There’s something about childhood desserts that never quite leave us. For me, Cosmic Brownies were a staple – those fudgy, ultra-rich little bars topped with rainbow candy-coated chips. I remember unwrapping them during school lunch breaks, and savoring that dense, chocolaty bite. That nostalgic treat inspired me to create a homemade cookie version – Fudgy Cosmic Brownie Cookies – that delivers the same deep chocolate flavor with a soft, chewy center and a glossy ganache topping. These cookies are everything I loved about the original, with a fresh, homemade twist that makes them even more irresistible.
What makes these cookies so lovable is their texture. They’re rich and fudgy like a brownie but shaped like a cookie – so you get the best of both worlds. The ganache glaze on top adds a luxurious finish, and the colorful candy sprinkles (or rainbow chocolate chips) give it that playful, signature look that sparks instant joy. Whether you’re baking for kids, sharing at a party, or simply indulging in some nostalgic comfort food, these cookies never disappoint.
They’re also extremely versatile. You can switch out toppings, adjust the size, or make them as sandwich cookies with a creamy layer in between. Want to go dairy-free or gluten-free? That’s easy with a few swaps, and I’ll guide you through that if needed. These cookies are perfect for birthdays, lunchbox treats, or late-night snacks – no occasion is off-limits.
Another bonus: they’re surprisingly affordable to make. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples – cocoa powder, flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. The rainbow chips or sprinkles might be the only thing you’ll pick up on a special trip, but even that can be customized depending on what you have at home. You don’t need anything fancy – just a few bowls, a baking tray, and a love for fudgy, chocolate-packed desserts.
Ingredients for Fudgy Cosmic Brownie Cookies:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
For the ganache topping:
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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½ cup heavy cream
For decoration:
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¼ cup rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or sprinkles
How to Prepare Fudgy Cosmic Brownie Cookies
( Step-by-step instructions, quick and easy, customizable, popular)
Making these Fudgy Cosmic Brownie Cookies is not only satisfying but also surprisingly simple. The process blends the ease of making drop cookies with the indulgence of brownies. You don’t need a mixer – just bowls, a whisk, and a spatula. From start to finish, this recipe is beginner-friendly, quick to whip up, and can be customized to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes by hand or using a hand whisk. Mixing until the sugars dissolve slightly creates a smoother cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients help bind the dough and infuse it with warm, rich flavor.
Step 4: Mix in Cocoa Powder
Sift in the cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated. The batter will look thick and dark – this is the base of that deep, fudgy chocolate flavor.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, folding it in gradually. Mix just until no streaks remain. Overmixing will lead to tough cookies, so stop once the dough is smooth and uniform.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape Dough
Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten the tops with your fingers or the back of a spoon to encourage spreading.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes. The cookies will appear slightly underbaked in the center – that’s perfect. Let them rest on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time allows them to finish baking while staying soft and chewy inside.
Step 8: Prepare the Ganache Topping
While the cookies cool, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until just simmering. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This ganache will give the cookies their signature cosmic shine.
Step 9: Top and Decorate
Spoon or spread a generous layer of ganache on top of each cooled cookie. While the ganache is still soft, sprinkle the candy-coated chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles over the top. Press them lightly so they stick.
Step 10: Set and Serve
Let the ganache set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or place the cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes to speed it up. Once the tops are firm to the touch, they’re ready to serve.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is fast – the prep time is under 20 minutes, and the bake time is short. You don’t need any chilling time for the dough, so you can go from ingredients to warm cookies in under an hour. Even the ganache is low-effort and comes together in minutes.
Customizable
There are so many ways to tweak this recipe. Want a dairy-free version? Use plant-based butter and cream alternatives. Prefer less sugar? Reduce it slightly without compromising texture. You can also use mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or even crushed freeze-dried berries for decoration. The ganache topping can be flavored too – try a drop of mint or orange extract for a fun twist.
Popular with Many People
These cookies are always a hit. I’ve made them for school events, bake sales, birthday parties, and family get-togethers. They appeal to both kids and adults, especially those who remember Cosmic Brownies with fondness. The vibrant topping makes them eye-catching, while the deep, rich flavor makes them unforgettable. They’re just the right mix of nostalgia and indulgence – a crowd-pleasing favorite that brings smiles every time.
PrintFudgy Cosmic Brownie Cookies
Inspired by the nostalgic Cosmic Brownies we all loved growing up, these Fudgy Cosmic Brownie Cookies are soft, ultra-chocolaty, and topped with a rich ganache and colorful candy pieces. They combine the chewy texture of a brownie with the convenience of a cookie – perfect for celebrations, school lunches, or anytime you crave a little joy.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the ganache topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
For decoration:
- ¼ cup rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Sift in cocoa powder and mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.
- Scoop dough into balls using a medium cookie scoop. Place on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes. Cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center. Let rest on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- To prepare ganache: heat heavy cream until simmering, pour over chocolate chips, and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth.
- Spoon ganache over cooled cookies. Immediately decorate with rainbow candy chips or sprinkles.
- Let ganache set at room temperature or chill for 10 minutes. Serve once the topping is firm.
Notes
For best texture, avoid overmixing the dough.
Allow cookies to cool fully before applying ganache.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
These cookies freeze well both before and after baking.
FAQs – Fudgy Cosmic Brownie Cookies
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies store beautifully. You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Once baked and topped, the cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, or up to a week in the fridge.
Can I freeze the dough or finished cookies?
Absolutely. Scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies (without ganache) freeze well too – just thaw before topping with ganache.
What can I use instead of rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips?
You can use regular sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or chopped chocolate. For a themed look, try colored sugar pearls or holiday sprinkles.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Choose one that includes xanthan gum for best texture.
Can I make a dairy-free version?
Definitely. Use plant-based butter and substitute the heavy cream in the ganache with full-fat coconut cream or a dairy-free whipping cream. The results will still be fudgy and delicious.