Cosmic Brownie Cookies

Introduction:

These Cosmic Brownie Cookies are inspired by the nostalgic Little Debbie’s Cosmic Brownies, combining the indulgence of fudgy brownies with the convenience of cookies. Topped with a shiny chocolate ganache and colorful rainbow sprinkles, these cookies deliver rich chocolate flavor, chewy texture, and a touch of fun in every bite. Whether you’re craving a childhood favorite or want to bring some joy to your dessert table, these cookies are the perfect treat.

The Inspiration Behind Cosmic Brownie Cookies:

Cosmic Brownies have been a beloved snack for decades, with their signature fudgy base and bright rainbow sprinkles. This cookie version captures that same decadent chocolate flavor in a soft, chewy cookie form. With a thick layer of chocolate ganache and sprinkles, these cookies are like brownies in cookie form, offering the best of both worlds.

Ingredients Breakdown:

For the Cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures the cookies are soft and chewy.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor to the cookie dough.
• Butter: Gives richness, moisture, and a tender texture to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances the bitterness of the cocoa powder.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and helps make the cookies chewy with a hint of caramel flavor.
• Eggs: Binds the dough together and contributes to the chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and ensures they stay soft.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cocoa powder.

For the Ganache Topping:

• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, rich texture in the ganache.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted to form a glossy, chocolatey topping.

For the Topping:

• Rainbow Sprinkles or Candy-Coated Chocolates (like the original Cosmic Brownies): Adds fun color and crunch, just like the classic treat.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until fully incorporated.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Shape the dough: Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
4. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Ganache

1. Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering (do not boil).
2. Melt the chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
3. Spread the ganache: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a layer of ganache on top of each cookie.

Step 5: Decorate

1. Add sprinkles: While the ganache is still wet, sprinkle the cookies with rainbow sprinkles or candy-coated chocolates to mimic the iconic Cosmic Brownies look.
2. Let the ganache set: Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature until the ganache is set, about 30 minutes, or place them in the refrigerator for quicker setting.

Tips for the Perfect Cosmic Brownie Cookies:

• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough ensures the cookies don’t spread too much and helps achieve a chewy texture.
• Don’t overbake: These cookies should be slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool. This helps them stay soft and fudgy.
• Make the ganache smooth: Stir the ganache until completely smooth for a shiny, professional-looking topping.
• Customize the toppings: Use colorful candy-coated chocolates, mini M&Ms, or even edible glitter to give these cookies a fun and festive look.

Variations and Customizations:

1. Double Chocolate Cosmic Cookies: Stir in some chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
2. Peanut Butter Cosmic Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the cookie dough for a chocolate-peanut butter combination.
3. Salted Cosmic Brownie Cookies: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the ganache for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
4. Gluten-Free Cosmic Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

These cookies are a decadent treat, but here are a few ways to adjust the recipe for a lighter version:

• Reduce Sugar: You can cut the sugar by 1/4 cup without losing much sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a dairy-free cream alternative to make the ganache.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

FAQ:

1. Can I use milk chocolate for the ganache? Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate is recommended to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
2. How do I store these cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep the ganache firm.
3. Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, these cookies can be frozen with or without the ganache. If freezing with ganache, place them in a single layer in a container to avoid smudging the topping.

Cosmic Brownie Cookies

These Cosmic Brownie Cookies combine the fudgy richness of brownies with the fun, colorful toppings of the classic Cosmic Brownies. Perfect for parties or indulging in nostalgic flavors, they’re a chocolate lover’s dream!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 minutes mins

Total Time 19 minutes mins

Course Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 20 Cookies

Ingredients

  

For the cookies:

• 1 cup salted butter melted
• 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs room temperature
• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp corn starch
• 1 cup cocoa powder I prefer dark chocolate cocoa powder but use whatever you prefer!
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt

For the ganache frosting:

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate I like to use baking chocolate bars but you can use chocolate chips as well!
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup cosmic brownie sprinkles

Instructions

 

For the cookies:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on medium for 1 minute. Add in both eggs and mix on low until incorporated. Add in the flour, corn starch, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt and mix on low until everything is combined.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (you can also use wax paper, but do not bake with the wax paper) Use a medium sized cookie dough scoop, about 2-2.5 tablespoons of dough per ball, to scoop 20 even cookies and place on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill the cookie dough. This will help to enhance the flavor and prevent spreading. Preheat the oven to 350°.
• Once the cookie dough has chilled, space each about 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a cookie rack to cool completely.

For the ganache:

• While the cookies are cooling, make the ganache. Break the chocolate up into pieces (unless using chocolate chips) and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream in a small pot on the stove over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Pour over the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, add in the vanilla extract and use a whisk to stir until completely smooth. Let cool for 15-30 minutes, or until it is a spreadable consistency.
• Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread the ganache overtop (2-3 tablespoons) leaving about ¼ of an inch of cookie around the edges. Sprinkle some of the sprinkles on top. Serve or refrigerate if you want the ganache completely set.

Keyword Cosmic Brownie Cookies