Cosmic Brownie Cookies

Introduction

There’s something about Cosmic Brownies that just hits different. Whether it’s the chewy texture, the gooey chocolate, or those irresistible rainbow sprinkles, they hold a special place in many of our hearts. But what if you could take that beloved treat and turn it into a cookie? Enter the Cosmic Brownie Cookie—chewy, fudgy, and loaded with sprinkles and chocolatey goodness. These cookies are a mash-up of everything we love about brownies, but in the form of a cookie. And trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love These Cosmic Brownie Cookies

• Perfect balance of chewy and fudgy: These cookies have a dense, brownie-like center that just melts in your mouth.
• Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have these cookies in no time!
• Kid-friendly: The bright, colorful sprinkles make these cookies a fun treat for kids (and adults!) alike.
• Indulgent chocolate flavor: With two kinds of chocolate, these cookies pack a serious cocoa punch.
• Customize the sprinkles: If you love the classic Cosmic Brownie look, go with rainbow sprinkles. But you can mix it up with your favorite colors, or even add mini M&Ms for extra fun.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: This recipe yields about 12-15 cookies depending on size.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

Before we dive into making these scrumptious cookies, let’s go over the ingredients. You’ll find that most of these are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup mini M&Ms or rainbow sprinkles
• 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips

Ingredient Notes:

• Butter: Make sure your butter is softened. This helps it mix more easily with the sugars and creates a smooth dough.
• Cocoa powder: I recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor and a deep chocolatey taste.
• Mini M&Ms: If you want to go the classic route, mini M&Ms are the perfect way to bring those vibrant colors into the cookies. But if you’re more of a sprinkle fan, feel free to use those instead!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to make sure the oven is nice and hot before you bake the cookies so they bake evenly. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This helps ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these ingredients together first ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour, helping the cookies rise uniformly. Set this bowl aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter and brown sugar. Beat them together on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. The air incorporated during this step will give the cookies their soft, chewy texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugar mixture is fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until everything is fully incorporated. The eggs help bind everything together, creating a smooth, rich cookie dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, etc.) to the wet ingredients. I usually add it in two parts, mixing in between, so the flour doesn’t fly everywhere! Keep mixing until everything is well combined, but don’t overmix. You’ll know it’s done when the dough is thick and fudge-like.

Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

Now it’s time to fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and mini M&Ms or sprinkles. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients into the dough. This will create pockets of chocolate throughout the cookie dough, making every bite heavenly.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread as they bake. Don’t worry about making them perfect circles—they’ll bake up beautifully, no matter the shape.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Pop the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look slightly cracked on top but still soft. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after they’re out of the oven, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft at first.

Step 9: Let the Cookies Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set so they don’t fall apart when you move them.

How to Serve Cosmic Brownie Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can always make them part of a larger dessert spread. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With milk: A cold glass of milk never hurt anyone! The creamy sweetness of the milk complements the chocolatey goodness of the cookies.
• With ice cream: Make a Cosmic Brownie Cookie sandwich with your favorite ice cream, and you’ve got yourself a decadent dessert.
• As an after-school treat: These are a kid-favorite! Pack them for a fun snack that brings the joy of Cosmic Brownies in a new form.

Additional Tips

Here are five helpful tips to make sure your Cosmic Brownie Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

1. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing will result in tough cookies. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until everything is incorporated.
2. Chill the Dough: If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheet. This step isn’t necessary, but it helps if you prefer a thicker, chewier cookie.
3. Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies around the 9-minute mark. They’re done when they look slightly cracked on top but still soft to the touch.
4. Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter mixes better with the sugar and creates a smoother dough. Just be sure not to microwave it, or it may get too runny.
5. Customize the Sprinkles: Feel free to experiment with different types of sprinkles! Rainbow, chocolate, or even festive holiday-themed sprinkles will make these cookies even more fun.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas for making these cookies your own:

• Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) to make these cookies plant-based.
• Nutty Cosmic Brownies: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist on the classic Cosmic Brownie flavor.
• Peanut Butter Cosmic Brownies: For peanut butter lovers, swirl in some peanut butter into the dough for a PB&J-inspired treat.

Freezing and Storage

These cookies are great for making ahead! Here’s how to store or freeze them:

• Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy.
• Freezing: Freeze the dough by scooping it into balls and placing it on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly fine in this recipe! Cake flour would make the cookies a little softer, but the all-purpose flour gives them a great chewy texture.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Make sure to check if the flour blend includes xanthan gum, which helps with texture.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be slightly cracked on top, and the edges will look set while the center stays soft. If you’re unsure, it’s better to slightly underbake them since they’ll continue to cook as they cool.

4. Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can use any kind of chocolate chips, like white chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preference.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. This will help the flavors develop even more and make the cookies even more flavorful!

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Conclusion

Cosmic Brownie Cookies are a fun and indulgent treat that bring together everything we love about brownies in the form of a chewy, chocolatey cookie. With just the right amount of sweetness, gooey chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy!