Introduction
Do you remember those little Cosmic Brownies that came in those bright, colorful boxes with the gooey, fudge-like topping and sprinkles that seemed to make everything a little more fun? Well, imagine that iconic treat—except now it’s in cookie form. Cosmic Brownie Cookies are a nostalgic throwback with a fun twist that will take you right back to your childhood, but this time, you get to enjoy them fresh out of the oven!
These cookies have it all: a rich, fudgy center, crispy edges, and a glossy, rainbow sprinkle topping that adds a touch of magic to every bite. The combination of chewy, chocolatey goodness with the crunch of sprinkles is just chef’s kiss. What’s even better is that they’re surprisingly easy to make, so you can whip them up anytime you’re craving something sweet and a little nostalgic.
I first tried making these cookies when I was in the mood for something familiar yet a bit different. After a few test batches (because, let’s be real, cookies are always worth testing!), I nailed the perfect balance of brownie texture and cookie ease. Now, every time I bake these Cosmic Brownie Cookies, they bring back memories of my childhood, but they also feel like a fun celebration in their own right.
If you’re a fan of brownies and cookies alike, or just want to put a new spin on an old favorite, these cookies are for you. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight treats to bringing to your next party. So let’s get started, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why Cosmic Brownie Cookies will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with them:
- Easy to Make: These cookies come together with just a few simple steps and ingredients. No need to be a pro baker to get them just right!
- Chewy, Fudgy Texture: Imagine biting into a cookie that has the same rich, fudgy interior as a brownie. It’s the best of both worlds!
- Colorful and Fun: The sprinkles on top are what make these cookies really special. They add a playful, vibrant pop that’s not only fun to look at but also to eat!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a treat for yourself, a fun bake for the kids, or a festive addition to a party, Cosmic Brownie Cookies are a hit with everyone.
- Nostalgic Vibes: Who doesn’t love a little nostalgia, especially when it involves chocolate and sprinkles? These cookies are a fun trip down memory lane!
If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your brownie game or add a fun twist to cookie baking, Cosmic Brownie Cookies are the way to go. Plus, there’s something about the combination of chewy cookie and crunchy sprinkles that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Servings: This recipe makes about 18 cookies, depending on the size you make them.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per serving: 210
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 10g
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these decadent Cosmic Brownie Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (adds the rich, chocolatey flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (helps the cookies rise slightly)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for that rich, buttery texture)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (adds a hint of molasses flavor for depth)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (balances out the sweetness)
- 2 large eggs (gives the cookies that chewy consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for a melt-in-your-mouth texture)
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s or rainbow sprinkles (for the Cosmic topping, duh!)
The unsweetened cocoa powder is key to that rich, deep chocolate flavor, while the brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness. The mini M&M’s (or rainbow sprinkles) really steal the show, adding a colorful crunch and that iconic Cosmic vibe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible cookies! Don’t worry, it’s a super straightforward process that even beginners can follow with confidence. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents them from sticking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly combined and helps prevent lumps in the cocoa powder.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Cream until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. It’s crucial to get this step right because it helps the cookies achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. You’ll notice the batter becoming slightly lighter in color.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. You want to keep the dough tender and soft, so stop mixing once you see no more flour streaks.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips. These will melt into the dough, giving each bite a little surprise of melty chocolate goodness.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, so they don’t spread too much. But if you’re short on time, it’s okay to skip this step.
- Form the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This gives them plenty of room to spread out.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are slightly crisp but the centers still look a little soft. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little underdone at first.
- Add sprinkles: Immediately after taking the cookies out of the oven, sprinkle the rainbow M&M’s or sprinkles on top while they’re still warm. This will make them stick to the cookie, giving them that signature “Cosmic” look.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the wait is worth it, but if you can’t resist, go ahead and take a bite while they’re still warm!
How to Serve
These Cosmic Brownie Cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ways you can take them to the next level:
- Pair with milk: Grab a cold glass of milk to dunk your cookie in for the ultimate nostalgic treat.
- Serve with ice cream: Turn these cookies into an epic ice cream sandwich by adding a scoop of your favorite flavor between two cookies.
- Enjoy as a snack or dessert: These cookies are perfect for snacking anytime or as a dessert after dinner. Serve them at parties or bake them for the next family get-together.
Additional Tips
- Don’t skip the chilling step (if you can help it): Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too thin and helps them bake evenly. It also gives the flavors time to meld together.
- Use quality chocolate chips: The chocolate chips you use will make a huge difference in the flavor. If possible, go for semi-sweet or even dark chocolate chips to add depth to the flavor.
- Test the cookies for doneness: If you’re unsure whether the cookies are done, pull one out and break it in half. If the inside is still soft but not doughy, they’re perfect! If they’re too gooey, bake them for another minute or two.
- Add more sprinkles for extra flair: If you love sprinkles as much as I do, feel free to pile them on top! The more, the merrier!
- Experiment with mix-ins: You can get creative with the mix-ins. Try adding chopped nuts, peanut butter chips, or even a swirl of caramel to the dough for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Cosmic Brownie Cookies without the sprinkles?
Yes, you can! If you’re not a fan of sprinkles or prefer a more classic brownie cookie, feel free to leave them out. The sprinkles add a fun, colorful pop, but the cookies will still taste just as delicious without them. You could even swap them for additional chocolate chips, or drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate for extra sweetness.
2. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure the flour blend contains xanthan gum, which will help the cookies maintain their structure. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly from the original version, but they should still taste fantastic.
3. How can I make these cookies more chewy?
For even chewier cookies, try increasing the amount of brown sugar and slightly reducing the granulated sugar. Brown sugar helps to retain moisture and gives the cookies that perfect chewy texture. Additionally, chilling the dough before baking will also help the cookies stay thick and chewy.
PrintCosmic Brownie Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these decadent Cosmic Brownie Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (adds the rich, chocolatey flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (helps the cookies rise slightly)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for that rich, buttery texture)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (adds a hint of molasses flavor for depth)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (balances out the sweetness)
- 2 large eggs (gives the cookies that chewy consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for a melt-in-your-mouth texture)
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s or rainbow sprinkles (for the Cosmic topping, duh!)
Instructions
Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible cookies! Don’t worry, it’s a super straightforward process that even beginners can follow with confidence. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents them from sticking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly combined and helps prevent lumps in the cocoa powder.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Cream until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. It’s crucial to get this step right because it helps the cookies achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. You’ll notice the batter becoming slightly lighter in color.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. You want to keep the dough tender and soft, so stop mixing once you see no more flour streaks.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips. These will melt into the dough, giving each bite a little surprise of melty chocolate goodness.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, so they don’t spread too much. But if you’re short on time, it’s okay to skip this step.
- Form the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This gives them plenty of room to spread out.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are slightly crisp but the centers still look a little soft. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little underdone at first.
- Add sprinkles: Immediately after taking the cookies out of the oven, sprinkle the rainbow M&M’s or sprinkles on top while they’re still warm. This will make them stick to the cookie, giving them that signature “Cosmic” look.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the wait is worth it, but if you can’t resist, go ahead and take a bite while they’re still warm!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 18
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
Cosmic Brownie Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgia and creativity, combining the best elements of a classic brownie with the fun of cookies. Whether you’re a fan of fudgy treats, vibrant sprinkles, or just looking for a fun baking project to share with your family, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.
Baking them is an experience in itself—one that fills your kitchen with sweet, chocolatey aromas while giving you the chance to create something truly memorable. Plus, there’s nothing like enjoying a warm cookie fresh out of the oven, especially when it has that gooey, fudgy interior and a pop of color from the sprinkles.
Next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, why not skip the box and make your own Cosmic Brownie Cookies from scratch? I promise you won’t regret it. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!