If you’ve ever been curious about cannabis edibles, space cookies are one of the easiest—and most enjoyable—places to start. Whether you’re looking for a mellow evening, an alternative to smoking, or a new baking project, this guide offers a step-by-step walkthrough to making your own space cookies at home. We’ll cover everything from preparing the cannabis to understanding space cookies effects, so you’re set up for success from the very first batch. You don't need to be Siba Mtongana to make these, either - this is an easy recipe and perfect for beginners.
What Are Space Cookies?
Space cookies are cannabis-infused biscuits or cookies that deliver a powerful, long-lasting high. Unlike smoking, which kicks in quickly and fades within a couple of hours, the effects of space cookies come on gradually and tend to linger—sometimes for the better part of a day. THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the strong effects of space cookies, so the name “space cookies” isn’t just clever branding. Done right, these treats can send you to the moon—metaphorically, of course. They’re discreet, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make, provided you follow a few key steps.
Understanding Cannabis Infusion
Cannabis infusion is a crucial step in creating potent and effective edibles. By combining cannabis with a carrier substance like butter or oil, you allow the THC and other cannabinoids to be absorbed more efficiently into your body. This results in a stronger and longer-lasting high compared to other methods of consumption.
To infuse cannabis into butter, you’ll need to heat the cannabis and butter together over low heat. This gentle heating process allows the THC to bind to the fat molecules in the butter, creating a potent cannabis-infused product. Once your cannabutter is ready, it can be used in place of regular butter in a variety of recipes, opening up endless possibilities for delicious cannabis-infused treats.
Decarboxylation: The Most Important Step Before Baking
Before you get anywhere near the oven with your cookie dough, you need to activate the cannabis. Raw cannabis contains THCA, which won’t get you high until it’s converted into THC through a process called decarboxylation. This happens when cannabis is gently heated.
To decarboxylate your cannabis, preheat your oven to 115°C. Break the cannabis buds into small chunks—not too fine—and spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for around 40 minutes, stirring gently halfway through to ensure even exposure. The cannabis should turn a light golden brown by the end. Once it cools, it’s ready for the next stage.
Skipping this step means your space cookies won’t have any noticeable effects, no matter how much cannabis you include—so don’t overlook it.
How to Make Cannabutter
Cannabutter is the essential ingredient in almost every space cookies recipe. THC is fat-soluble, which means it needs to be bound to a fat source (like butter) in order to be properly absorbed by your body.
Here’s a reliable method for making cannabutter at home, taken from our ultimate cannabutter recipe:
Start by melting the butter with water over medium heat. This ensures the butter melts properly without boiling, which is crucial for the subsequent infusion of cannabinoids from the cannabis leaves. Precise cooking temperatures and timing are essential to ensure the final product is well-prepared and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 10g decarboxylated cannabis
- 250g unsalted butter
- 500ml water
- 1 tsp baking powder
In a saucepan, combine the butter and water and bring to a gentle simmer. Once the butter is melted, stir in the cannabis and reduce the heat to very low. Allow the mixture to simmer (not boil) for two to three hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The water helps regulate the temperature and prevents the butter from burning.
After simmering, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine sieve into a heatproof container. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate. The butter will solidify on top while the excess water settles below. Once fully set, remove the hardened butter and discard the water.
Now you’ve got your cannabutter—greenish, aromatic, and ready to be baked into your space cookies. The addition of baking powder will help create the desired texture in your baked goods.
How Much Weed Should You Use in Space Cookies?
One of the most important parts of this intergalactic adventure – arguably more important than the recipe itself – is figuring out your dosage. Too little, and your cookies may be underwhelming. Too much, and you’ll get lost in space. At Seedsman, we’re all about responsible use, and you can read our guide to staying safe with edibles here. But let’s break this part down clearly.
In the cannabutter recipe we’ve provided, we use 10 grams of decarboxylated marijuana to infuse 250 grams of butter. This amount of butter will make about 20 cookies. That means each cookie contains the THC equivalent of approximately 0.5 grams (500mg) of raw cannabis – assuming a medium-strength strain with around 15% THC content.
Let’s do some quick math based on that assumption:
- 10g marijuana at 15% THC = 1500mg THC total
- Divided into 20 cookies = 75mg THC per cookie
But keep in mind, not all THC makes it into the butter – some is lost during decarboxylation and infusion. A realistic estimate of final potency is around 60-70% efficiency. So more accurately:
- 1500mg THC x 0.7 (70% efficiency) = 1050mg usable THC
- 1050mg divided by 20 cookies = 52mg THC per cookie.
Here’s how that breaks down for different experience levels:
For Newbies (Low Tolerance)
Recommended dose: 5-10mg THC
To achieve this, you’ll want to cut each cookie into quarters or fifths. Yes, really. Start low – with a quarter (approximately 13mg) and wait a couple of hours before considering more. For your first time, less is more – way more. You can always eat more later to top up your high, but you can’t unmunch a cookie. It's crucial to wait a few hours before consuming more to ensure you don't overdo it.
For Intermediates (Moderate Tolerance)
Recommended dose: 15-30mg THC
In this range, half a cookie is often ideal. You’re getting around 25mg THC and that’s enough to feel nice and buzzed without going overboard. This is great for social settings or a creative solo evening. Ensuring the right baking time is crucial to achieve optimal results, as it ensures the cookies are baked correctly without being overbaked or underbaked.
For Experienced Users (High Tolerance)
Comfortable with 40-75mg THC
If you’re a seasoned pothead with a high tolerance, (if your surname is Nelson, Dogg, or Chong) you’ll likely enjoy a whole cookie, which can deliver a strong, body-heavy high. These are best for experienced users who are familiar with their limits and comfortable with longer-lasting effects. Understanding the effects of cannabis edibles is crucial, and experiences within the cannabis industry highlight the importance of knowing how different dosages can influence sensations.
Want To Adjust The Potency of Your Space Cookies?
If you want milder space cookies, simply use less weed in your cannabutter – try 5 grams instead of 10. Or double your cookie batch to spread the same amount of THC over more servings. Additionally, consider incorporating other ingredients like cocoa, chocolate, nuts, or spices to customize the flavors and textures of your space cookies.
Pro Tip: Always label your space cookies with the estimated THC content and keep them stored separately from non-infused goodies to avoid confusion.
Adding Flavor and Texture
Adding flavor and texture to your space cakes can take your baking to new heights. While the classic chocolate chip cookie is always a hit, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to create unique and tasty variations. Consider adding dried fruit, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavor profile of your space cookies.
For a richer texture, you can incorporate ingredients like coconut oil or use a mix of brown and white sugars. These additions not only improve the taste but also contribute to the overall mouthfeel of the cookies. Remember, the key to great space cakes is balancing the flavors and textures to create a perfect dessert that’s both enjoyable and potent.
The Ultimate Space Cookies Recipe
With your cannabutter ready, it’s time to make your space cookies. This recipe yields about 20 medium-sized cookies with a soft, chewy texture and a chocolatey finish. It’s easy to follow and ideal for anyone new to edibles. This is an easy recipe perfect for beginners.
When preparing the batter, be careful not to overmix to ensure the cookies have the desired light and fluffy texture.
Ingredients:
- 250g cannabutter
- 150g white sugar
- 150g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 5ml vanilla extract
- 280g cake flour
- 5ml baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
- 2.5ml salt
- 250g chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate
Method:
Preheat your oven to 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the cannabutter together with the white and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla essence.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep it light and fluffy. Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
Use a spoon to drop heaped tablespoons of dough onto your baking sheet, leaving a few centimetres between each one to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centres are still soft. Let the cookies cool completely before handling—they’ll firm up as they sit.
Space Cookies Effects: What to Expect and How to Handle Them
Space cookies effects are noticeably different from smoking or vaping. Because the THC is processed through your liver rather than your lungs, it takes longer to kick in, but tends to hit harder—and lasts significantly longer. Typically, you’ll start to feel the space cookies effects between 30 and 90 minutes after eating. This slow onset often tempts people into taking more too soon. Don’t fall for it. The high from space cookies can continue building for several hours before peaking. Once it does, you can expect a deep, body-heavy relaxation paired with a mental uplift that can range from pleasantly dreamy to profoundly introspective. For some, the effects may include giggles, creative bursts, or full-on philosophical debates with their cat.
The peak usually hits around 2 to 4 hours after eating, with the total experience lasting 6 to 8 hours—sometimes longer if your dose is on the stronger side. Overdone it? Read our guide to recovering from cannabis edibles to square up fast.
Dosing Tips:
If you’re new to edibles, start with half a cookie (or even a quarter) and wait at least two hours before having more. It’s important to wait a few hours to fully gauge the effects before consuming more. You can always increase your dose later, but if you go too far too fast, there’s no off switch.
Storage and Safety
Once baked, your space cookies should be stored in an airtight container, preferably in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months without compromising potency. Additionally, keep them away from direct sunlight to extend their freshness and prevent spoilage.
It’s important to label them clearly and store them securely. Space cookies look like regular biscuits and can easily be mistaken for an innocent snack, so keep them out of reach of children, pets, and unsuspecting visitors.
Final Thoughts
Making your own space cookies at home can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With the right preparation—decarboxylation, accurate dosing, and a good cannabutter base—you’re well on your way to baking cannabis cookies that are delicious, potent, and safe to enjoy. Being well-prepared with the right tools and ingredients is crucial to ensure the best results.
This space cookies recipe is easy enough for beginners to follow, and flexible enough for more experienced bakers to adapt. Whether you’re planning a quiet evening or just exploring cannabis in a new form, the key is to start slow, stay patient, and respect the process.
Space cookies effects can be powerful, but when approached with care, they offer one of the most enjoyable ways to experience cannabis.
