If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a soft spot for both brownies and cookies. So why not combine the best of both worlds? Fudgy brownie cookies bring together the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with the chewy, satisfying texture of cookies. They’re the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
These delightful cookies have a fascinating origin. Inspired by the classic American brownie, they’ve been reimagined to fit perfectly in your hand and satisfy those mid-afternoon chocolate cravings. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these fudgy brownie cookies will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
To create the perfect fudgy brownie cookies, you’ll need a mix of essential ingredients. Each element brings its unique flavor and texture to the final product.
Dark Chocolate
- 6 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cacao, coarsely chopped)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (sifted to remove lumps)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
Follow these easy steps to create the perfect fudgy brownie cookies. Make sure to read each subheading carefully for the best results.
Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Gather all your ingredients and measure them accurately.
Making the Batter
- Melt 8 ounces of dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating it in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the melted chocolate until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of Dutch-process cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Chilling the Batter
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Chill the batter in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will make the batter easier to scoop and help prevent spreading.
- Use a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
Creating fudgy brownie cookies involves a few key steps to ensure they turn out perfectly. Here are my expert tips to help you achieve the best results.
Tips for the Best Brownie Cookies
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for a premium dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. This ensures a rich, intense flavor in your cookies.
- Properly Measure Ingredients: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially with dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder. Inaccurate measurements can alter the cookie texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances their fudgy texture.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Bring your eggs to room temperature before using them. This ensures they mix more evenly into the batter.
Timing the Recipe
Timing is crucial in baking to achieve the perfect texture and flavor of these brownie cookies.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking. This ensures even cooking from the start.
- Baking Time: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Look for edges that are set and centers that still appear soft. Overbaking will result in less fudgy cookies.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and prevents breaking while still warm.
Serving Suggestions
Fudgy brownie cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- Classic With Milk: Serve these warm cookies alongside a cold glass of milk to create a comforting and nostalgic treat.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two fudgy brownie cookies for a delicious dessert.
- Drizzled With Chocolate: Enhance the chocolate flavor by drizzling melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
- Topped With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a little extra indulgence.
- Fruit Pairings: Pair the cookies with fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or bananas for a refreshing contrast.
- Coffee Companion: Enjoy the cookies with a cup of coffee or espresso for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- Holiday Flair: Decorate with seasonal sprinkles or edible glitter to make them festive for holidays and special occasions.
- Nutty Variation: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Peppermint Twist: Add crushed peppermint candies to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the cookies during the holidays.
- Gourmet Touch: Pair the cookies with gourmet sea salt flakes or caramel sauce for sophisticated flavor combinations.
Storage Instructions
To keep your fudgy brownie cookies fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage guidelines.
Cooling and Storing Cookies
After baking, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps them set properly and maintains their fudgy texture. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If stacking the cookies, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze fudgy brownie cookies. Place the cooled cookies on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or a resealable freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Properly stored, the cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh their texture.
Conclusion
Creating fudgy brownie cookies is a rewarding experience that brings together the best of both brownies and cookies. With the right ingredients and careful attention to timing, you can achieve a mouth-watering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or transformed into a gourmet dessert, these cookies offer endless possibilities for indulgence. Proper storage ensures they stay fresh and delicious, allowing you to savor their rich flavor for weeks or even months. Dive into the world of fudgy brownie cookies and elevate your baking game with this versatile and delightful recipe.