Upon surveying Crumbl’s snack cake-inspired lineup, we agreed that the first cookie worth sampling would be the tribute to perhaps the most recognizable Little Debbie treat, packed with 90s childhood memories — the Cosmic Brownie. So, without wasting a moment, here are the advantages and drawbacks of this cookie and whether you should sprint to Crumbl this holiday weekend for a hit of nostalgic flavor.
An Otherworldly Assessment
Pros — This cookie earns points for a couple of solid reasons. For starters, Crumbl avoids one of its more problematic tendencies in this offering: many of their cookies lack balance due to a conspicuous absence of salt. We particularly appreciate the extra seasoning in this cookie, especially since its base is a rich, chocolatey brownie-inspired dough.
Moreover, the fudgy chocolate glaze atop the cookie closely mirrors the taste and sweetness level of the frosting on the original Cosmic Brownies, even though the texture diverges. Additionally, the fact that this cookie uses real candy-coated pieces from the Little Debbie snacks not only makes it a faithfully nostalgic treat, but the color and contrast in texture are welcome additions to what is otherwise a very fudgy bite.
The warmth at which this cookie is served is notably appealing and advantageous to every bite. The texture turns gooey, and each mouthful delivers an extra touch of comfort beyond its nostalgic charm. Honestly, this cookie reminded me that even a day-old brownie, or one straight from a plastic wrapper, could benefit from a brief visit to the oven or microwave.
Cons — The only real drawback is that once it has cooled from its initial warmth in the shop, the exterior tends to harden and become quite crisp. Yet, the center remains fairly fudgy, and it’s still easy to pick up and eat without it crumbling in your hand. If you’re not fond of Cosmic Brownies or intensely rich flavors in general, this probably won’t be the cookie for you.
