Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies

Do you guys remember these brownies? You know, the ones in the wrapping that were so filled with preservatives and who knows what? The ones that were so mm mmm moist and pretty with their little candy chips?

Well I saw this recipe that was a copy-cat and I had to re-create! How adorable?

I made these in a 9x13 pan but I'm going to tell you guys to make them in a 9x9 pan to make them thicker (as in the original recipe). The thinner version is more like the original cosmic brownies but I think a little more brownie would help with the ganache:cake ratio.

Alas, this is of no importance. This is just yummy and pretty. Let's just focus on that. Did I mention that they are f-u-d-g-y? Well, they are.

Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies
Adapted from averiecooks

For the Brownies
3/4 cup melted unsalted butter
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cocoa powder (or dark!)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper or buttered aluminum foil. Set aside.

Add the sugars, water, and vanilla to your melted butter. Add in your eggs one at a time. Whisk until well incorporated. Add the remaining ingredients except for the flour and mix until well incorporated. Finally, add in your flour - mixing only until incorporated. Do not overmix!

Pour batter into pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until it springs back at you when you poke in the center or a toothpick comes out clean. Allow brownies to cool completely. Meanwhile...

For the Ganache
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 1/4 cup mini M&Ms (!! so cute !!)

Heat your chocolate chips in the microwave for about 1 minute to soften the chips. If they're not softened after a minute, pop them back in for 15 second intervals until soft. They should give away to melted chips with a little prodding with a spoon. Set aside

Heat your half-and-half in a bowl in the microwave for 1 minute in the microwave or until it just starts to bubble on the sides (but not boil!). Pour this over your chocolate chips, mix, and set aside for 5 minutes.

Pour this mixture over your brownies and smooth. Now the fun part - sprinkle your M&Ms generously over the ganache. Cover your pan and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing to get some time for your ganache to set.

Enjoy!!

Sam