If you’ve ever found yourself torn between craving a fudgy brownie and a soft-baked cookie, Brownie Cookies are your sweet tooth’s dream come true. These decadent, chewy cookies are rich like a brownie and crisp like a cookie – the best of both worlds. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, impressing guests, or simply indulging in a late-night treat, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to perfect the art of making these chocolatey wonders.
Don’t miss our classic chocolate mug cake recipe if you’re in a rush but still want something indulgent.
What Are Brownie Cookies?
– The Hybrid Dessert: Brownie Meets Cookie
Brownie cookies are exactly what they sound like – a hybrid dessert combining the best aspects of two favorites: the rich fudginess of brownies and the crisp, crackly edges of cookies.
They look like cookies, but once you bite in, that gooey center gives it away. You get intense chocolate flavor, a tender bite, and slightly crispy edges that mimic a well-baked brownie top. These cookies are typically made with melted chocolate, cocoa powder, eggs, sugar, and just a little flour to keep the texture soft and chewy.
Unlike traditional chocolate chip cookies that use butter as the fat base, brownie cookies rely heavily on melted chocolate and sometimes even espresso powder to enhance that deep, rich taste. They’re not overly sweet but incredibly satisfying – especially for dark chocolate lovers.
– History of Brownie Cookies and Their Rise in Popularity
The idea of merging a brownie and a cookie isn’t new, but it surged in popularity around the early 2010s, largely thanks to food bloggers and Instagram bakers who posted drool-worthy shots of crinkled, shiny chocolate cookie tops. Some trace the concept to classic French flourless chocolate cookies (like the ones from Parisian bakeries), while others point to American home-baking culture where experimentation is king.
Today, brownie cookies are a staple in cafés and bakeries across the U.S. They’ve even made their way into boxed mixes from major brands, but nothing beats the homemade version that lets you customize the texture and flavor.
– Brownie Cookies vs. Traditional Brownies and Cookies
Let’s break it down with a quick table for clarity:
| Feature | Brownie | Cookie | Brownie Cookie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texture | Fudgy or cakey | Crispy or chewy | Fudgy inside, crisp outside |
| Main fat | Butter | Butter | Melted chocolate or oil |
| Baking Time | 20–30 minutes | 10–12 minutes | 10–12 minutes |
| Serving Style | Cut into squares | Individual rounds | Individual rounds with soft center |
| Chocolate Intensity | Medium to High | Varies | Very High |
– Why Brownie Cookies Are the Perfect Party or Gifting Dessert
They hold up well in packaging, they don’t require a fork, and they look irresistibly glossy on the surface. Brownie cookies can be:
Boxed in parchment paper as gifts
Baked in mini muffin tins for bite-size treats
Dipped in melted chocolate for double indulgence
Sprinkled with sea salt to enhance flavor
Whether you’re throwing a party or sending edible gifts for holidays or birthdays, these cookies check every box for visual appeal, taste, and ease of storage.
How to Make the Perfect Brownie Cookies (Step-by-Step Recipe)
– Essential Ingredients for Brownie Cookies
To achieve the classic rich, fudgy texture and shiny, crackled tops that define a perfect brownie cookie, you need the right ingredients in the right proportions. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp baking powder (optional for slight lift)
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for best results)
Wet Ingredients:
2 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
Chocolate Base:
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
¼ cup unsalted butter
Optional Add-ins:
Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts)
Sea salt flakes
Caramel bits or mini marshmallows
Don’t forget: Use high-quality chocolate—it’s the soul of your brownie cookie!
– Step-by-Step Instructions (with Timing and Technique)
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your cookies have that classic brownie crackle with a fudgy center:
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt your chocolate chips and butter together. Stir until smooth, glossy, and fully combined. Let it cool slightly while preparing other ingredients.
Step 2: Whip the Eggs and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together for 3–4 minutes until pale and thickened. This step is crucial—it helps create the shiny tops and soft interiors.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Enhancers
Mix in vanilla extract and espresso powder. Stir gently, making sure not to deflate the egg mixture too much.
Step 4: Combine the Chocolate and Egg Mixture
Slowly pour the cooled melted chocolate into the whipped eggs and sugar mixture. Fold gently using a spatula.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder (if using), and salt. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet batter until just combined.
Step 6: Let the Dough Rest
Cover and refrigerate the dough for 20–30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from overspreading and keeps the centers fudgy.
Step 7: Preheat and Scoop
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough, spaced at least 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the centers will appear soft and puffed. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once cooled, the tops should be crackly, the edges crisp, and the centers soft and rich. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Looking for inspiration? Try our soft buttery Madeline cookies for a French twist on classic bakes.
– Storage and Freezing Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container lined with parchment to keep cookies soft for up to 5 days.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, just add 1–2 extra minutes.
Reheat Tip: Pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
These chocolate-packed delights are a make-ahead dream and perfect for prepping large batches in advance.
Don’t miss our guide to Dubai chocolate cheesecake bars for more decadent chocolate desserts!
Brownie Cookies
- Total Time: 22 min
Description
These Brownie Cookies are the ultimate hybrid dessert—fudgy like a brownie on the inside, crisp like a cookie on the outside. With shiny crackle tops, intense chocolate flavor, and a chewy bite, they’re every chocolate lover’s dream. Perfect for gifting, parties, or indulging straight off the tray.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
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½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
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¼ tsp baking powder (optional)
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
Wet Ingredients:
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2 large eggs
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¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
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¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tbsp espresso powder (optional but enhances flavor)
Chocolate Base:
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1½ cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
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¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
Optional Mix-ins:
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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¼ tsp sea salt flakes for topping
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½ cup white chocolate chips or caramel bits
Instructions
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Melt Chocolate & Butter
In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together using a microwave in 30-second bursts or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly. -
Beat Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3–4 minutes until pale and thickened. -
Add Flavor Enhancers
Mix in vanilla extract and espresso powder. -
Combine with Chocolate Mixture
Slowly pour the cooled melted chocolate into the egg mixture, folding gently until fully incorporated. -
Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Fold into the wet mixture until no streaks remain. -
Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to thicken. -
Preheat Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. -
Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized rounds of dough onto baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still soft. -
Cool and Serve
Let cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
Notes
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Don’t Overbake: Remove when centers look slightly underdone for fudgy perfection.
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Make Ahead: Dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours before baking.
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Freeze Option: Freeze unbaked dough balls; bake from frozen with 2 extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
Customizing Your Brownie Cookies: Flavors and Mix-Ins
– Creative Flavor Additions That Elevate Brownie Cookies
Once you’ve mastered the classic brownie cookie recipe, it’s time to play. With a few tweaks, you can create gourmet versions that rival what you’d find at a boutique bakery. These twists add complexity, color, and bold flavors to your cookie batches.
Popular Flavor Twists to Try:
Peppermint: Add ¼ tsp peppermint extract to the dough or mix in crushed candy canes for a holiday vibe.
Orange Zest: A touch of citrus adds a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate. Use 1 tsp of fresh zest.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop a dollop of peanut butter in the center before baking, then swirl it with a toothpick.
Espresso Kick: Boost with an extra ½ tsp of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate and add a mocha flavor.
Flavor Fusion Pro Tip: Mix a tiny pinch of chili powder or cayenne for a Mexican chocolate-style brownie cookie—unexpected and delicious.
– Best Chocolate Add-ins and Substitutions
Not all chocolate is created equal. The kind you use can drastically change the outcome of your cookie. Here’s a quick breakdown of your best options:
| Chocolate Type | Flavor Profile | Texture Result | Suggested Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark (70% cocoa+) | Bitter, bold | Dense and fudgy | Perfect for chocoholics |
| Milk Chocolate | Creamy, sweet | Softer interior | Kid-friendly batches |
| White Chocolate | Vanilla-sweet | Buttery melt pockets | Best with fruity twists |
| Chocolate Chunks | Melts unevenly | Gooey bites throughout | Bakery-style results |
| Mini Chips | Even distribution | Crisp texture balance | Classic cookie finish |
Additions That Work Great:
Toffee bits for caramel crunch
Crushed pretzels for sweet and salty
Chopped dried fruit like cranberries or cherries
Mini marshmallows for gooey centers
These add-ins not only enhance flavor but also create layers of texture that make each bite exciting.
Check out our take on nostalgic cookie-chocolate combinations like the Cheez-It peanut butter and chocolate treat, a savory-sweet pairing that breaks all the rules—in the best way!
– Dietary Adaptations for All Types of Eaters
Want to make brownie cookies friendly for different diets without sacrificing flavor? Here’s how:
For Gluten-Free Lovers:
Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend (like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1). Add 1 tbsp cornstarch for texture.
For Vegans:
Use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine
Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips
For Low-Sugar Versions:
Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol
Use unsweetened cocoa and dark chocolate (85% cocoa or higher)
For Nut Allergies:
Skip nut-based add-ins
Use sunflower butter instead of peanut butter if needed
These tweaks make it easy to include everyone in the cookie joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a brownie cookie recipe like Marmiton’s?
A: While Marmiton offers several versions of brownie cookies, our homemade recipe is even richer in chocolate, with detailed instructions for a gooey center and crispy edges. You can adapt ours by adding classic French ingredients like salted butter or hazelnut pieces.
What’s the best homemade brownie cookie recipe?
The best recipe relies on three key points: melted dark chocolate, well-beaten eggs for a glossy top, and a short baking time to keep the center soft. Follow our step-by-step guide above for bakery-quality results.
Comment obtenir des cookies brownie bien fondants à l’intérieur ?
Le secret est de battre les œufs et le sucre assez longtemps pour aérer le mélange, d’utiliser du vrai chocolat fondu plutôt que du cacao seul, et de ne pas trop cuire. Retirez-les du four quand ils semblent à peine pris au centre, puis laissez-les reposer.
Can you use a brownie recipe to make cookies?
You can use it as inspiration, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of flour and baking time. Brownies have a thinner batter, while cookies need a little more firmness to prevent them from spreading too much.
Brownie Cookies aren’t just another dessert—they’re a rich, indulgent upgrade to your regular cookie tray. Combining the best textures and flavors from two timeless treats, they’re surprisingly easy to make and incredibly versatile to adapt. Whether you love bold dark chocolate, crave gooey centers, or want to dress them up with peppermint, nuts, or peanut butter swirls—there’s a brownie cookie for every occasion.
|For more information about this recipe click here .