The BEST soft, fudgy, and chewy brownie cookies inspired by Little Debbie's cosmic brownies! Enjoy chilled for the perfectly fudgy & dense texture.
Why I Love These Cosmic Brownie Cookies
- Super Fudgy & Dense: just like my copycat cosmic brownies, these cookies have a thick, dense, and super fudgy texture. The use of dark cocoa powder & the addition of a tiny bit of corn syrup helps give it this iconic chewy texture.
- Easy to make: these double fudge cookies are one of those cookies that look fancy but are actually easy to whip up! The ganache comes together quickly using the microwave (no stovetop needed!). No need to run to Crumbl next time you're craving one of these bad boys.
- A crowd favorite: Whether you're making them giant or scooping them into smaller, bite-sized cookies for holiday platters (see how I make them Christmas-themed below!), these are one of those cookies that everyone loves.
Ingredient Notes
- Cocoa Powder: I use and recommend Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa powder to give them a moist, rich flavor. You can substitute for regular unsweetened cocoa powder, just note that your cookies will have a puffier texture and won't have the iconic brownie taste.
- Rainbow chip sprinkles: You can find these at Michaels, Amazon, or one of my favorite budget-hacks is to get a box of Pillsbury Funfetti brownie mix (at most grocery stores!) and use the packet inside. You can then just keep the brownie mix for another time.
- Light corn syrup: We're using a small amount of corn syrup to create a chewy, dense, fudgy cookie. Omitting it will not result in the ideal texture, so I highly recommend using it (ps. light corn syrup is not the same as high fructose corn syrup!). You can find this in the baking aisle (Karo or generic brand works). If you can't find it where you live, you can try using thick honey or light molasses to achieve a similar texture (it won't be exact). Or you can use 1 tablespoon of milk but keep note that the cookies will likely end up puffier and won't have the same chewy, dense, fudgy texture.
- Heavy cream: In order to get a thick chocolate ganache that "hardens", you'll want to use heavy cream (also known as "heavy whipping cream" at grocery stores).
- Chocolate chips: I use semi-sweet chocolate chips but if you want a more subtle chocolate flavor, you can use milk chocolate chips.
Where to buy the sprinkles?
I get my rainbow chip sprinkles on Amazon! It's a big, bulk-sized bag that will last you for a while! It also comes with a resealable bag for easy storing.
And! You can use them on my other cosmic recipes: Homemade Cosmic Brownies or even just use as an ice cream topping on my No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream!
How to Make Cosmic Brownie Cookies
This is just an overview showing step-by-step photos, jump to full recipe card with exact instructions.
Step 1: Make Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to mix together cookie dough. Dough should be thick and similar to a play-doh consistency, as shown below.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream softened unsalted butter (½ cup, 1 stick), light brown sugar(½ cup), and granulated sugar (¼ cup) for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg (1 large), vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), and light corn syrup (2 tablespoons) and mix on low speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything can combine.
- Add in baking soda (¼ teaspoon) and salt (¼ teaspoon) and mix for another 5-10 seconds until combined.
- Lastly, add dark cocoa powder (½ cup) and all-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups) and mix on medium until combined.
Tip: Using softened butter is important here! If your butter is straight from the fridge, microwave for 10 seconds to slightly soften.
Step 2: Scoop, Flatten, Bake
Scoop dough into ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) sized scoops (I use this stainless steel cookie scoop!), roll into balls, then gently flatten each dough ball into a ½" thick disc; this will help them spread instead of be puffy. Bake at 350°F for 11-12 minutes, then allow cookies to fully cool before topping.
Tip: Baking on a parchment-lined, light-colored metal pan will allow your cookies to bake evenly without overbrowning. This is the trick to soft, chewy cookies!
Step 3: Decorate
After the cookies are cooled, spoon 1 tablespoon of chocolate ganache on each cookie and top with rainbow chip sprinkles.
Jump to full recipe card with exact instructions to make the ganache.
Step 4: Refrigerate & Enjoy!
Refrigerate the frosted cookies to help the ganache set. Chilling will also help them become even better & fudgier! You can also keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Make it holiday themed! Pick out the red, pink, and green rainbow chip sprinkles (shown below!) to make them Christmas-themed!
- Top with mini m&m's or sprinkles: Don't have rainbow chip sprinkles? You can also top with mini m&m's or any sprinkles of your choice!
- Have extra ganache? If you end up with a little extra chocolate ganache, stick in a ziploc bag in the freezer and then add to hot cocoa!
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Fudgy Cosmic Brownie Cookies (TikTok Viral!)
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream softened ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup light brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup and mix on low speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything can combine.
- Add in ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ¼ teaspoon salt and mix for another 5-10 seconds until combined.
- Lastly, add ½ cup dark cocoa powder and 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour and mix on medium until combined.
- Scoop dough into ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) sized scoops (I use this stainless steel cookie scoop!), roll into balls, then gently flatten each dough ball into a ½" thick disc; this will help them spread instead of be puffy.
- Bake at 350°F for 11-12 minutes. Do not overbake. The centers may look a tiny bit wet but will continue to bake on the hot pan, allowing them to firm up without overbaking.Allow to fully cool before decorating.
- In a medium-sized, heat-safe bowl (cereal bowl sized), place ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl or large liquid measuring cup, heat ¼ cup heavy cream in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until it begins to bubble (it's important that your measuring cup or bowl is at least 4x taller than the milk line, as it will expand when it's heating and can easily overflow). You can also heat this on the stove; remove it once it begins to steam.
- Use a hot pad to carefully remove milk from the microwave and pour over the chocolate chips (do not stir yet!). Use a fork to press down the chips so that they're fully covered with the cream.Allow to sit for about 3 minutes, then use a fork to stir; it will be thick and will likely look like it's not going to mix together but keep at it until smooth & creamy.If your mixture doesn't melt down, microwave in 10 second increments at 50% power, stirring in between each increment until smooth.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of chocolate ganache on each cookie and top with rainbow chip sprinkles. Place in refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to help the ganache harden.
- I recommend refrigerate the cookies as they get even better & fudgier when chilled! You can also keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days, if desired.
Notes from Melissa
- Smaller cookies: For smaller cookies, use a 2-tablespoon scoop and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cocoa Powder: I use and recommend Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa powder to give them a moist, rich flavor. You can substitute for regular unsweetened cocoa powder, just note that your cookies will have a puffier texture and won't have the iconic brownie taste.
- Rainbow chip sprinkles: You can find rainbow chip sprinkles at Michaels, Amazon, or one of my favorite budget-hacks is to get a box of Pillsbury Funfetti brownie mix (at most grocery stores!) and use the packet inside. You can then just keep the brownie mix for another time.
Did you make this?
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Made these for a work party and they got RAVE reviews!
So glad to hear everyone loved this recipe, Sara! Thank you so much for leaving a review!
I made these for my husband/associates at my store. They LOVED them. They all immediately begged me for more so I made 5 batches in the span of 4 days
Wow, you've been busy!! Sooo happy to hear everyone loved these so much! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, Jordan! :)
AMAZING! A must bake. Fun to bake with kids who won’t mind their sticky hands. My husband and I had to put them away so we would stop eating them.
LOL, they are definitely hard to resist not eating them all at once! I'm so glad to hear you and your family enjoyed this recipe! Thank you so much for leaving a review! :)
LOVE AND SOO EASY TO MAKE!
This looks amazing! I have dark corn syrup on hand, wondering how that would change the cookie? Also, do you think this base could be used with mix-ins such as Andes mint chips?
I think dark syrup would be fine! And yes, bring on those mix-ins! I actually made a sample cookie with Andes mint chips and it was so good!
These are amazing. I doubled the recipe and it made a perfect bakers dozen! At first my mixer and I were worried when I added the dry ingredients - it seemed like it was too thick and dry, but we held on tight a minute more and suddenly the dough became the perfect play dough consistency. Super easy to shape and not sticky at all. Thank you Melissa!
Haha, it is a pretty thick dough so I'm glad you persisted and they ended up turning out for you with the double batch! Thank you so much for leaving a review, Hailey!
Holy moly! These were amazing! Even my picky teenager devoured them
Haha, so glad these passed the picky teen taste test! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, Sarah!
Can I make this using dark corn syrup? My grocery store only had dark corn syrup.
Yes that should be just fine!
im about to make this recipe and im so excited! they look so delicious, and ik they will taste so good. i also absolutely LOVE how you put the measurements in the instructions!! its so annoying when you have to keep going up to check the measurements, and ive always wondered why they dont put it in the instructions too!
The recipe was super easy and I loved that only one bowl was used *not including the ganache bowl*. The cookie was nice and moist but held up well, it tasted like the best part of a brownie. I wish the ganache had more to it, while it tasted great and was super east I felt like it was missing something. Overall, great cookie!
Hi Cece! When I made this recipe on my second go, I added 1/4 teaspoon of instant espresso and a pinch of salt to the ganache to give it that extra flavor. You can't taste the espresso, it just brings out the chocolate flavor and gives it that extra depth it was missing!
Simple ingredients and instructions. Loved them!
Absolutely gorgeous cookies!
I have never been impressed by a recipe enough to leave a review but these are worth it! Super simple and quick, I didn't have to make any modifications, and they taste amazing. I will be making again and again.
Yay, so glad you love this recipe and you decided to leave a review, Jen! So happy to hear you'll be making them again! :)
The cookies are rich and full of chocolate flavor. Only thing I had to do different was use dark karo. The flavor is so robust. I can’t wait to share these for the holidays.
I'm trying this tonight for santa cookies! I love all her other recipes!
Sooo yummy!
These look so good! Would they freeze well if I wait to add the ganache and candy?
Yes, freezing the cookie and waiting to decorate until after thawing would be what I would suggest!
Wondering if you’ve ever frozen these cookies? I like to get a head start on my Christmas baking and always make cookies that freeze nicely!
You can freeze the unfrosted cookies and decorate later!
I'm going to pop some in the freezer for a few days and see how they turn out! << (EDIT: Tested & confirmed that they freeze & thaw well without issue!).