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Rows of rich chocolate cookies with glossy icing and colorful candy dots.

Cosmic Brownie Cookies

Rich chocolate cookies topped with smooth ganache and colorful candy pieces, inspired by classic Cosmic Brownies. Soft centers, crisp edges, and a glossy chocolate finish make these cookies irresistible.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cosmic Brownie Cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Ganache

  • cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
  • Rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
  • Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and well incorporated, about 2 minutes.
  • Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined and no dry streaks remain.
  • Using a 1½-ounce cookie scoop (approximately 3 tablespoons), portion the dough into evenly sized balls. Roll gently between your hands and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 11–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
  • Remove from the oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before adding ganache.
  • To prepare the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling, about 30–45 seconds. Add the chocolate chips and let stand for 1 minute.
  • Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  • Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of ganache onto each cooled cookie and spread evenly over the top. Sprinkle with rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips.
  • Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that contains xanthan gum. Ensure the cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolates are certified gluten-free. Baking time may remain the same, but monitor closely.