Delicious and Fudgy Homemade Cosmic Brownie Cupcakes Recipe

Learn how to make this copycat cosmic brownie cupcakes recipe. The perfect treat that will remind you of the Little Debbie Brownie, a favorite childhood treat!

Looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, packed with chocolate, and full of nostalgic fun? These Cosmic Brownie Cupcakes are the perfect fudgy brownies treat for any occasion.

With rich, fudgy flavors and colorful candy-coated chocolate toppings of rainbow chips, they bring all the charm of classic cosmic brownies into cupcake form. Whether for a party, a bake sale, or just a special family dessert, these homemade cosmic brownies cupcakes are sure to impress.

What Are Cosmic Brownie Cupcakes?

Cosmic Brownie Cupcakes are inspired by the iconic Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies. Instead of the dense brownie base, these treats come in cupcake form, offering a lighter yet equally chocolatey brownie bite.

Each cupcake features a rich chocolate base, topped with a smooth layer of chocolate ganache, and sprinkled with vibrant candy-coated chocolate chips. The result? A fun and indulgent dessert that’s a feast for both your eyes and taste buds. What a special treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Copycat Cosmic Brownies Cupcakes

For the cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ¾ cup Hershey’s dark cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup milk
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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For the topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Candy-coated chocolate chips

How to Make Cosmic Brownie Cupcakes

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients for this great recipe, let’s get baking.

Preheat your oven: 

Set it to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tins with cupcake liners and set them aside.

Mix dry ingredients: 

In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a medium-sized bowl with an electric mixer, combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Add wet ingredients: 

Add eggs, milk, water, oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Mix well, scraping the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined in the brownie batter.

Fill cupcake liners: 

Divide the batter evenly between the liners in the prepared pan. Fill each one about ½ to ⅔ full.

Bake: 

Place the cupcakes in the preheated oven and bake for 14-15 minutes. Check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Cool: 

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before adding the topping.

Make the ganache: 

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the heavy cream and chocolate chips. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.

Decorate: 

Spoon a generous amount of ganache onto each cupcake, spreading it evenly over the top. Sprinkle candy-coated chocolate chips over the ganache.

Where to Take or Use This Recipe

The Cosmic Brownie Cupcakes recipe is versatile and perfect for many occasions:

• Birthday parties: Kids and adults alike will love these colorful treats.
• Bake sales: Their fun appearance makes them an eye-catching choice.
• Family gatherings: Add a little nostalgia to dessert tables.
• School events: These are easy to transport and share with classmates.
• Weekend treats: Enjoy them with a cup of milk or coffee for a cozy dessert.

Variations to Try on this Cosmic Brownie Cupcakes Recipe

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:

• Add sprinkles or Mini M&Ms: Swap the candy-coated chocolates for rainbow chip sprinkles or jimmies. Another option to use instead of the classic candy coated bits, is to adorn these chocolate cupcakes with colorful mini M&M’s.
• Peanut butter ganache: Mix 2 tablespoons of peanut butter into the ganache for a nutty twist.
• Mint chocolate: Use mint chocolate chips for the topping and a splash of mint extract in the batter.
• White chocolate topping: Replace semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate for a unique flavor.
• Vegan-friendly: Substitute plant-based milk, vegan chocolate, and a flaxseed egg to make them vegan.

Can These Cupcakes Be Stored or Made Ahead?

Yes, you can easily store or prepare these cupcakes ahead of time:

• Storage: Keep the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze undecorated cupcakes for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and add ganache before serving.
• Make ahead: Bake the cupcakes the day before and store them in the fridge. Prepare the ganache and decorate on the day of serving.

Common Questions About Cosmic Brownie Cupcakes Recipe

1. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dark cocoa powder?
Yes, regular cocoa powder works fine. However, dark cocoa powder adds a richer chocolate flavor.

2. What’s the best way to ensure moist cupcakes?
Don’t overmix the batter and make sure not to overbake. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.

3. Can I use heavy cream substitutes for the ganache?
Yes, you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

4. How can I make mini cupcakes?
Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes for a mini fudgy chocolate brownie cupcake.

5. Are there other toppings I can use?
Yes, try crushed cookies, chopped nuts, or even marshmallows for a fun twist on these chewy brownies in a cupcake.

Conclusion

These Cosmic Brownie Cupcakes are a chocolate lover’s dream. They’re simple to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any celebration or casual treat.

Ready to try this recipe? Gather your ingredients (don’t forget the rainbow crunch sprinkles) and start baking today! Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it.

If you loved this recipe, bookmark it or share it with others. For more fun and creative baking ideas, be sure to check out our other recipes. Happy baking!

More Delicious Copycat Recipes to Try:

• Copycat Christmas Tree Cakes
• Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Muffins
• Disney Fruity Rice Krispie Treats

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