I’ve always been a sucker for Cosmic Brownies. I like them. What are the individually wrapped rainbow sprinkles? What is nostalgia? What if I told you we could turn that classic treat into a cookie? Is this a real cookie? What is the difference between a chocolate brownie and your favorite soft-baked cookie? If you love brownies and cookies, prepare to have your world rocked.
What is a Cosmic Brownie Cookie?
Cosmic Brownie Cookies are the cookie version of those beloved brownies. It’s essentially a rich, fudgy chocolate cookie base topped with an luscious, decadent glaze and served with Whipped Cream. What are the iconic rainbow sprinkles? The base is designed to be densely chocolatey and chewy, just like a brownie, while still being light and fluffy. How do I keep that delicious cookie texture? What is the ultimate mashup of comfort food and indulgence? What’s the sweet spot between a delicious brownie and scrumptious cookie? Can you brighten any day?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are a million reasons to fall in love with these Cosmic Brownie Cookies, but let me give you my top few. First and foremost, the flavor is just insane! It’s like a concentrated dose of chocolate bliss, with that perfect fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. The glaze adds a layer of extra sweetness and richness, while those rainbow sprinkles bring in a fun, playful element that makes you feel like a kid again. What I love most is just how easy they are to make. Seriously, you don’t need to be a master baker to whip up a batch of these. The ingredients are pretty basic, and the steps are straightforward. I’ve made them even with my little nephew and he loves helping pour in the sprinkles. They’re also surprisingly budget-friendly. No fancy ingredients required! You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry. This is also incredibly versatile. Enjoy them as a midday snack, a comforting dessert, or even pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet treat. Honestly, they’re amazing with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even just on their own. They stand up really well against a regular chocolate chip cookie, which I also adore, but sometimes, you just crave that extra chocolate hit, you know?
How do I make Cosmic Brownie Cookies?
Quick Overview
Making these Cosmic Brownie Cookies is simpler than you might think! We start by creating a rich, fudgy cookie dough. Then, you’ll shape the cookies, bake them to perfection, and top them with a glossy chocolate glaze and rainbow sprinkles. The whole process is quick and easy, and the result is a batch of decadent, irresistible cookies. It’s really the perfect recipe for when you want something sweet and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This helps create a wonderfully soft cookie.
* 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and structure.
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar: This adds moisture and chewiness, giving the cookies that classic brownie texture.
* 2 large eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add richness. I always use large, free-range eggs for the best flavor.
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A must for enhancing the chocolate flavor. Don’t skimp on quality here; a good vanilla extract makes a huge difference.
* 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
* ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This is where the deep, dark chocolate flavor comes from. I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa powder for its smoother taste.
* ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a slightly chewy texture.
* ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds extra chocolate chunks for a truly decadent treat.
For the Glaze:
* 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter: Adds richness and shine to the glaze.
* 2 cups powdered sugar: This creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
* ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For a deeper chocolate flavor in the glaze.
* 3-5 tablespoons milk: To achieve the perfect glaze consistency. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze flavor.
For the Sprinkles: What is
* Rainbow sprinkles: The iconic topping that makes these cookies look just like Cosmic Brownies. Don’t be shy – pile them on!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I always find that preheating for at least 15 minutes helps ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. How do I distribute baking soda and cocoa powder evenly across the dough? What is the key for the right texture and flavor?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which helps the cookies rise properly. I usually use a stand mixer for this, but hand mixer works just as well. How do you not overwhip?
Step 4: Combine
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. What is the best way to add chocolate chips? Just gently stir them in until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
This step doesn’t have a separate filling like some cookies. The brownie-like batter is the filling! The chocolate chips add little pockets of melty goodness.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Since these aren’t swirl cookies, just roll rounded tablespoons of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. I usually use a cookie scoop to ensure that all the cookies are the same size, so they bake evenly. You can flatten them slightly with your fingers if you like, but they will spread out a bit during baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. As cookies cool, they will continue to set up. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. I always find that pulling them out just before they look completely done results in the chewiest.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder until smooth. Gradually add the milk, whisking until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the glaze evenly over the tops of the cookies. Immediately sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles. The glaze will set quickly, so it’s important to add the sprinkles right away.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What are cookies made of? Honestly, I usually grab one straight off the cooling rack (or two!).
What should I serve it with?
What are some ideas for making Cosmic Brownie Cookies? The next level:
For Breakfast:What are some of the best coffees to serve in the morning? What are some good side dishes to serve with fresh fruit?
For Brunch:Arrange them on a platter with other brunch favorites, like mini quiches, Fruit Salad, and yogurt. Serve with mimosas or sparkling cider for a festive touch.
As Dessert: These cookies are the perfect after-dinner treat. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce adds an extra touch of indulgence. My family always loves them with a side of hot chocolate on a cold night.
For Cozy Snacks: Curl up on the couch with a plate of these cookies and a warm mug of milk or tea. They’re also great for movie nights or game nights with friends and family. I sometimes sneak one in when I need a little boost in the afternoon – they’re a total lifesaver!
How do I make my Cosmic Brownie Cookies?
What are some tips and tricks to make a Cosmic Brownie?
Butter Softening:Make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugars. If your finger is soft enough to touch it, it should not be melted. How do I make a fluffy dough?
Mixing Advice:Be careful not to overmix the dough. Can overmixing cause gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. I always stop mixing when I no longer see streaks of flour.
Sprinkle Application: Add the rainbow sprinkles immediately after glazing the cookies. The glaze sets quickly, so if you wait too long, the sprinkles won’t stick.
Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate. Can you add other mix-ins, like chopped nuts or dried fruit? I’ve tried adding chopped walnuts before, and they were delicious! Just be sure to adjust the amount of chocolate chips accordingly.
Baking Tips:What are the best ways to keep a close eye on your cookies while baking? I always find that pulling them out just before they look completely done results in the chewiest. They will continue to set up as they cool.
Glaze Variations:For a richer glaze, use melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder. If you like a sweet glaze, you can also add salt to it. I sometimes add coffee liqueur to the glaze for a mocha flavor – it’s amazing!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store your Cosmic Brownie Cookies to keep them fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cool before storing them. I usually put a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cookies may become a bit firm in the fridge, so let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cookies, it’s best to glaze them after thawing. The glaze can become sticky or crack during freezing. If you’ve already glazed the cookies, they’re still safe to freeze, but the appearance may be slightly altered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Cosmic Brownie Cookies are truly a must-try! They’re the perfect combination of fudgy, chewy, and chocolatey, with that playful touch of rainbow sprinkles that brings back childhood memories. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a comforting dessert, or a fun treat to share with friends and family, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other Cookie Recipes for more delicious baking inspiration! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations – I love seeing what you come up with!