The Brownie Sundae Cookies are a dreamy dessert inspired by classic ice cream sundaes and rich chocolate brownies. Each cookie is soft and chewy with a rich cocoa base, layered with a whipped vanilla mousse, topped with a swirl of silky hot fudge, rainbow sprinkles, and the signature maraschino cherry.
This visually stunning and flavor packed treat brings nostalgia and indulgence together in every bite. Perfect for celebrations or just because, these cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike. You’ll fall in love with the contrasting textures and harmonious flavors that make these a step above your average cookie.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Chocolate Brownie Cookie Base:
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1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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3 large eggs, room temperature
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3¾ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
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1 cup (100g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
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2 tablespoons (15g) cornstarch
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1 tablespoon (5g) milk powder
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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1½ cups (319g) brown sugar (light or dark)
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½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon espresso powder
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2 tablespoons corn syrup
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1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
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1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Vanilla Mousse Frosting:
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6 oz. (170g) cream cheese, room temperature
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2½ cups heavy whipping cream, icy cold
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6 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
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1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Hot Fudge Topping:
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¼ cup heavy cream
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1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 teaspoon Karo syrup
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Rainbow sprinkles
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30 maraschino cherries with stems
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, milk powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a separate large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and espresso powder until creamy (3-4 mins).
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add corn syrup and vanilla; mix until combined.
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Gradually add flour mixture in two batches, mixing until just blended. Fold in chocolate chips.
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Scoop 3-tablespoon-sized balls, gently flatten, and place 6 per baking sheet.
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Bake for 12–14 minutes until centers are puffed and no longer glossy. Let cool on baking sheet.
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For mousse: Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add pudding mix and powdered sugar, then vanilla and cold cream. Beat until light and fluffy.
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Pipe frosting onto cooled cookies in a circular motion. Chill cookies.
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Make hot fudge: Microwave chocolate chips and heavy cream in 30-sec intervals until smooth. Stir in Karo syrup.
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Spoon 2 tablespoons of hot fudge over each cookie. Add rainbow sprinkles and top with a cherry. Chill until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 39 minutes
Kcal: ~420 kcal per cookie | Servings: 30 cookies
The Ultimate Brownie Sundae Cookies: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Dessert
When you think of comfort desserts, two iconic treats usually come to mind: brownies and ice cream sundaes. What if we told you there’s a way to marry the two into a single, irresistible dessert? Meet the Brownie Sundae Cookie a rich, chewy chocolate cookie that channels the nostalgic bliss of an old-fashioned ice cream sundae. Inspired by Crumbl’s famous cookie version, this homemade rendition delivers bakery-style indulgence, visual appeal, and an experience that’s equal parts nostalgic and gourmet.
A Gourmet Cookie Worth Every Bite
Brownie Sundae Cookies aren’t your average cookies. They’re carefully layered creations with multiple components working together to deliver a luxurious dessert. At the base is a soft, fudgy brownie-style cookie dense yet tender, packed with cocoa flavor and speckled with semi-sweet chocolate chips. On top, a swirl of silky vanilla mousse evokes the creamy smoothness of ice cream. The hot fudge drizzle adds richness, and the rainbow sprinkles plus maraschino cherry bring that playful sundae aesthetic full circle.
Each bite offers a balance of chocolate, vanilla, and texture: the chew of the cookie, the creaminess of the mousse, and the melty decadence of warm ganache. Together, these cookies go far beyond a simple sweet they’re an experience.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its thoughtful combination of ingredients and techniques, inspired by both classic cookie science and modern bakery trends. A few details set it apart:
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Dutch-processed cocoa adds a rich, deep chocolate flavor and smoother texture than natural cocoa.
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Milk powder in the dry mix boosts creaminess and enhances browning.
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Corn syrup in the dough contributes chewiness and helps maintain moisture.
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Vanilla mousse frosting (stabilized with instant pudding) creates a thick, stable yet airy topping, more structured than whipped cream but lighter than buttercream.
These elements make the cookie both structurally sound and luscious in taste ideal for decorating, gifting, or serving at parties.
Inspired by Crumbl But Better
Crumbl Cookies have taken the dessert world by storm, especially among foodies and TikTok bakers. Their rotating weekly menu has created a cult following, with flavors ranging from classic to wildly experimental. One of their standouts is the Brownie Sundae Cookie, which fans adore for its layered flavor profile and over-the-top visual appeal.
This homemade version is inspired by the original Crumbl design but focuses more on real ingredients, easy-to-follow techniques, and customizable options. Many bakers who try this copycat version say it’s even better than the store-bought version fresher, richer, and more satisfying.
Plus, you don’t need to wait for Crumbl to bring it back on the menu. You can enjoy it year-round.
Perfect for Celebrations
What sets these cookies apart aside from their taste is how well they photograph and present. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, bake sale, graduation dessert table, or just want to impress your family, Brownie Sundae Cookies fit the bill. They’re eye-catching and fun, with a retro ice cream parlor feel that evokes joy and nostalgia.
These cookies are best served chilled, which makes them perfect for prepping ahead. You can bake the cookie base a day or two in advance, refrigerate the mousse, and simply decorate before serving. They also travel well in cookie boxes for parties or events.
However, because of the topping, these are not ideal for individual plastic bag packaging. If you need to package them, opt for rigid cookie boxes or trays.
Flavor Variations to Try
One of the most exciting aspects of this recipe is its versatility. The classic hot fudge version is a guaranteed hit, but you can easily adapt it to suit different themes or seasons:
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Strawberry Brownie Sundae Cookies: Swap the hot fudge for strawberry sauce and top with a fresh strawberry.
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Butterscotch Delight: Use butterscotch sauce instead of chocolate and add toffee bits on top.
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Raspberry Cheesecake Version: Add raspberry sauce and swap vanilla mousse for a cream cheese-based mousse.
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S’mores Inspired: Add a layer of marshmallow fluff before drizzling the fudge for a gooey, campfire vibe.
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Mint Chocolate: Incorporate peppermint extract in the mousse and use crushed Andes mints on top.
These variations are perfect for tailoring your cookies to seasonal celebrations think red and green sprinkles at Christmas or pastel frosting for Easter.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pro tips to ensure perfect results every time:
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Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures the dough and frosting mix smoothly and evenly.
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Don’t overbake: The cookies will continue cooking slightly on the baking sheet as they cool. Removing them when just set ensures a fudgy center.
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Chill the frosting and cookies: This makes the mousse set beautifully and the cookies hold their structure.
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Use a large cookie scoop: For uniform size and appearance. A 3-tablespoon scoop gives that iconic Crumbl size.
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Pipe the frosting in a circular swirl: It adds a professional look and creates the perfect bed for toppings.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can absolutely prep this recipe ahead of time. Here’s how:
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Unfrosted cookies: Store at room temp for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
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Frosting: Prepare mousse and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days before use.
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Fully decorated cookies: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Best consumed within 3–4 days for optimal texture.
To prevent frosting from becoming watery, do not let cookies sit at room temp for extended periods after frosting, especially in humid weather.
A Kid-Friendly and Family Favorite Dessert
One of the joys of baking these cookies is how family-friendly they are. Kids love to help decorate them especially adding sprinkles and cherries. It’s a fun weekend or holiday baking project that lets little ones participate and express creativity.
At the same time, adults appreciate the depth of flavor and luxurious feel of the finished cookie. It’s like biting into a dessert you’d expect at a boutique bakery or high-end dessert bar.
Pair one of these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a tall glass of milk, and you have a dessert worthy of any occasion.
Conclusion:
The Brownie Sundae Cookie is the perfect blend of whimsy, indulgence, and sophistication. It’s a dessert that doesn’t just satisfy it wows. Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or trying something new, these cookies are a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages.
From the rich cocoa base to the airy vanilla mousse and that delightful cherry topper, every element works together in harmony. Once you make them, you’ll understand why so many home bakers call this recipe a new favorite and why it often earns the coveted title of “Better than Crumbl.”
So the next time you’re planning a gathering or just looking for something special to bake, put these cookies on your list. They’re fun, festive, and most importantly unforgettable.