Brownie cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional for extra chocolatey cookies)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the Butter and Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix the Sugars and Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour in the melted chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, sea salt, and baking powder into the chocolate mixture. Fold the ingredients together until just combined. If you’re using additional chocolate chips or chunks, fold them in now.
5. Prepare the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are just set around the edges but still soft in the middle.
7. Cool the Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Pair with Beverages: Serve your brownie cookies with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
2. Presentation Matters: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or a tiered dessert stand for an elegant presentation, especially if you’re serving them at a party or gathering.
3. Warm Them Up: For an extra gooey experience, warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: Store the brownie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to keep the cookies soft.
2. Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to store the cookies for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. Thawing: To enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds for a freshly baked taste.
4. Cookie Dough Storage: If you prefer to bake cookies in smaller batches, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days or freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your brownie cookies at their best, whether fresh from the oven or after being stored for a while.

Variations:

1. Double Chocolate Brownie Cookies: Increase the chocolate intensity by adding white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks to the dough. This creates a rich and indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
2. Nutty Brownie Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, to the dough. The nuts add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall flavor of the cookies.
3. Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies: Swirl in 1/4 cup of peanut butter into the dough before baking. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a classic and irresistible flavor.
4. Mint Chocolate Brownie Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and fold in 1 cup of mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you’re craving a minty treat.
5. Espresso Brownie Cookies: Mix in 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder with the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a subtle coffee note to the cookies.
6. Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked cookies and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. The combination of sweet caramel and salty finish creates a delectable treat.
7. S’mores Brownie Cookies: Add 1 cup of mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers to the dough. These cookies capture the essence of classic s’mores in every bite.
8. Orange Zest Brownie Cookies: Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate.
9. Coconut Brownie Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough. The coconut adds a tropical flair and chewy texture to the cookies.
10. Cherry Brownie Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cherries or maraschino cherries for a fruity and slightly tart contrast to the sweet chocolate.

By experimenting with these variations, you can tailor the brownie cookies to your taste preferences and enjoy a new twist on a classic treat each time you bake them.

FAQs:

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
   • Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter. However, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture for the cookies.
2. How do I make sure my brownie cookies are fudgy in the middle?
   • To ensure fudgy centers, avoid overbaking the cookies. Bake them until the edges are set but the middle is still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure that your other ingredients, like chocolate and cocoa powder, are also gluten-free.
4. What is the best way to melt chocolate without burning it?
   • Melt chocolate slowly over low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler or microwave the chocolate in short intervals, stirring in between.
5. Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or flavored chips. Just make sure to fold them in gently to avoid overmixing the dough.
6. How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
   • Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
7. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop it into portions and freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
8. How do I store leftover cookies to keep them fresh?
   • Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
9. What can I do if my cookies turn out too dry?
   • If the cookies are dry, they may have been overbaked. Next time, reduce the baking time slightly. You can also add a bit more moisture to the dough by increasing the amount of butter or using an extra egg yolk.
10. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
    • Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate. Keep in mind that dark chocolate will provide a richer, more intense flavor. Adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a sweeter cookie.

These FAQs should help you troubleshoot any issues and make the perfect batch of brownie cookies every time. Enjoy baking!

These brownie cookies should come out with crisp edges and fudgy centers, just like a brownie in cookie form! Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the ultimate treat.