Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Are you a chocolate lover in search of your next indulgent treat? Look no further than these Chocolate Brownie Cookies – the ultimate fusion of soft, chewy brownies and deliciously gooey cookies. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for satisfying that chocolate craving while delivering the perfect balance of richness and texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

To make these mouthwatering cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add that delightful depth of flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures a smooth and even mixture in your dough.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies soft.
6. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and, if desired, the chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
7. Form the Cookies: Using a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart for proper spreading.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers remain soft and slightly undercooked for that fudgy brownie texture.
9. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Servings: Makes about 24 cookies

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• Fresh from the Oven: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re still warm and slightly gooey in the center. Pair them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• For Special Occasions: Serve them on a platter at your next party, holiday gathering, or bake sale. Their rich chocolate flavor and soft texture will make them a standout treat.
• Coffee Pairing: For a delightful afternoon snack, enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or a rich mocha. The bitterness of the coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature Storage: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 5 days. Be sure to place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
• Freezing for Later: To store these cookies for a longer period, freeze them! After the cookies have cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
• Reheating Tip: If you prefer a warm cookie, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a gooey, melty texture.

Variations

These Chocolate Brownie Cookies are highly customizable! Feel free to get creative with these variations to suit your tastes or try something new:

1. Double Chocolate Brownie Cookies:
   For an extra chocolatey treat, increase the cocoa powder to 3/4 cup and add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips in addition to the semisweet chocolate chips.
2. Mint Chocolate Brownie Cookies:
   Add 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract to the dough and use mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints instead of regular chocolate chips. These cookies will have a refreshing minty flavor!
3. Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies:
   Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients and swirl it through the dough before baking. You can also fold in peanut butter chips or chopped peanuts for an extra crunch.
4. Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies:
   Add a tablespoon of caramel extract to the dough for a caramelized flavor, and top each cookie with a small piece of caramel candy before baking. A pinch of sea salt on top before baking will enhance the caramel flavor.
5. Hazelnut Brownie Cookies:
   Swap out the walnuts or pecans for chopped hazelnuts, or even use Nutella spread in place of some of the butter for a rich, nutty flavor. Hazelnuts pair beautifully with chocolate!
6. Raspberry Brownie Cookies:
   Add 1/2 cup of freeze-dried raspberries into the dough for a burst of fruitiness. You can also add a spoonful of raspberry jam or preserves on top of the cookie dough before baking for a jam-filled surprise.
7. Espresso Brownie Cookies:
   Add 1 tablespoon of finely ground espresso or instant coffee to the dry ingredients to give your cookies a deep, rich coffee flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
8. S’mores Brownie Cookies:
   Fold in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers to the dough for a s’mores-inspired treat. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate on top after baking for extra indulgence.
9. Orange Chocolate Brownie Cookies:
   Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus twist that complements the rich chocolate flavor. You can also use chocolate orange chips for a more intense flavor.
10. Coconut Brownie Cookies:
    Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flavor. You can also top the cookies with a little extra coconut before baking for a crispy, toasted topping.

Experiment with these variations to find your perfect version of Chocolate Brownie Cookies, and don’t be afraid to mix and match to suit your flavor preferences!

FAQs

1. Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
   Yes! Dark chocolate chips will give the cookies a richer, slightly less sweet flavor. If you prefer darker chocolate, feel free to swap them in.
2. Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
   Absolutely! Walnuts and pecans are traditional options, but you can use any nut you prefer, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or cashews. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution.
3. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   To make these cookies gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure the blend you choose is suitable for baking and provides a similar texture to regular flour.
4. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
   Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) or use a commercial egg replacer. This will help maintain the structure and texture of the cookies.
5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   If the cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the dough firm up and prevent excessive spreading.
6. Can I add a frosting or glaze to these cookies?
   Yes, you can drizzle these cookies with a chocolate glaze or frosting if you want an extra indulgent treat. A simple chocolate ganache made from melted chocolate and heavy cream works wonderfully!
7. How do I store leftover cookies?
   Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, place them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
8. Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?
   Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies by dropping more or less dough onto the baking sheet. Keep in mind that larger cookies may require a few extra minutes of baking, while smaller cookies will bake faster.
9. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! After portioning it out into dough balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
10. Why are my cookies too dry or crumbly?
    Overbaking or using too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies. Make sure you measure your flour correctly (spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off) and keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking.

These Chocolate Brownie Cookies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and chewy, fudgy texture. They’re ideal for anyone who loves a decadent chocolate dessert but wants the convenience of cookies. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a batch of the best cookies you’ll ever make!

Print