Cosmic Brownie Cookies (Print version)
Rich, fudgy chocolate cookies topped with ganache and colorful sprinkles for a nostalgic twist on the classic treat.
# What you'll need:
→ Cookie Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
06 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Chocolate Ganache
10 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
→ Topping
13 - 1/3 cup rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Scoop 2-tablespoon mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
07 - Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
08 - Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Place chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl. Heat cream in a small saucepan until just simmering, then pour over chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Cool 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
10 - Spread 1 tablespoon ganache over each cooled cookie. Immediately sprinkle with candy-coated chocolate chips.
11 - Allow ganache to set at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- These cookies have that perfect fudgy, chewy texture that makes you close your eyes after the first bite
- The ganache sets beautifully but still melts in your mouth just like the vending machine treat you remember
- They're actually deceptively simple to make despite looking like they came from a fancy bakery
02 -
- These cookies continue baking on the hot baking sheet, so pull them out when centers still look slightly underbaked
- The ganache needs to cool slightly before spreading or it will slide right off the cookies
- Press the rainbow chips into the ganache immediately or they won't stick properly
03 -
- Weighing your ingredients, especially the flour and cocoa powder, will give you the most consistent results
- If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading