Get ready to dive into a world of rich, fudgy goodness topped with a burst of colorful fun thanks to these Cosmic Brownie Cookies. Inspired by the iconic Cosmic Brownies, these cookies have all the chocolatey chew you crave, finished off with a luscious ganache and a playful sprinkle of rainbow candies. Whether you’re baking for kids, reliving sweet memories, or just need a dessert that brings smiles all around, this recipe delivers bold chocolate flavor and nostalgic feels in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The lineup for these Cosmic Brownie Cookies might look simple, but each ingredient plays a superstar role in creating that perfect texture and deep chocolate flavor. From creamy butter to vibrant sprinkles, let’s look at how these essentials build your new favorite cookie.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter supplies the rich base and helps the cookies turn out irresistibly tender.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and lends that crackly brownie top.
- Eggs: Bring structure and fudginess to the cookie dough.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out and elevates all the chocolate notes.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundation and ensures your cookies are thick, not cakey.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers that classic brownie depth and dark chocolate color.
- Baking Powder: Gives just the right lift while keeping things soft and chewy.
- Salt: A small amount balances the sweetness and enhances the intense chocolate flavors.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (for dough): Bits of melty chocolate in every bite boost the gooey factor.
- Heavy Cream: Makes your ganache ultra-silky and shiny.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (for ganache): Blends with cream for a luxurious chocolate glaze.
- Rainbow Candy-Coated Chocolate Chips or Sprinkles: The crowning touch—these add that signature Cosmic Brownie look and a pop of cheerful color.
How to Make Cosmic Brownie Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking—plus, cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks pale, fluffy, and smooth. This crucial step incorporates air and gives your Cosmic Brownie Cookies that signature chewy-yet-light brownie bite.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs help bind everything together and add moisture for fudgier results.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these separately ensures the cocoa and leavening agents are well distributed for even texture and flavor.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your butter mixture, stirring until just combined—overmixing can make cookies tough, so fold in just until the streaks of flour disappear.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Add in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and give everything a final gentle mix. These pockets of melty chocolate make each bite of your Cosmic Brownie Cookies extra indulgent.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your lined baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers look a tad soft—this keeps the middle fudgy just like brownies.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll continue setting up as they cool, so resist the urge to move them too soon.
Step 9: Prepare the Ganache
While your cookies cool, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it starts to simmer. Pour it over the remaining chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Allow it to sit for 2 minutes, then stir until everything is melted, smooth, and glossy. This ganache is your cookie’s finishing touch.
Step 10: Top and Decorate
Once the cookies are cool, spoon or spread a generous layer of ganache on each one. Right away, shower them with rainbow candy-coated chips or sprinkles for that classic Cosmic Brownie Cookie effect. Let the ganache set before serving, if you can wait!
How to Serve Cosmic Brownie Cookies
Garnishes
For the full Cosmic Brownie Cookies experience, don’t hold back on those rainbow sprinkles or colorful candy chips. They give every cookie instant curb appeal—if you’re feeling festive, add a pinch more after the ganache starts to set for bonus crunch and color.
Side Dishes
A tall glass of cold milk is a classic pairing—there’s something magical about dunking warm cookies. For a more grown-up treat, try serving your cookies alongside espresso, hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to amp up the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Cosmic Brownie Cookies in a clear jar or box as a delightful edible gift, or arrange them on a platter in concentric circles for a party-perfect centerpiece. For birthday parties, let kids (and adults!) top their own cookies with ganache and sprinkles—instant dessert fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep extra cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The ganache helps them stay moist and delicious, and the flavors even deepen slightly as they sit.
Freezing
Cosmic Brownie Cookies freeze beautifully before or after adding the ganache. For longer storage, freeze cooled cookies on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature, then add ganache and sprinkles fresh for best results.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds (if already ganached, cover loosely to avoid melting the toppings everywhere). Or gently heat in a 300°F oven for a few minutes—this brings back the fudgy texture.
FAQs
Can I make Cosmic Brownie Cookies with boxed brownie mix?
You can use boxed brownie mix as a shortcut for the dough, but the texture and flavor will be more cake-like than this custom recipe. For the ultimate Cosmic Brownie Cookies, I recommend making the dough from scratch as directed above.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use?
A good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder (either natural or Dutch-process) will give your cookies a deep, rich chocolate flavor. Avoid hot cocoa mix, as it’s too sweet and lacks intensity.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies may spread if the butter was too soft or melted, or if there was too little flour. Try chilling your dough for 20 minutes before baking, especially if your kitchen is warm, for perfectly thick Cosmic Brownie Cookies.
Can I use other toppings instead of candy-coated chips?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or your favorite colorful sprinkles all work well—experiment until you find your personal favorite Cosmic Brownie Cookies look.
How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Substitute the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The texture will change slightly, but you’ll still enjoy a fudgy, irresistible treat.
Final Thoughts
Cosmic Brownie Cookies are pure joy in dessert form—guaranteed to make anyone’s day a little brighter! Whether you’re baking for memories or making new ones, this playful, chocolate-packed recipe deserves a place at every celebration. Grab your mixing bowl and let your kitchen be the happiest spot in the universe!
PrintCosmic Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cosmic Brownie Cookies are a delightful twist on classic brownies, featuring a rich chocolate cookie base topped with a luscious ganache and colorful rainbow sprinkles. A perfect treat for chocolate lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Cosmic Brownie Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping:
- Rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cookie dough: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake the cookies: Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Cool on a wire rack.
- Make the ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, stir until smooth.
- Assemble the cookies: Spread ganache on cooled cookies, top with rainbow chips or sprinkles. Allow ganache to set before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a cleaner look, chill the ganache-topped cookies briefly before serving.
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