If you’ve ever wanted a cookie that looks like it came from another universe, these circle galaxy cookies are it. With a rich chocolate cut-out base and a vibrant swirl of pink, purple, and blue glaze, they’re perfect for birthdays, space-themed parties, or just a fun baking day. The best part? They’re easier to make than they look. You don’t need fancy tools—just a round cutter, a few gel colors, and a bit of imagination. These cookies aren’t just pretty—they’re buttery, chocolatey, and seriously addictive.
Inspired by the success of our colorful Strawberry Freezer Jam and Sweet Braided Bread, this recipe brings both visual charm and flavor into your kitchen.
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Why I Love This Circle Galaxy Cookies Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about turning simple ingredients into something stunning—and that’s exactly what these circle galaxy cookies deliver. I love this recipe because it brings together everything I care about in baking: creativity, flavor, and approachability.
First, the base. These aren’t just any sugar cookies—this rich, buttery chocolate dough bakes up with crisp edges and a soft center that holds its shape beautifully. That means no spreading, no guesswork—just perfect rounds every time. And because we’re using a round cutter, you’ll always get those circle galaxy cookies that look polished and professional.
Then comes the real fun: the glaze. Swirling pinks, purples, and blues into mesmerizing patterns feels more like painting than baking. Every cookie is a little different—just like the stars. And when I top them with edible glitter or tiny sugar stars? It’s baking magic. This recipe has become a go-to for parties, holidays, or even just quiet Sunday afternoons with a good playlist and my rescue pup, Charlie, snoozing nearby.
These cookies are proof that baking can be both easy and extraordinary. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home baker, I promise this recipe will make you feel proud of what you’ve created—and excited to share it.
Circle Galaxy Cookies: Dazzling Cosmic Cookies with a Delicious Chocolate Base
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 60 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These circle galaxy cookies combine a rich chocolate cut-out base with swirls of pink, blue, and purple glaze. They’re as fun to decorate as they are to eat—perfect for parties or edible gifts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (35 g) dark cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 3–4 tbsp milk
- 3 tbsp light corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- Gel food coloring: pink, purple, blue
- Edible glitter, star sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Cream softened butter until smooth. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and egg yolk.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa, and salt. Gradually add to wet mix to form dough. Shape into a disk and chill 30 minutes.
- Roll dough 1/4-inch thick. Cut with a round cookie cutter to form circle galaxy cookies. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Cool completely.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and corn syrup. Stir in extracts. Divide into bowls and tint with gel food coloring.
- Swirl colors with toothpicks. Dip cookies into glaze and decorate with glitter or sprinkles. Let set for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use chilled dough for clean edges and better cookie shape.
Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers.
For gifting, let the glaze fully harden before packaging.
- Prep Time: 36 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 78
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 21mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Circle Galaxy Cookies
Ingredients
Chocolate Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (35 g) dark cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Galaxy Glaze:
- 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 3–4 tbsp milk
- 3 tbsp light corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional but recommended)
- Gel food coloring: pink, purple, blue
- Optional: edible glitter, star-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Dough
Start by creaming the butter in a stand mixer until smooth. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and egg yolk. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Form into a firm dough, shape into a disk, and chill for 30 minutes.
Step 2 – Roll and Cut the Circles
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out your circle galaxy cookies. The round shape not only enhances their cosmic look but also makes glazing smoother. Reroll any scraps to maximize your dough.
Step 3 – Bake and Cool
Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes. Your circle galaxy cookies should come out with clean edges and a soft, chewy texture. Let them cool completely before decorating.
Step 4 – Mix the Galaxy Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and corn syrup until smooth. Add more milk a teaspoon at a time if the glaze is too thick. Stir in both extracts. Divide into small bowls and tint with gel food coloring. Swirl each bowl lightly using a toothpick.
Step 5 – Decorate with a Galaxy Swirl
Dip the tops of your circle galaxy cookies into the glaze one at a time. Let excess drip off. Quickly sprinkle with edible glitter or silver stars while the glaze is wet. Let them sit at room temperature until the glaze sets, about 30 minutes.
These circle galaxy cookies are not only beautiful but easy to handle, making them a hit for beginner bakers and pros alike.
How to Serve Circle Galaxy Cookies
These circle galaxy cookies don’t just look stunning—they’re incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you’re planning a themed event or looking for a sweet snack with flair, these cookies shine in every setting.
Party-Perfect Centerpiece
Add them to a cosmic-themed dessert table for birthdays, baby showers, or even graduation parties. Their bright galaxy glaze and glitter finish make them stand out, especially when displayed on a white platter or tiered stand. They pair well with colorful treats like Strawberry Freezer Jam thumbprint cookies or star-shaped Kataifi Pastry.
Coffee or Tea Companion
These cookies are rich but balanced—thanks to the dark cocoa base—so they’re a delicious treat alongside your favorite warm drink. A plate of circle galaxy cookies next to a steaming mug of coffee, spiced tea, or even hot chocolate is simple comfort done right.
Edible Gifts with a Wow Factor
Wrap a stack of cooled, set cookies in cellophane bags and tie them with galaxy-themed ribbon for a gift that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Add a custom gift tag or print out the recipe to go along with it. They’re a fun and fuss-free option when you need a homemade gift that stands out.
Creative Pairings
Serve them with scoops of vanilla or blackberry ice cream for a dreamy dessert duo. Or sandwich marshmallow fluff or buttercream between two cookies for galaxy cookie sandwiches that are as fun to eat as they are to look at.
Variations: Customize Your Circle Galaxy Cookies
The beauty of circle galaxy cookies is how easily you can make them your own. From flavor twists to shape swaps, these variations let you personalize your batch without sacrificing that celestial wow factor.
Switch Up the Flavors
While the classic recipe uses dark cocoa for a deep, chocolatey base, you can easily adjust the flavor. Try:
- Vanilla sugar cookie dough for a lighter look and flavor
- Espresso powder for a mocha galaxy experience
- Citrus zest (like orange or lemon) added to the glaze for brightness
These swaps still hold their shape beautifully, especially when using the same circle cutter to keep your circle galaxy cookies uniform.
Change the Color Palette
Who says galaxies are only blue and purple? Create new cosmic styles with different food coloring themes:
- Nebula pink & gold for a romantic vibe
- Green & silver for an alien-inspired twist
- Black & teal for a deep-space mood
You can even swirl in a tiny drop of edible black gel to deepen the glaze and mimic interstellar dust. Pair these with our Mulberry Jam or colorful Strawberry Freezer Jam for a dessert tray that pops.
Make Them Mini or Sandwich Style
Use a smaller round cutter for bite-sized versions—perfect for party platters. Or spread marshmallow fluff or vanilla buttercream between two cookies for galaxy sandwich cookies. You’ll double the fun without doubling the effort.
No matter how you personalize them, these circle galaxy cookies remain show-stopping, shareable, and surprisingly simple to bake.
How I Store My Circle Galaxy Cookies (and What Works Best)
When I first started baking circle galaxy cookies in my Brooklyn apartment, I had no idea how many I’d end up with—especially during recipe testing. With a small kitchen and a curious pup named Charlie always nearby, I had to figure out the best ways to store them without losing their sparkle or softness.
On the Counter, the Right Way
Once the glaze sets—and I mean really sets, not just looks dry—I carefully layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight tin. I usually keep them on my counter, away from sunlight, and they stay perfect for about 4 to 5 days. If it’s warm out, I’ll move them to a cooler spot, but never the fridge just yet.
Fridge? Only Sometimes
If I’ve made a big batch for gifting or an event, I’ll pop the container into the fridge. Just a quick note: I always let them sit at room temp for 15–20 minutes before serving. Cold dulls the flavor a bit, especially that rich chocolate cookie base that makes these circle galaxy cookies so good.
Freezer Friendly (With a Trick)
I love freezing the cookie dough ahead of time—it’s a lifesaver during busy weeks. I wrap it tight in plastic wrap, then slide it into a zip bag. When I want fresh cookies, I let the dough chill in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. I don’t freeze them after glazing because that gorgeous swirl loses its shine. Instead, I freeze the baked cookies plain and glaze them fresh.
My Best Tip?
If you’re making these for a party or gift box, store them flat and don’t rush the drying time. That extra 20 minutes of patience goes a long way in keeping your circle galaxy cookies Instagram-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get cookies to be perfectly circular?
The secret is in the dough and the cutter. First, make sure your dough is well-chilled—this prevents spreading. Roll it evenly, about 1/4-inch thick, and use a sharp round cookie cutter. Press straight down (don’t twist) for a clean edge. For the best results with circle galaxy cookies, chill the cut-out shapes again for 5–10 minutes before baking to hold their perfect form.
What is a Galaxy Cookie?
A galaxy cookie typically refers to a cookie decorated with swirls of space-inspired colors—like pink, purple, and blue—often finished with glitter or edible stars. In the case of circle galaxy cookies, the base is a rich, dark cocoa cut-out cookie topped with a glossy, vibrant glaze that mimics a starry sky. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
What happens if I bake cookies at 375 instead of 350?
Baking at 375°F makes cookies spread faster and brown more quickly, which can lead to uneven shapes—especially if your dough isn’t chilled. For recipes like circle galaxy cookies that need to hold a neat shape for decorating, 350°F is ideal. It bakes them evenly and gives you time to pull them out before the edges get too crisp.
How do bakeries get their cookies so round?
Bakeries use a few pro tricks: uniform dough portions, chilling dough before baking, and sometimes even “cookie scooting”—using a round cutter or cup to nudge cookies into a perfect circle right after baking. You can do this too, especially with circle galaxy cookies where the shape really shows off the glaze. Just swirl the cutter gently around a still-warm cookie to reshape.
Conclusion
I hope this recipe brings a little magic into your kitchen the way it has in mine. There’s just something joyful about baking circle galaxy cookies—from swirling that glaze like a night sky to seeing the glitter sparkle once it sets. It’s not just about the look, though. The soft chocolatey bite and the ease of preparation make this recipe one I come back to again and again.
Whether you’re baking them for a party, a gift, or just because the mood strikes, these cookies are a fun, creative way to express yourself in the kitchen. And if a batch happens to disappear faster than expected? Well, I think that just means you’re doing it right.
Thanks for baking with me—don’t forget to check out more easy dessert recipes and cookie ideas over at Easy Peasy Recipes. Happy baking!
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