Copycat Cosmic Brownie Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Copycat Cosmic Brownie Cookies combine the fudgy richness of a brownie with the chewiness of a cookie, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and rainbow candy-coated chips just like the nostalgic Little Debbie treat. These cookies are indulgent, colorful, and perfect for both kids and adults who crave a chocolate-packed dessert.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

all-purpose flour
unsweetened cocoa powder
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter
brown sugar
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
semi-sweet chocolate chips
heavy cream
rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips (like mini M&M’s or rainbow chips)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.

Scoop the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.

Gently flatten each dough ball slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass.

Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft.

Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for a minute.

Stir until smooth and glossy to make the ganache.

Spoon or spread a layer of ganache over each cooled cookie.

Top with rainbow candy-coated chips while the ganache is still wet.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 18 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 25 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use dark chocolate chips for a richer ganache.
Add a dash of espresso powder to the dough to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Top with sprinkles or chopped nuts instead of rainbow chips for a different twist.
Make them into cookie sandwiches with ganache in the middle.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for up to 10 days for firmer ganache.
Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months and add ganache after thawing.
To reheat, microwave for 10 seconds to soften slightly before eating.

FAQs

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Not for this cookie version—this recipe is designed for a cookie texture, not brownie batter.

Why are my cookies dry?

Be careful not to overbake; they should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out.

Can I make the ganache ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge and reheat gently to make it spreadable again.

Do I have to use rainbow chips?

No, you can use mini M&M’s, sprinkles, or chopped chocolate as a topping.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives the ganache a richer texture, but whole milk can be used in a pinch.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Are they very sweet?

They are rich and sweet, just like the original Cosmic Brownies.

Conclusion

Copycat Cosmic Brownie Cookies are a fun, flavorful way to bring a beloved childhood snack into your homemade dessert rotation. With chewy chocolate bases, silky ganache, and colorful toppings, they’re sure to impress at any gathering or make an ordinary day feel extra special.

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