Brownie Cookies

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There’s something magical about a dessert that brings together the best of two worlds — and these Brownie Cookies do exactly that. They’re the lovechild of fudgy, gooey brownies and soft, chewy cookies, creating a bite that’s rich in chocolate with a texture that melts in your mouth. I find myself coming back to this recipe over and over, especially when I can’t decide between baking a tray of brownies or a batch of cookies.

The cracked tops, shiny crust, and tender center make these Brownie Cookies irresistible. Whether it’s for a party, a late-night treat, or just a little midweek pick-me-up, this recipe never disappoints. I especially love how the sea salt on top cuts through the sweetness and enhances the deep chocolate flavor — a simple touch that makes a big difference.

Why You’ll Love This Brownie Cookies Recipe

This recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream. It combines the crisp edge of a brownie with the soft chew of a cookie, all in one delightful bite. You don’t need any special equipment or fancy ingredients, and the dough doesn’t require chilling. The result? Instant gratification. Plus, the flaky sea salt topping gives it a bakery-style finish that’s totally Instagram-worthy.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use for Brownie Cookies?

For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate, around 70% cocoa. It gives the cookies that rich, deep chocolate base. You can use chocolate chips, but chopped chocolate melts more evenly and gives those glorious gooey pockets inside the cookies. A bit of cocoa powder adds an extra chocolate punch too.

Options for Substitutions

Want to make it your own? You totally can:

• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate.
• Less Sweet: Reduce the sugar slightly or use dark chocolate chips.
• Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts, white chocolate chunks, or even a touch of espresso powder for a mocha vibe.

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Ingredients for this Brownie Cookies Recipe

• Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa or higher): This is the heart of the flavor, delivering deep, rich, fudgy intensity.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps achieve that shiny top and buttery richness.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the iconic crinkle top.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a chewy texture and depth thanks to the molasses.
• Large Eggs: Binds the ingredients and gives the cookies structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the chocolate and adds warmth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to give the cookies structure without making them cakey.
• Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor for extra depth.
• Baking Powder: Gives a slight lift and lightness to balance the dense center.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
• Flaky Sea Salt (for topping): Adds texture and a gourmet finish.

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or in short bursts in the microwave), melt together the chopped dark chocolate and butter until smooth. Stir frequently to avoid scorching. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Beat the Eggs and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Beat on high speed for about 3–5 minutes, until the mixture is thick, pale, and doubled in volume. This helps give the cookies their crackly tops and soft centers.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Melted Chocolate

Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly pour in the melted chocolate mixture. Add the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients using a spatula. The batter will be thick and glossy, similar to brownie batter.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough onto the sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Step 6: Bake Until Just Set

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underdone. They will firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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How Long to Prepare the Brownie Cookies Recipe

Prep Time: Preparing the batter takes about 15–20 minutes. Melting the chocolate and butter, whisking the eggs and sugars, and folding everything together moves quickly once you get started.

Bake Time: Each batch bakes in around 10–12 minutes. Allow an extra 5 minutes for cooling on the tray before transferring to a rack. If baking in multiple batches, the whole process could take 30–40 minutes in total.

Tips for Perfect Brownie Cookies

• Use high-quality chocolate — it makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
• Beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy; this creates the signature crinkle top.
• Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before adding so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.
• Don’t overmix once the dry ingredients are added — treat it like brownie batter.
• Slightly underbake for that fudgy center.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking: If they’re fully set in the oven, they’ll dry out when cooled.
• Skipping the egg-sugar whipping: This step creates volume and a crackly top.
• Using chocolate chips only: They have stabilizers that prevent full melting — chopped chocolate gives better results.
• Too much flour: Measure carefully, or the cookies may turn cakey.
• Baking on a hot pan: Always let the baking sheet cool before adding more dough.

What to Serve With Brownie Cookies?

1. A Glass of Cold Milk

Classic and comforting — nothing beats the balance of sweet, fudgy cookies with a tall glass of milk.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn them into ice cream sandwiches or simply serve one warm cookie with a scoop of ice cream on top.

3. Espresso or Coffee

The bitterness of coffee perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavor.

4. Fresh Berries

Serve alongside strawberries or raspberries for a pop of freshness and color.

5. Whipped Cream or Chocolate Sauce

Dress them up for dessert with a drizzle of sauce or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft.

Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or warm in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Make-Ahead Dough: You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Estimated Nutrition (per cookie)

• Calories: 190
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be set, but the center still soft and slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! It doubles beautifully — just be sure to bake in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Why did my cookies come out cakey?

Too much flour or overbaking can cause a cakey texture. Be sure to measure flour correctly and keep an eye on bake time.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or white chocolate chunks work well — just keep the total amount under 1 cup.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required for this recipe, which makes it even quicker to whip up.

Conclusion

These Brownie Cookies are the ultimate treat when you’re craving something intensely chocolatey and wonderfully chewy. With their rich flavor, gorgeous crackled tops, and gooey center, they strike the perfect balance between a brownie and a cookie. Whether you’re baking for guests or just for yourself, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser — and once you try them, they might just become your go-to chocolate fix.

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