If chocolate and cookies had a love child, it would be these Cosmic Brownie Cookies. Imagine fudgy, brownie-like centers with slightly crisp edges, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and colorful rainbow chocolate chips that make every bite feel like a celebration. They’re perfect for dessert, snack time, or whenever you need a little chocolate happiness in your day.
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These cookies are indulgent yet playful, bringing together the richness of brownies and the charm of cookies into one irresistible treat. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked—they’re chewy, chocolaty, and fun all at once.
Recipe Origin
Brownie cookies are a modern twist on two classic favorites: brownies and chocolate chip cookies. By combining dense, fudgy chocolate with the structure of a cookie, you get the perfect handheld dessert that’s just as satisfying as a slice of brownie, but easier to share. Adding a chocolate ganache and rainbow chips takes these from “just cookies” to showstopping, cosmic-worthy treats.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk or Electric Mixer: Ensures creamy butter and sugar, and smooth batter.
Spatula: For folding in chocolate chips gently.
Baking Sheets: To bake your cookies evenly.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Saucepan or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For making the chocolate ganache.
Spoon or Piping Tool: To drizzle or spread ganache evenly.
Why You’ll Love Cosmic Brownie Cookies
Fudgy & Chewy: The best of brownies, perfectly cookie-shaped.
Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Loaded with chocolate chips and ganache.
Fun & Colorful: Rainbow chips make these cookies festive and playful.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, bake sales, or sharing with friends.
Easy to Customize: Add nuts, different chocolates, or swap toppings for your twist.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use room-temperature butter for easy creaming.
- Chill cookie dough briefly if you want thicker, fudgier cookies.
- Don’t overbake—cookies continue to set as they cool.
- Warm ganache slightly for easier spreading or drizzling.
Cosmic Brownie Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cosmic Brownie Cookies are soft, chewy cookies loaded with chocolate chips and finished with a rich chocolate ganache and colorful rainbow chocolate chips, making them a fun and indulgent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Chocolate Ganache: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- Rainbow chocolate chips, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until set but still soft in the center.
- While cookies cool, prepare the ganache by heating the cream until simmering, then pour over chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread ganache over cooled cookies and decorate with rainbow chocolate chips.
- Allow ganache to set before serving.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- You can store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Ganache can be made ahead and warmed slightly before using.
- Optional: sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of ganache for extra flavor contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Ingredients in Cosmic Brownie Cookies
Here’s what makes these cookies out-of-this-world:
Brownie Cookie Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping cookies tender.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking Powder & Cream of Tartar: Help cookies rise slightly without losing brownie density.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
- Salted Butter: Creamy, rich fat for tender, fudgy cookies.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- Brown & Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and creates texture with chewy edges.
- Eggs: Bind the dough and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
Chocolate Ganache Ingredients:
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into smooth, glossy ganache.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates silky texture and richness.
Decoration:
- Rainbow Chocolate Chips: Fun, colorful touch for a cosmic vibe.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter with brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla, then fold in dry ingredients and chocolate chips until combined.
Shape & Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring.
Make the Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat cream until warm. Pour over chocolate chips and stir until smooth and glossy.
Decorate the Cookies: Spread or drizzle ganache over cooled cookies, then sprinkle rainbow chocolate chips on top. Let ganache set slightly before serving.
Serve & Enjoy: Enjoy warm with a glass of milk, or let cookies cool completely for a firmer, fudgier bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: ~24 cookies
Calories per serving: ~220–250 (without additional toppings)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
How to Serve Cosmic Brownie Cookies
- As a Dessert: Plate with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Snack-Time Favorite: Pack in lunchboxes or serve at snack hour.
- Party-Ready: Arrange on a platter for birthdays or celebrations—the rainbow chips make them festive.
- Gifting: Package in cookie tins for friends or neighbors; they travel well.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Cookie dough can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature.
- Ganache: Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge; reheat gently to use.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts to the dough.
- Extra Chocolate: Swirl melted white chocolate into ganache for a marble effect.
- Spicy Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a subtle kick.
- Peanut Butter Lovers: Swirl peanut butter into the cookie dough or ganache.
Additional Tips
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overmix the dough to avoid dense cookies.
- Let cookies cool slightly before spreading ganache to prevent it from melting off.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these gluten-free?
A1: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q2: Can I make them dairy-free?
A2: Use dairy-free chocolate chips, vegan butter, and a plant-based cream for ganache.
Q3: How do I get chewy cookies?
A3: Don’t overbake and use a mix of brown and granulated sugar for the right texture.
Q4: Can I skip the ganache?
A4: Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own or sprinkled with extra chocolate chips.
Q5: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
A5: Absolutely, but it will be sweeter and slightly less rich.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Q7: Can I make smaller bite-sized cookies?
A7: Yes, just adjust the baking time slightly—8–10 minutes usually works.
Q8: Can I make this a dairy-free chocolate ganache?
A8: Yes, use coconut cream or almond cream instead of heavy cream.
Q9: Can I use cocoa powder substitutes?
A9: Dark cocoa or Dutch-processed cocoa can be used; adjust sugar slightly if needed.
Q10: Can I prep dough in advance?
A10: Yes! Chill for up to 24 hours, then bake directly from the fridge.
Conclusion
These Cosmic Brownie Cookies are the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream: fudgy, soft, decadent, and topped with a playful, colorful twist. Perfect for celebrations, cozy nights, or anytime you need a sweet escape.
Whether warm from the oven or fully cooled, each bite is indulgent, chocolatey, and a little bit magical. Whip up a batch and watch them disappear fast—you might even want to keep a secret stash just for yourself!