The BEST soft, fudgy, and chewy brownie cookies inspired by Little Debbie's cosmic brownies! Enjoy chilled for the perfectly fudgy & dense texture.
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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:
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.
I tested this recipe over 5 times and you just can't achieve the dense, fudgy texture without a tiny bit of corn syrup. In addition, the corn syrup adds sweetness to the cookie without adding more granulated sugar which can give it a gritty texture. I promise it's worth it!
If you don't want to use it or 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.
You can, just keep in mind that you won't have as moist, rich, and fudgy of a cookie. Regular unsweetened cocoa powder is more acidic and will react with the baking soda, creating a puffier cookie.
To get the ultimate chewy, fudgy texture...yes! I highly recommend chilling these both before serving & for storing. The rule of thumb for ganache is that you can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days but I like to keep them refrigerated to be safe.
Did you make this recipe? If so, will you do me a huge favor and leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe? This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Fudgy Cosmic Brownie Cookies (TikTok Viral!)
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup Fun fact: this is not the same thing as high fructose corn syrup!
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dark cocoa powder I use Hershey's Special Dark
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Toppings:
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- rainbow chip sprinkles
Before you begin! If you make this, will you do me a huge favor and leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe? This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
To Make Chocoalte Ganache:
- In a medium-sized, heat-safe bowl (cereal bowl sized), place semi-sweet chocolate chips (¾ cup).
- In a separate medium-sized bowl or large liquid measuring cup, heat heavy cream (¼ cup) 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.
To decorate:
- 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.
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe! This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Notes
- 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.
Lynn Widhalm
Super fudge-like and easy!
Isabella
Even better the next day, highly recommend!
Kaitlyn
So good! Must have for the season!!
Anne
Tastes better than the Cosmic Brownies! Super simple and absolutely amazing!
Carly Pet
Seriously so delicious! Easy to follow recipe as well… will definitely be making again!
Kaylene
Family loved these! I’ve made them 3 times since Christmas!
Anya
Thank you so much for this delicious recipe!! It is a family favorite and will be used so many more times!
Melissa
I'm so glad you and the family enjoy this recipe, Anya! Thank you so much for leaving a review!
Jennifer Jones
I made these into the smaller cookies…which turned out to be smart because they are so rich! They were super yummy and easy to make. Family loved them!
Zach
I made these for a Christmas party and they were an absolute hit! It was such a fun recipe, and even though I’m very new to baking it was easy to follow and they turned out great! :) I may try to experiment with different substitutes to make a vegan and gluten-free version, and I’d love any suggestions for doing that.
Melissa
Hi Zach! So glad you loved them! As for a V & GF version, I had some readers comment that they made these with vegan butter & a GF 1-to-1 all-purpose substitute and that it worked well. If you try it, be sure to report back!
Sanam
Made these today and they were absolutely amazing!!! The recipe was so easy to follow and I love that you included the measurements in the instructions as well. Thank you! Definitely making these cookies again.
Melissa
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, Sanam! I really appreciate it!
Lauren
Made these cosmic brownie cookies for my family and they were a hit! They were super easy, and tasted just like the brownies we grew up with.
Melissa
I'm so glad you and the family enjoyed this recipe, Lauren! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Ashley Starkey
Easy to make and definitely a hit with my family at Christmas, they were all gone! Will have to make another batch for myself.
Kiley
So easy! So delish !I made nine huge cosmic brownie cookies and they were perfect. I only wish I had doubled the recipe because i could have eaten them all day and all night.
Melissa
Lol, I'm so glad you loved this recipe, Kiley! Thank you so much for leaving a review!
Chelsea Adolph
This was by far the easiest and most delicious recipe. I made this the night before Christmas because I procrastinate everything and it was a 10 minute prep and the 12 minute cook time. I didn't chill it ont he fridge but I guarantee it would've been 10x more delish ( I can't even imagine it getting better)
Melissa
I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Chelsea! Thank you so much for leaving a review!
Hollie
I just made these and they were so yummy! I added to much flour and so they aren’t as gooey as they could have been. I will make them again and see how they turn out! I can tell that they are fudgy though and they taste delicious.
Kim Chambers
I made these smaller then the original recipe. They were awesome, but might cook 1 minute less next time since they were smaller. I also added peppermint extract to the ganache and topped with crushed candy cane for a more Christmas party theme.
Melissa
I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Kim! Thank you so much for leaving a review!
Caitlyn
These were amazing! The perfect chocolate taste and the texture was incredible. They were a hit at my family Christmas and they asked me to bring them again next year!
Mackenzie Cook
I made this three times this month already and WOW are they delicious. New favorite cookie recipe.
Melissa
I appreciate you taking the time to leave reviews, Mackenzie! I'm glad you've been enjoying my recipes! :)
Robyn
Easy to make and tasted great! I over baked them by about 5min because #kids but they were still good, just not a fudgy texture. Big hit at a party where people didn't know what the inside texture should be🤣. Ganache recipe was perfect and easy!
Melissa
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, Robyn!
Kaitlyn Bross
ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! Such a delicious and fantastic recipe. I used Ghirardelli 100% cocoa, which worked really well. I took them out at about 8 minutes, which I thought made then the perfect, soft consistency.
Melissa
YAY! Ghiradelli for the win...I need to try them with that!
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!