A tribute to Little Debbie brownies

A Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies tribute

I loved Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies (and Oatmeal Cream pies, too) growing up. With the brownies, I always thought the topping was magical, so delicious. I’m not sure how I would like the cosmic brownies now (processed foods have not been my thing for a long time), so I present to you homemade version. These have cornstarch in them to make them softer. I err on taking them out a little earlier (about 20 minutes) than too late because a dry brownie is a grave sin.

Remember to spoon your flour and baking cocoa from your flour bag and cocoa container into your measuring cups so you get the right amount. Pouring directly into the measuring cup would pack in the flour, and that makes for a dry treat. I also preheated my oven to 350 degrees for 20 minutes before baking so it cycles to the right temp.

  • Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup butter, melted then cooled for 5 to 10 minutes
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups flour (spooned from your flour bag into your measuring cups)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
  • 1 tbs cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Directions – preheat oven to 350 degrees for 20 minutes before baking. Spray a 9×13 pan with baking spray and set aside. In a bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar and sugar. Blend in eggs. Fold in dry ingredients. Mixture will be thick. Evenly press into prepared pan. Bake 18 to 22 minutes (a toothpick inserted in the center will come out with a few moist crumbs). Cool completely.

  • Ganache ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (I combined semisweet and milk chocolate)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

In a microwave safe bowl, microwave chips and milk in 1 minute increments until you can stir smooth. Stir for a few minutes to thicken up. Spread over cooled brownies. Sprinkle with mini m&ms. Let ganache set. Cut and store in covered container. I put mine in the fridge to help with the ganache setting.

Look at all that fudgy goodness

Thanks so much for stopping by! If you try these, let me know how you like them. Have a wonderful day and remember to be kind!

Doubletree chocolate chip cookies (in case no one brings you one home)

Doubletree chocolate chip cookies

Monday night, I stayed at the Doubletree hotel down the street from work for weather related reasons. (The timing of the snow and uncertainty of the amount that would fall before I needed to leave for work). Anyways, as you know, they give all guests a cookie. When I got home after work on Tuesday, Rob asked “did you bring me a cookie?” I did not, but promised I would make the doubletree cookies. Hilton posted the recipe so I used that, except I left out the cinnamon. Rob wasn’t thrilled about that on a chocolate chip cookie. Next time I think I may try to chill the dough before baking. These spread a ton. (Flat cookies are not my bag)

I did tweak the original recipe, using 1/2 crisco and 1/2 cup butter, as opposed to all butter. Remember to spoon your flour from your flour bag into your measuring cup so you get the correct amount. These cook at a lower temperature – 300 degrees than the usual for chocolate chip cookies. The directions said bake 20 to 23 minutes. One batch I baked for 20, the 2nd batch 22. I prefer 20 minutes because they are softer.

  • Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup crisco
  • 1/2 cup butter, grated with a cheese grater
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (pulsed into a fine powder with a blender or food processor)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 2/3 cup chocolate chips

Directions – in a bowl, cream butter, crisco, brown sugar and sugar. Add eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla. Blend in flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix in chips. Scoop out 3 tbs dough and form tall mounds. I recommend chilling the dough for at least a few hours. Preheat oven to 300 degrees for 20 minutes before baking, so oven cycles to right temp. Bake 20 minutes. The Hilton directions say to cool cookies for one hour on cookie sheet. I did not do that 😉 store in covered container.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I wish you a day filled with peace, love and joy.