Brownie Cookies Recipe

If you’re the kind of person who sneaks the gooey center out of a pan of brownies, these Brownie Cookies are your dream come true! They’re irresistibly fudgy, with crisp edges and a chewy bite, marrying the best of both worlds into one decadent treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated—these magical Brownie Cookies require just a handful of simple but high-impact ingredients. Each one plays a role, from delivering that deep chocolate flavor to perfecting the chewy, fudgy center that makes everyone swoon.

• Semi-sweet chocolate bars: Melting real chocolate bars (not just chips!) gives these cookies a rich, luxurious foundation you just can’t get with cocoa alone.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough to structure the cookie, but not so much that it overpowers the fudgy bite.
• Cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and deepens the color for that classic brownie look.
• Espresso powder: A secret-weapon ingredient that ramps up and rounds out the chocolate notes. Just a teaspoon works wonders (or use instant coffee if that’s what you’ve got).
• Baking powder: Helps these cookies puff ever-so-slightly, giving them a delightful lift that supports their chewy middle.
• Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all those chocolatey flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Adds tenderness and a touch of creamy richness, making the cookies velvety and satisfying.
• Light brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar keeps the center soft and gives each cookie a hint of caramel depth.
• Granulated sugar: Works with the brown sugar to sweeten, crisp the edges, and create that classic cookie texture.
• Eggs: Act as the glue that binds everything together, while lending chew and rich flavor.
• Pure vanilla extract: Brightens and balances the chocolate with a subtle floral sweetness.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): For pools of melted chocolate scattered throughout—totally irresistible!

Variations

Once you’ve nailed the classic version, get creative! Brownie Cookies are endlessly customizable, so don’t hesitate to riff on the basics to match your pantry, cravings, or dietary needs.

• Nutty Twist: Stir in half a cup of chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds for irresistible crunch and nutty richness.
• Mocha Marvel: Add an extra teaspoon of espresso powder for a bolder, café-inspired cookie that pairs beautifully with coffee.
• Mint Chocolate: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon mint extract instead of vanilla, or fold in chopped chocolate-mint candies for a refreshing surprise.
• Gluten-Free Upgrade: Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend so everyone can enjoy these fudgy treats.
• Extra Dark: Use bittersweet or even unsweetened baking chocolate for ultra-rich, grown-up cookies that chocolate purists will adore.

How to Make Brownie Cookies

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Start things off by gently melting your semi-sweet chocolate bars. You can use a double boiler or microwave them in 20-second bursts, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy. Set the melted chocolate aside to cool just slightly—you want it warm, not piping hot, so it doesn’t melt the butter or scramble your eggs.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. This blend is the backbone of your Brownie Cookies, ensuring even flavor and just the right denseness.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until perfectly smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. This step helps form the plush, crinkly tops we all crave in every bite.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and crank up the speed! Mix for a full 2 minutes, then scrape your bowl and go for another minute on high. This aerates the dough, resulting in chewy Brownie Cookies with just a hint of lift.

Step 5: Pour in Melted Chocolate

Gently pour your slightly cooled melted chocolate into the bowl, mixing on medium-high for about 2 minutes. Your dough should look lusciously dark and chocolatey at this stage—try not to sneak a spoonful!

Step 6: Combine Dry & Wet Mixtures

Lower the mixer speed and add your dry ingredients into the chocolatey mixture. Mix only until combined—overmixing can make your cookies tough. Finally, fold in chocolate chips if you’re going for double the chocolate deliciousness.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover and chill your dough in the fridge for 20 minutes while your oven preheats. This short chill helps the dough set up, creating cookies that spread perfectly—fudgy, but not flat.

Step 8: Scoop & Bake

Roll or scoop the dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and space them 3 inches apart on lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 12–13 minutes, just until the edges set. The centers will look soft—that’s exactly what makes them magical!

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let your Brownie Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The centers will finish setting as they cool, resulting in that irresistible fudgy-chewy texture.

How to Serve Brownie Cookies

Garnishes

A classic sprinkle of flaky sea salt is pure magic for Brownie Cookies—it sharpens the chocolate flavors and adds a tiny, satisfying crunch. For a special touch, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate to make them party-ready.

Side Dishes

Pair Brownie Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a fluffy dollop of whipped cream, or serve alongside a frosty glass of milk or rich espresso. They also shine next to fresh berries for a bright contrast—or, honestly, just enjoy them all by themselves!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high on a vintage cake stand, tie bundles using baker’s twine for edible gifts, or sandwich two cookies together with ice cream for the ultimate summer treat. Brownie Cookies also look fabulous arranged in a spiral on a holiday platter with festive garnishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Brownie Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay deliciously soft for up to a week. Just slip a slice of sandwich bread in the container if you want to lock in even more chewiness.

Freezing

For longer storage, pop baked cookies into a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Or, freeze the unbaked dough balls (on a tray, then transfer to a bag) so you can bake off a fresh batch whenever the craving strikes—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time from frozen.

Reheating

To refresh that just-baked texture, warm Brownie Cookies in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes or give them 10–15 seconds in the microwave. This brings back the gooey centers and makes the chocolate chips melty all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the ultimate chocolate fix, do yourself a favor and give these Brownie Cookies a try. Every batch is a little celebration of fudgy bliss—perfect for sharing (or not!). I can’t wait for you to dive in and make these cookies your new favorite.

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