t have instant espresso, you can omit it entirely. It’s optional but does enhance the chocolate flavor.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Cook This Next

Time to Try It

Now that you have the recipe for Homemade Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies, it’s time to gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and embrace the joy of baking. Whether you’re treating yourself, surprising your loved ones, or reliving your childhood, these brownies are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, indulge in the nostalgic flavors and share the love of these delightful treats!