Brownie cookies are a delightful hybrid between two classic desserts—brownies and cookies. They have the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie with the form and bite of a cookie. With a glossy, crackled top and chewy inside, these cookies are a true treat for any chocolate lover. Plus, this simple recipe is done by hand, so no fancy kitchen equipment is needed, making it easy and accessible for anyone to bake.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate
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¼ cup salted butter
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½ cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
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2 tbsp cocoa powder
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½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ cup white sugar
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2 large eggs (at room temperature)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking pans with parchment paper. -
Melt Chocolate and Butter:
Chop the chocolate and place it in a microwave-safe bowl with the butter. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. -
Whisk Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, white sugar, and eggs for 5 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly and become frothy. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the melted chocolate-butter mixture and vanilla extract to the sugar and egg mixture, and whisk until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula just until no flour streaks remain. -
Scoop and Bake:
Using a cookie scoop, scoop 1 ½ tbsp of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are set and the top has developed a crackle. The middle will still look soft but will firm up as they cool. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Nutrients (per serving):
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Calories: 200
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Protein: 2g
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Fat: 10g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Cholesterol: 40mg
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Sodium: 90mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 18g
Why Choose Brownie Cookies?
Brownie cookies offer the best of both worlds—combining the thick, fudgy texture of brownies with the easy-to-enjoy shape of a cookie. Brownies are known for their moist, dense texture, while cookies are typically more crisp and lighter in bite. The brownie cookie merges these two elements, creating a dessert that’s rich, chewy, and full of chocolatey goodness, all while maintaining the portability and bite-sized convenience of a cookie. They are the ideal treat when you can’t decide between a brownie and a cookie, giving you the best of both in a single dessert.
The beauty of brownie cookies lies in their versatility. They are easy to make, require no special equipment, and offer a rich chocolate flavor that’s sure to satisfy any craving. Unlike traditional brownies, which require a pan and time to cool, brownie cookies can be baked in a fraction of the time and enjoyed immediately. Their smaller size also makes them great for sharing, packing into lunchboxes, or serving at gatherings.
Key Ingredients: Chocolate, Sugar, and Butter
The ingredients for brownie cookies are simple, yet they come together to create an incredibly indulgent dessert. The foundation of the recipe is semi-sweet baking chocolate, which gives the cookies their rich, fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor. The semi-sweet chocolate provides the perfect balance of sweetness without being overly sugary, allowing the cocoa powder and sugars to add depth to the flavor profile.
Butter is another key ingredient that adds richness and tenderness to the cookies. By using salted butter, you also introduce a slight savory note that enhances the overall flavor. This contrast between sweet and salty is one of the reasons these brownie cookies are so irresistible. The butter helps create the soft, chewy texture that is characteristic of a brownie, while also contributing to the cookie’s crisp edges.
The combination of brown and white sugar plays a significant role in the texture and sweetness of the cookie. Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper, molasses-like flavor, while white sugar helps to create the delicate crispness around the edges. Together, they form the perfect balance of sweetness and texture that makes brownie cookies so irresistible.
The Role of Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Eggs are essential for the structure and moisture of the brownie cookies. The eggs help bind the ingredients together while providing the richness that makes these cookies taste like brownies. Beating the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes thick and frothy is an important step, as it creates air pockets in the dough that contribute to the soft, chewy texture of the cookie.
Vanilla extract is a classic addition to any cookie recipe, and in brownie cookies, it brings an additional layer of flavor that complements the chocolate. The sweet, fragrant aroma of vanilla enhances the overall dessert without overwhelming the rich chocolate flavor. The combination of vanilla and chocolate is a timeless pairing, making the flavor profile of these brownie cookies both comforting and familiar.
The Secret to the Crackled Top
One of the defining features of brownie cookies is their glossy, crackled top. This signature texture is what sets them apart from other types of cookies and gives them the appearance of a traditional brownie. The crackled top is achieved through the process of beating the eggs and sugars together until the mixture becomes frothy and thick. When the dough is scooped onto the baking sheet, the cookies spread slightly during baking, and the top forms its signature cracks.
The crackling effect is not only a visual characteristic but also contributes to the texture of the cookies. The outer edges crisp up during baking, while the inside remains soft and chewy, offering the perfect balance of texture. The crackled top also enhances the overall presentation of the cookies, making them look as beautiful as they taste.
Baking Brownie Cookies to Perfection
Baking brownie cookies requires a bit of precision to ensure they have the perfect texture. The key is to bake them just long enough for the edges to set, while leaving the center slightly soft. The cookies should have a glossy, crackled top, and the edges should be firm but not overly crispy. The middle of the cookie will continue to firm up as it cools, ensuring that the texture remains chewy and satisfying.
It’s important to avoid overbaking the cookies, as this can cause them to lose their signature fudgy texture. The cookies should be taken out of the oven when the edges are set, and the tops are cracked but the center is still slightly underdone. Once the cookies cool, they will firm up to perfection, maintaining a chewy, soft interior with a slight crispness on the outside.
How to Serve and Enjoy Brownie Cookies
Brownie cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re still warm and gooey, but they are equally delicious once they have cooled. Their rich, chocolatey flavor and chewy texture make them perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm brownie cookie creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures, making for a decadent dessert experience.
For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some caramel or fudge sauce over the cookies or dust them with powdered sugar for a bit of elegance. Brownie cookies also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, making them a perfect snack or dessert for any time of day. Whether enjoyed as a solo treat or as part of a dessert spread, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why Brownie Cookies Are So Popular
The popularity of brownie cookies can be attributed to their perfect combination of texture, flavor, and ease of preparation. Unlike traditional brownies, which can take longer to prepare and require specific pans and cooling time, brownie cookies are quick, easy, and portable. Their fudgy interior and slightly crisp edges are universally loved by chocolate lovers, and their crackled tops make them look as impressive as they taste.
These cookies also offer a unique twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie. By using cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and a higher sugar-to-flour ratio, brownie cookies achieve a dense, chewy texture that makes them stand out from regular cookies. Their rich chocolate flavor, combined with the smooth and glossy top, makes them a dessert that’s perfect for all occasions.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Treat for Chocolate Lovers
In conclusion, brownie cookies are a delectable dessert that perfectly balances the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the ease and convenience of cookies. Their chewy interior, slightly crisp edges, and signature crackled top make them an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover. With a simple recipe that requires no fancy kitchen equipment, these cookies are easy to make and are sure to impress.
Whether served as an afternoon snack, an after-dinner treat, or part of a dessert spread at a special event, brownie cookies are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. Their combination of simplicity and indulgence makes them a favorite among bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike. If you’re looking for a delicious hybrid treat that offers the best of both brownies and cookies, brownie cookies are the perfect choice.