Cosmic Brownie Cookies

Indulge in nostalgia with Cosmic Brownie Cookies – a classic childhood treat reimagined! Experience the joy of every rich, chocolatey bite!

As parents, we all know the struggle of keeping our children’s lunchboxes interesting and exciting. One of my go-to treats has always been cosmic brownies – colourful, chocolatey and perfect for those mid-day cravings.

However, as many parents across Canada have experienced, these beloved brownies disappeared from store shelves without any warning. Cue the disappointment of my kids, who are super picky about snack cakes and really only like Cosmic brownies and Jos Louis.

Instead of giving up and settling for a substitute, I decided to take matters into my own hands and recreate cosmic brownies at home. And even better – I thought it would be fun to give them a twist by making them into cookies!

Tips for Making the BEST Box Mix Cookies

• Use room temperature eggs.
• Do not follow the instructions on the box, or use the called for ingredients. Use only the ingredients listed here.
• Mix the dough until just combined, do not over-mix.
• If the dough is sticky, chill in the fridge for about 30 mins to an hour before forming the dough balls.
• Make sure to use a cookie scoop, it’s the key to even size and shaped cookies.
• Bake time will vary from oven to oven. I found just a little over 10 minutes was best but it may be different for you.
• Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before adding the topping. If the cookies are still warm, they will absorb the moisture from the topping and become too soft.

How to Store Leftover Cosmic Brownie Cookies

The cookies are best enjoyed the day they are made; however, leftovers can be stored in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can do more than one layer if you use a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between layers.

If the cookies need to be made ahead, you can bake and store the unfrosted cooking for much longer. Then prepare the ganache the day you plan to serve the cookies.

About the Ingredients for Cosmic Brownie Cookies

Brownie mix – This recipe was tested with an 18 ounce box of Duncan Hines brownie mix. I suggest using the same. If you use need to use a smaller mix, you will need to adjust with more flour, which may or may not require you to also add a little baking soda (not powder).

Flour – Helps to give the cookies a little more body. The recipe works without it, but the cookies will flatten.

Eggs – Use room temperature eggs so they combine properly.

Oil – Use a neutral flavoured oil, or melted butter if you prefer.

Milk – You can use cream instead.

Chocolate chips – Semi-sweet chocolate chips are best to make a ganache similar in flavour to the one on cosmic brownies.

Cream – Heavy cream is best for a rich ganache.

Rainbow chips – You want to use mini rainbow candy coated chocolate chips, you can get them on Amazon in the USA. I was able to get mine from bulk ‘n bits in Canada.

Looking for More Chocolate Cookie Recipes?

Check out more of my favourite chocolate cookies!

Get a classic dessert flavour in cookie form with this easy recipe for German Chocolate Cake Cookies featuring a rich coconut-pecan topping!

These hot chocolate cookies are the perfect winter treat! They’re easy to make, soft and chewy, and they taste just like a rich hot cocoa.

This recipe for chocolate turtle cookies is full of chocolate, caramel and pecan goodness! Easy to make and fun to eat cookie recipe.

How to Make Cosmic Brownie Cookies

Yields: 18 Cookies | Prep time: 10 Minutes | Cook time: 10 Minutes | Additional time: 10 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 (18 ounce/510 g) box brownie mix
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon milk

For the Topping:

• 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup rainbow coated chocolate chips    

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 

In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the brownie mix, flour, eggs, oil, and milk.  Mix well, scraping down the sides as needed.

A sticky dough will form.

Using a medium cookie scoop (2 tablespoons), scoop out the dough and drop onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, being careful not to over bake. The cookies should have a skin on top and should no longer be glossy.

Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Place the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl.

In a separate heat-safe bowl or liquid measuring cup, heat the heavy cream in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, until steaming hot.

Pour the cream over the chocolate chips and allow to sit for 5 minutes without stirring.

Use a whisk to combine the cream and chocolate chips until melted, smooth, and creamy.

Spoon a tablespoon of the chocolate ganache over each cookie and top with a sprinkle of rainbow chocolate chips. Chill in the fridge for an hour to set. Enjoy!