Cosmic Brownie Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could eat a cosmic brownie in the form of a soft, fudgy cookie, then you’re in for a treat with these Cosmic Brownie Cookies. Imagine the deep chocolatey richness of a classic brownie, all bundled up into a perfectly chewy cookie, finished with a glossy ganache and a playful scatter of rainbow candy chips. These cookies are as fun to look at as they are to eat, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for bake sales, parties, or simply when you’re craving something wildly nostalgic and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cosmic Brownie Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing just the right flavor, texture, or dash of color to your cookie tray. Gather these basics and you’re just minutes away from baking up pure joy!
- Brownie mix (18.3 oz): The shortcut to deep, fudgy chocolate flavor and a tender, chewy base.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding the dough and adding richness to every bite.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the cookies moist and gives that classic brownie texture.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps the cookies keep their shape and adds a touch of structure.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lifts the dough slightly, so you get cookies instead of flat brownies.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): For pockets of gooey, melty chocolate in every bite.
- Chocolate ganache or melted chocolate (1/2 cup, for topping): The glossy crown that makes these cookies irresistibly decadent.
- Rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles (1/4 cup, for topping): Adds that iconic cosmic look and a delightful crunch.
How to Make Cosmic Brownie Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Cosmic Brownie Cookies bake evenly and lift right off the pan without sticking or breaking. A little prep here makes for a much smoother cookie-making experience!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a thick, glossy dough. It might look a bit denser than typical cookie dough, but that’s exactly what gives these cookies their signature fudgy texture.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into your dough. This step is all about creating surprise pockets of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate throughout each cookie—trust me, you don’t want to skip it!
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each to allow for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly cracked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Step 5: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cool, spoon or pipe a generous swirl of chocolate ganache over each one, then immediately sprinkle with rainbow candy-coated chips or sprinkles. The ganache acts like edible glue, holding every colorful sprinkle in place for that classic Cosmic Brownie Cookies vibe.
How to Serve Cosmic Brownie Cookies
Garnishes
The ganache and rainbow candies are non-negotiable for that nostalgic, cosmic look! For extra flair, try adding a drizzle of white chocolate or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top—these little touches make each cookie pop, both in flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of ice-cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a creamy hot chocolate for the ultimate dessert experience. They also make a whimsical addition to any dessert platter, especially for birthday parties or potlucks.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cosmic Brownie Cookies into edible gifts by stacking them in clear treat bags tied with colorful ribbon. Or, arrange them on a platter with other playful cookies for a bake sale. For a party, create a “cosmic” cookie sundae bar—let guests top their cookies with extra sprinkles, marshmallows, and whipped cream!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the ganache has set, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, and the toppings will remain colorful and crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze Cosmic Brownie Cookies either before or after decorating. For best results, freeze undecorated cookies in layers separated by parchment paper, then thaw and add the ganache and sprinkles before serving. Decorated cookies can also be frozen, but the colors of the toppings may fade slightly.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds. This softens the cookie and makes the chocolate chips gooey again. Just be careful not to overheat, especially if the cookie is already topped with ganache.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie mix instead of boxed?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade mix yields a thick, scoopable dough. If it seems too runny, add a bit more flour until it reaches the right consistency for rolling into balls.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is optional, but recommended if you want cookies that are a little thicker and less spread out. Even 15 minutes in the fridge can help them hold their shape better in the oven.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate for the ganache?
Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate in 20-second bursts, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. You can also melt chocolate over a double boiler on the stove for extra control.
Can I substitute the rainbow chips with other toppings?
Definitely! While the rainbow chips give that signature Cosmic Brownie Cookies look, mini M&Ms, chopped nuts, or colorful sprinkles all work beautifully for a fun twist.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Look for a gluten-free brownie mix, and swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your toppings for hidden gluten!
Final Thoughts
If you love a playful, nostalgic treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour, you simply have to try Cosmic Brownie Cookies. With their gooey chocolate centers, glossy ganache, and a sprinkle of color, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to anyone who takes a bite. Happy baking!
Print
Cosmic Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies in cookie form with these Cosmic Brownie Cookies. Made with a brownie mix base enhanced by chocolate chips and topped with colorful rainbow candies, these cookies are perfect for a fun dessert that’s quick and easy to prepare. Soft in the center with slightly cracked edges, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping, these treats are sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Brownie Cookie Dough
- 1 box brownie mix (18.3 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate ganache or melted chocolate
- 1/4 cup rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you achieve a soft dough. Then fold in the semisweet chocolate chips evenly.
- Portion the dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball using your hands. Arrange these dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for baking expansion.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges appear set and the centers show a slightly cracked surface, indicating the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Add the topping: Once the cookies have cooled, spoon or pipe the melted chocolate ganache over the top of each cookie. Immediately sprinkle with the rainbow candy-coated chocolates or sprinkles to create the iconic cosmic look.
- Set and serve: Allow the chocolate topping to set before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- You can use a homemade brownie batter in place of the mix, but ensure it is thick enough to scoop and roll into balls.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- For a gluten-free option, select a gluten-free brownie mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
