If you have a sweet tooth craving something out of this world, let me introduce you to the Cosmic Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache and Rainbow Toppings Recipe. These cookies marry the fudgy decadence of a brownie with the chewy, comforting texture of a cookie, all crowned with a luscious chocolate ganache and playful rainbow candy toppings that bring a burst of color and fun. Every bite feels like a cosmic celebration of chocolate and joy, making these treats an absolute must-bake for your next dessert adventure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is straightforward yet crucial, each adding a unique burst of flavor, texture, or color to bring these cookies to life. From rich cocoa to the sparkle of rainbow toppings, every component plays its part perfectly.
- 2 cups plus 2 Tbsp flour (270 g): Provides the structure for the cookies, ensuring they hold their fudgy shape.
- ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp Dutch processed cocoa powder (67 g): Adds deep chocolate flavor and a gorgeous dark color.
- ½ tsp espresso powder (optional but strongly suggested): Enhances the chocolate’s richness without adding a coffee taste.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Leavens the cookies slightly to keep them chewy yet tender.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to get that perfect texture.
- ½ tsp sea salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the chocolate notes beautifully.
- 1 cup salted butter (227 g, room temperature): Brings moistness and a creamy richness that’s key for fudgy cookies.
- 1 cup white sugar (200 g): Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
- ½ cup light brown sugar (110 g): Adds a subtle caramel hint and helps with chewy edges.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Provide moisture and structure to bind the dough flawlessly.
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
- 4 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate: For the ganache, giving a decadent, silky finish.
- â…“ cup heavy whipping cream: Creates the glossy, smooth ganache that ties it all together.
- Mini rainbow candy coated chips: Offer the cosmic pop of color and crunch that makes these cookies truly special.
How to Make Cosmic Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache and Rainbow Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it ready for that perfect bake. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, espresso powder, cocoa powder, sea salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This combination ensures your cookies have the right lift and signature rich color.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Next, in a separate bowl or using your stand mixer, beat the room temperature salted butter with both the white and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a little bit pale. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes — patience here is worth it, as it sets the stage for those delightfully soft cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. These ingredients not only help bind the dough but add moisture and that comforting warmth behind every bite.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients Gradually
Now add the dry ingredients about one-third at a time, mixing just until combined each time. Be mindful not to over-mix here since it can affect your cookie’s tender, fudgy texture. You want that beautiful balance of chewy and soft.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes—my sweet spot is 8 minutes—until the edges appear set and the tops puff up prettily. This timing keeps the insides soft and luscious.
Step 6: Shape for Perfection
Once out of the oven, here’s a fun trick: press a biscuit or cookie cutter gently onto the warm cookies to shape them into neat, even circles. It’s optional but adds a professional look that is just so satisfying. Let them cool a few minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Whip Up the Chocolate Ganache
Chop your dark or semi-sweet chocolate and place it in a small heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in the microwave in 20-second bursts until hot but not boiling—about 40 seconds usually does the trick. Pour over the chocolate and let sit for a few minutes, then stir gently until smooth and shiny. If needed, a quick microwave zap of 5 to 10 seconds helps melt any remaining chunks.
Step 8: Assemble Cosmic Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache and Rainbow Toppings Recipe
Spoon about three-quarters of a teaspoon of the ganache over the top of each cooled cookie. While the ganache is still soft, sprinkle miniature rainbow candy coated chips generously to evoke that cosmic galaxy vibe. Let them set for around an hour or dive in immediately like I do—the decadent gooeyness is irresistible!
How to Serve Cosmic Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache and Rainbow Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine with their built-in rainbow candy toppings, but you can elevate them further with a light dusting of cocoa powder or edible shimmer dust for that extra cosmic sparkle. A few colorful sprinkles or edible glitter can make them even more festive for parties or special treats.
Side Dishes
Cosmic Brownie Cookies pair beautifully with a classic glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate, turning snack time into a cozy little celebration. If you want to get fancy, serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a dessert that is sure to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange these cookies on a galaxy-themed platter or serve them stacked with little paper flags or glittery toothpicks. You can also package them in clear boxes tied with vibrant ribbons as gifts that everyone will rave about. The playful rainbow toppings practically invite creativity in presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cosmic Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache and Rainbow Toppings Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days—if they last that long!
Freezing
To preserve your cosmic treats longer, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in layers separated by parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and retain most of their fantastic flavor and texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature. For the freshest experience, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the ganache and bring back that just-baked feel. Pair with a cold glass of milk for ultimate comfort.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without espresso powder?
Yes! The espresso powder is optional but recommended because it intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee. If you don’t have any on hand, simply leave it out—you’ll still get deliciously rich cookies.
What if I don’t have mini rainbow candy coated chips?
No worries at all. You can use any small colorful sprinkles or mini nonpareils, or even crushed candy-coated chocolates to recreate that fun, cosmic look. Plain rainbow sprinkles work perfectly too.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
You want to bake them until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked and puffy. This keeps the cookies chewy and fudgy instead of dry and crunchy. Eight minutes is a great benchmark for my oven, but keep an eye as ovens can vary.
Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. The dough can be made a day ahead and kept tightly wrapped in the fridge. Chilling the dough can even enhance the flavors and improve the texture. Just bring it to room temperature before scooping and baking.
What kind of chocolate is best for the ganache?
For the smoothest, richest ganache, high-quality dark or semi-sweet baking chocolate is ideal. Avoid chocolate chips with stabilizers if possible, as they don’t melt as smoothly, but if that’s what you have, it will still taste fantastic.
Final Thoughts
Making the Cosmic Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache and Rainbow Toppings Recipe is such a rewarding treat for anyone who loves chocolate and fun desserts. They’re impressive enough to serve to guests but easy enough to whip up for a sweet moment of joy any day. Trust me, once you try these cosmic delights, they’ll become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Cosmic Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Ganache and Rainbow Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cosmic Brownie Cookies are a delightful twist on classic brownies, combining rich cocoa and espresso flavors with a tender, chewy texture. Topped with a smooth dark chocolate ganache and vibrant rainbow candy-coated chips, they offer a fun and decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (270 g)
- ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp Dutch-processed cocoa powder (67 g)
- ½ tsp espresso powder (optional but strongly suggested)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp sea salt (or ¼ tsp if using salted butter)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, room temperature (227 g, 65-67°F)
- 1 cup white sugar (200 g)
- ½ cup light brown sugar (110 g)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
Ganache
- 4 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate (high-quality baking chocolate recommended)
- â…“ cup heavy whipping cream
Topping
- Mini rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips (or rainbow sprinkles)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, espresso powder, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl or stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture in thirds to the wet ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. Take care not to overmix the dough at this stage.
- Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough and roll into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are puffy, around 8 minutes is ideal.
- Shape Cookies (Optional): Remove cookies from the oven and, if desired, use a biscuit or cookie cutter to gently shape the warm cookies into neat circles. Let them cool for several minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Prepare Ganache: Chop the dark chocolate finely and place into a small bowl. Heat the heavy cream in the microwave in 20-second increments until hot but not boiling, approximately 40 seconds.
- Mix Ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. If necessary, microwave for an additional 5-10 seconds and stir again.
- Top Cookies: Spoon approximately ¾ teaspoon of ganache onto each cooled cookie. Immediately sprinkle with mini rainbow candy-coated chips or rainbow sprinkles.
- Set and Serve: Allow the cookies to set for about 1 hour before serving, or enjoy them right away for a gooey, indulgent experience.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients ensure even mixing and better texture.
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- If using salted butter, reduce added salt to ¼ tsp to avoid over-salting.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache for the best flavor and texture.
- Cooling cookies before adding ganache helps the topping set properly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
