These Cosmic Brownie Cookies are a delightful twist on a nostalgic favorite, bringing a smile to anyone who tastes them.
With their chewy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and vibrant decorations, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just crave some dessert, these cookies are bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Cosmic Brownie Cookies
With a Glass of Milk: Enjoy the cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the cookies to make ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.
Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter for parties or gatherings.
Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Serve the cookies with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Gift Boxes: Pack the cookies in decorative boxes or tins to give as gifts during holidays or special occasions.
Cookie Sundae: Crumble the cookies over a bowl of vanilla or chocolate ice cream and drizzle with extra ganache for an indulgent sundae.
With Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fruity contrast.
Cookie Crumble: Crumble the cookies over yogurt or pudding for an added crunch and chocolate flavor.
Brownie Trifle: Layer the cookies with whipped cream and chocolate pudding in a trifle dish for a decadent dessert.
Fondue Dippers: Use the cookies as dippers for a chocolate fondue or melted chocolate sauce.
Tips & Tricks
Room Temperature Ingredients:
Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, evenly mixed dough.
Proper Measuring:
Measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Too much flour can make the cookies dense and dry.
Mixing Technique:
Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Chill the Dough:
If the dough is too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Baking Consistency:
Bake the cookies on the middle rack of the oven for even heat distribution. If baking multiple sheets at once, rotate them halfway through baking.
Doneness Check:
The cookies should be set at the edges and slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Ganache Cooling:
Let the ganache cool slightly before spreading it on the cookies. If it’s too hot, it may be too runny; if it’s too cool, it may be too thick to spread smoothly.
Storing Cookies:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies (without ganache) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Decorating Tips:
Decorate the cookies while the ganache is still wet to ensure the sprinkles or candy-coated chocolates stick well.
Alternative Toppings:
Experiment with different toppings like crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or even drizzles of white chocolate for variety.
Cooling on a Rack:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without breaking.
Uniform Size:
Use a cookie scoop to ensure your cookies are uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly.
These tips and tricks will help you achieve perfectly baked, beautifully decorated Cosmic Brownie Cookies every time!
Recipe FAQ’s
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly underdone. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even dried fruit can be great additions.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the texture and flavor might be slightly different. Butter provides a richer flavor and better texture.
Cosmic Brownie Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Decoration:
- Rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips like mini M&Ms or other colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies:Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Ganache Topping:Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Then, stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Decorate the Cookies:Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of ganache over the top of each cookie.Immediately sprinkle the ganache with rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles.Allow the ganache to set at room temperature or place the cookies in the refrigerator for quicker setting.
- Serve and Enjoy:Serve the cookies once the ganache has set. Enjoy the rich, fudgy taste of these Cosmic Brownie Cookies!