If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen, torn between baking rich brownies or chewy cookies, then brownie cookies recipe are about to change your life. These hybrid delights marry the fudgy center of your favorite brownie with the crisp edges of a cookie. It’s a match made in chocolate heaven, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll never look at a basic chocolate chip cookie the same way again.
I vividly remember the first time I baked a batch of brownie cookies. I was preparing for a cozy movie night with friends, craving that deep chocolatey flavor of brownies but also the handheld ease of cookies. What came out of the oven was pure bliss: shiny crinkled tops, soft and fudgy centers, and that unmistakable cocoa aroma filling the house. Let’s just say they didn’t last the night.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner just getting comfortable with your oven, these brownie cookies are perfect. They fit right into your weekly treat rotation, make for a showstopping addition to any dessert table, and are downright addicting when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
And let’s not forget how versatile they are. They’re ideal for bake sales, cozy weekends, or even as a thoughtful edible gift. In fact, wrap a few in parchment with a ribbon, and you’ve got a heartfelt treat for any chocolate lover in your life. Best of all, the recipe is straightforward, using pantry staples and a single bowl. So yes, minimal mess and maximum flavor.
If you’ve been looking for a brownie cookies recipe that delivers on texture, flavor, and ease, welcome home. This one ticks all the boxes.
Table of contents
Why this Brownie Cookies Recipe Works
These brownie cookies are more than just a mashup of two classic treats. What makes this recipe stand out is the precise balance of ingredients and technique, which creates the signature fudgy-on-the-inside, crisp-on-the-edges texture that every brownie cookie fanatic craves.
The magic starts with melted chocolate and just the right amount of butter, giving the cookies their deeply rich, chocolate-forward flavor. Unlike traditional cookie recipes that use softened butter, melting it here creates a glossy, brownie-like batter that translates beautifully into chewy centers once baked.
Then there’s the sugar. Using both granulated and brown sugar brings not just sweetness but also chewiness and depth. Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of molasses, which plays beautifully with the chocolate. And speaking of chocolate—don’t skimp on the good stuff. High-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) ensures your brownie cookies are intensely satisfying and not overly sweet.
Eggs play a dual role here: providing structure and also helping to create that coveted shiny, crinkled top. Whisking the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy is key—that little bit of air makes all the difference.
Another reason this recipe shines? It’s flexible. Prefer your brownie cookies extra gooey? Bake them a minute less. Like a firmer bite? Add a couple more minutes. You can even add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top. The base recipe is designed to be forgiving yet consistently delicious, so you can tweak it to your heart’s content.
Moreover, this recipe avoids the pitfalls of dry or cakey textures that many other versions fall into. The proportions are finely tuned, with enough fat and just the right touch of flour to keep things indulgent without becoming dense.
Whether you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself after a long week, this brownie cookies recipe offers a foolproof path to chocolate bliss. Ready to get baking?
Recipe Card
Brownie Cookies Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12-16
servings10
minutes20
minutes200-250
kcalThese brownie cookies are a perfect blend of chewy, fudgy brownie and a traditional cookie, delivering a deeply chocolatey bite in every piece. Easy to make, customizable, and a total crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups (250g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional add-ins: nuts, caramel, Nutella, etc.
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Incorporate Chocolate: Stir in the chocolate chips (and any additional mix-ins, if desired). The dough will be thick and fudgy.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking for that soft, fudgy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a thicker cookie: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- For extra texture: Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a crunch that complements the soft, gooey center.
- Storing: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
- For a gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, ensuring it’s one that contains xanthan gum.
Pro Tips for Success
Mastering brownie cookies isn’t hard, but a few pro tips can elevate your cookies from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the cookie game, these insights will ensure that every batch turns out with that ideal combination of crackly tops, chewy centers, and rich chocolate flavor.
1. Use High-Quality Chocolate
This is non-negotiable. Because chocolate is the star of the show, you want to use good quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa). Skip the chocolate chips for melting—those are designed to hold their shape and don’t melt as smoothly. Instead, go for a good baking chocolate bar. Brands like Valrhona, Ghirardelli, or Lindt make a world of difference in the final taste and texture.
2. Don’t Skip the Egg-Sugar Whip Step
This recipe requires whipping the eggs and sugar until they’re pale and fluffy before combining with the melted chocolate. This step adds structure, helps create the shiny tops, and gives the cookies that subtle brownie chew. It might take 3–5 minutes with a hand mixer, but it’s absolutely worth it.
3. Chill the Batter for Precision
Brownie cookie batter is thicker than brownie batter but looser than regular cookie dough. If your kitchen is warm or your batter feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. This helps it firm up just enough to scoop and also prevents cookies from spreading too thin in the oven.
Variants of the Brownie Cookies Recipe
While the brownie cookies recipe presented here is a delicious treat in its own right, there are endless ways to customize it to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, or flavor profiles. From adding a nutty crunch to infusing exotic flavors, these variants can take your cookies from good to extraordinary. Let’s dive into a few creative and exciting twists you can experiment with.
1. Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies
For all the peanut butter lovers out there, this variation is a game changer. Peanut butter pairs wonderfully with the rich, fudgy texture of brownie cookies. Simply swirl 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter into the batter after it’s been combined, or for an even richer flavor, drop spoonfuls of peanut butter into the center of each cookie before baking. The peanut butter will melt and create delicious pockets of flavor inside the cookies, adding a delightful contrast to the chocolate.
Pro Tip: For an extra crunch, you can also fold in some chopped roasted peanuts into the dough.
2. Mint Chocolate Brownie Cookies
Mint and chocolate are an iconic pairing, and this variant gives you a refreshing, indulgent twist. To create mint chocolate brownie cookies, add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter along with the melted chocolate. You can also fold in mint chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. The cool, refreshing mint balances the rich chocolate, making it a perfect treat for those who love that fresh flavor contrast.
Pro Tip: Use a few crushed Andes mint chocolates or mint-flavored chocolate chunks for added texture and that delightful mint-chocolate experience.
3. Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies
If you’re a fan of the sweet-salty flavor combo, try adding salted caramel to your brownie cookies. After shaping the dough into balls, insert a small caramel candy in the center and then bake. As the cookies bake, the caramel will melt inside, creating a gooey, sweet center that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the chocolate. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the ultimate sweet-salty treat.
Pro Tip: If you can’t find caramel candies, you can also use a spoonful of caramel sauce inside the dough for a similar effect.
4. Nutella Brownie Cookies
Nutella is a decadent addition to just about anything, and it works wonders in brownie cookies. Incorporate 1/4 cup of Nutella into the melted chocolate mixture for a hazelnut-chocolate twist. Not only does it add a creamy, smooth texture to the batter, but it also brings an extra depth of flavor that enhances the chocolate. You can also spoon a small dollop of Nutella onto each cookie before baking, creating a gooey, nutty center.
Pro Tip: Pair these Nutella brownie cookies with chopped hazelnuts to add a crunchy element.
FAQs about Brownie Cookies Recipe
If your cookies spread too much, make sure to chill the dough before baking. Additionally, ensure that your oven temperature is accurate, use an oven thermometer if needed to check the temperature.
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a deeper, slightly more intense chocolate flavor. You may want to adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
To increase the fudginess, add an extra tablespoon of melted butter or use more chocolate in the dough. Don’t overbake the cookies for the best fudgy texture.
Final Thoughts
These brownie cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who craves the richness of a brownie but wants the convenience and fun of a cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a quick weeknight treat, or simply indulging in some comfort food, these cookies are sure to be a hit. The combination of gooey chocolate, chewy texture, and crispy edges makes them irresistible, and the best part is that they’re incredibly easy to make!
The beauty of these brownie cookies is that they are versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins like caramel chips, nuts, or even swirls of peanut butter for an added layer of flavor. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they also hold up well for days, making them perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or dessert.
If you haven’t already, give this recipe a try, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these brownies transform into delightful cookies that pack all the flavors you love about brownies. Pair them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
After enjoying these delicious cookies, you might also want to try other sweet baked goods from our blog such as the Soft And Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar. Be sure to browse through our dessert collection for more irresistible recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth!
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