If you’re a fan of chocolatey nostalgia, you simply must try Cosmic Brownie Cookies. With their fudgy centers, glossy ganache topping, and those cheerful rainbow chips, every bite is a playful throwback to childhood but with a homemade twist that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking these for a party or just a cozy night in, Cosmic Brownie Cookies combine the best of classic brownies and soft cookies in one spectacular treat that’s sure to spark smiles at any age.

Cosmic Brownie Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Cosmic Brownie Cookies is delightfully straightforward, and each ingredient brings something special to the table. The combination of rich cocoa, creamy butter, and that magical ganache is what gives these cookies their signature taste and irresistible texture.

All-purpose flour: This gives your cookies the perfect structure so they hold their soft, fudgy shape.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor and brings that iconic brownie richness.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough so they’re soft but not cakey.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate.
Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the cookies irresistibly tender.
Brown sugar, packed: Infuses a hint of molasses for moisture and depth in every bite.
Granulated sugar: Ensures just the right amount of sweetness and helps with that classic cookie texture.
Large egg: Brings the dough together and adds chewiness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the chocolate flavors and rounds out the taste.
Milk: Keeps the cookie dough moist and luscious.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted and cooled): Extra chocolate for a double hit of fudgy goodness.
For the ganache: semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into a glossy, decadent topping.
For the ganache: heavy cream: Makes the ganache silky and smooth.
For topping: rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or sprinkles: Bring the iconic cosmic look and a pop of color.

How to Make Cosmic Brownie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—this is key for easy cookie removal and even baking. A little prep now means flawless Cosmic Brownie Cookies later!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing any pockets of cocoa or baking soda and guaranteeing a consistent, chocolatey bite in every cookie.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that soft, chewy texture—don’t rush it! The mixture should look pale and airy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until everything is well combined. The egg adds structure, while the vanilla and milk bring extra flavor and moisture, setting the stage for that irresistible fudginess you expect from Cosmic Brownie Cookies.

Step 5: Incorporate the Melted Chocolate

Pour in the melted and slightly cooled semi-sweet chocolate chips, mixing until the dough turns a luxurious, glossy brown. This is where the brownie magic really starts to happen!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until a thick, rich dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies tender and chewy.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and fudgy (remember, overbaking is the enemy of perfect Cosmic Brownie Cookies!). Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Ganache

While the cookies cool, heat the heavy cream until steaming (but not boiling), then pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until you have a smooth, shiny ganache.

Step 9: Decorate with Cosmic Flair

Spoon or spread the ganache over each cooled cookie, then immediately top with rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or sprinkles. It’s this final flourish that transforms your batch into true Cosmic Brownie Cookies!

How to Serve Cosmic Brownie Cookies

Garnishes

The classic rainbow chips are a must for that cosmic charm, but feel free to get creative! A pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of edible glitter can add a grown-up twist while keeping things fun and festive.

Side Dishes

Cosmic Brownie Cookies pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra-decadent treat, try serving them alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate or coffee—perfect for dunking!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a colorful tin for gifting, arrange them on a party platter with extra rainbow sprinkles scattered around, or even sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for a cosmic ice cream sandwich. The possibilities for delighting friends and family are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cosmic Brownie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them ultra-fresh, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Both the unbaked dough and finished cookies freeze beautifully. For dough, scoop it into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Baked cookies can also be frozen—just let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before eating or decorating with ganache and sprinkles.

Reheating

If you love a warm, gooey cookie, just pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive that fresh-baked magic. If you’ve frozen your cookies, let them thaw first, then reheat gently for best results.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of natural cocoa powder?

Absolutely! Dutch-processed cocoa will give your Cosmic Brownie Cookies an even richer color and a slightly mellower chocolate flavor. Either option works beautifully—just use what you have on hand.

How do I keep the cookies soft and fudgy?

The secret is not to overbake! Take them out of the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look a bit soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool, resulting in that perfect brownie-textured middle.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The rest of the recipe remains the same, so you can still enjoy Cosmic Brownie Cookies even with dietary restrictions.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate chips for the dough?

Microwave the chocolate chips in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly before adding it to the dough so it doesn’t scramble the egg or melt the butter.

Do I have to use rainbow chips, or can I use regular sprinkles?

Rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips give the cookies their classic cosmic look, but regular sprinkles work in a pinch. You can also get creative with mini M&Ms or any colorful topping you like!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Cosmic Brownie Cookies—the way they blend pure chocolatey nostalgia with the joy of baking from scratch. If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this is the one. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and let the cosmic cookie adventure begin!

Cosmic Brownie Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these fudgy Cosmic Brownie Cookies, a nostalgic treat that combines rich chocolate brownie flavors with a smooth ganache topping and colorful candy-coated chocolates. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies capture the essence of a classic cosmic brownie in cookie form, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly

Ganache

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream

Topping

Rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or sprinkles

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined for an even distribution of leavening and flavor.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, contributing to a tender cookie texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well to combine all wet components smoothly.
Incorporate Melted Chocolate: Stir in the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips that have cooled slightly. This adds intense chocolate flavor and richness to the dough.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick cookie dough forms with no visible flour.
Portion Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and fudgy, maintaining that signature brownie texture.
Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before applying ganache.
Prepare Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling, then pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate, then stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
Top Cookies with Ganache and Candy: Spoon or spread the ganache over the cooled cookies evenly. Immediately top with rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or sprinkles for a colorful, playful finish.
Set and Serve: Allow the ganache to set at room temperature before serving, ensuring a perfect texture and enhanced flavor experience.

Notes

Do not overbake—the cookies should remain soft and fudgy in the center.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
Ensure melted chocolate is cooled slightly before mixing to prevent cooking the egg in the dough.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American