Fudgy Brownie Cookies

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Crinkly on the outside, gooey on the inside—Fudgy Brownie Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. With their shiny, crackly tops and melt-in-your-mouth centers, these cookies bring together the best of both worlds: the richness of a brownie and the convenience of a cookie. Every bite is deeply chocolatey, slightly chewy, and irresistibly fudgy, making them perfect for dessert tables, gifts, or just a cozy night in.

Unlike traditional cookies, these treats have a shiny, almost meringue-like crust that cracks beautifully as they bake, revealing the dense, decadent center. They’re ideal for when you’re craving brownies but want something easier to serve and share. Topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, each cookie balances sweetness with a hint of savory to keep your taste buds wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Fudgy Brownie Cookies Recipe

• Intensely rich and chocolate-forward
• Perfect crinkly tops and fudgy centers
• Easy to make with pantry staples
• Elegant enough for gifting, casual enough for weeknights

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect Fudgy Brownie Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Mixing Bowls: Use heatproof bowls for melting chocolate and combining ingredients.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Crucial for beating the eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
• Whisk & Spatula: For folding in dry ingredients without overmixing.
• Baking Sheets with Parchment Paper: Ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps portion out the dough evenly for uniform cookies.
• Cooling Rack: Allows air circulation for the cookies to set properly post-bake.

Each of these tools contributes to achieving that signature glossy top, dense interior, and even baking across the batch.

Preparation Tips

To nail the perfect texture, make sure to whip the eggs and sugar long enough—this step creates the glossy tops and a delicate structure. Melt the chocolate gently to avoid burning, and always let it cool slightly before mixing with eggs to prevent scrambling. Fold the dry ingredients just until combined to preserve air in the batter. Lastly, let the cookie dough rest for a few minutes before baking to help it firm up slightly, which supports the cookies holding their shape while still spreading beautifully.

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Ingredients for this Fudgy Brownie Cookies Recipe

• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (30g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chunks or chips (optional, for folding in)
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional but recommended)

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a heatproof bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter together. You can use a microwave in 30-second bursts or a double boiler. Stir until smooth and glossy, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Whip Eggs and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat on high speed for 5–6 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and forms ribbons. This step is crucial for achieving the crackly tops.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Melted Chocolate

Once the egg mixture is thick and pale, beat in the vanilla extract. Then slowly pour in the cooled melted chocolate and butter mixture while mixing on low. Mix just until incorporated.

Step 4: Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be gentle to retain as much air as possible. Stop mixing once you no longer see dry flour.

Step 5: Fold in Extra Chocolate (Optional)

If you’re adding chocolate chunks or chips, fold them in now. This adds pockets of molten chocolate to each bite and enhances the overall fudginess.

Step 6: Rest the Batter

Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes at room temperature. This allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to scoop and preventing excessive spreading.

Step 7: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes. The cookies should be puffed with crackly tops and slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to set as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Garnish

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While still warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a flavor contrast.

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Notes

Fudgy Brownie Cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm when the centers are still soft and molten. You can enhance the flavor by using high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder—this makes a noticeable difference in richness and depth. For an extra indulgent twist, try sandwiching ice cream between two cookies to make brownie cookie sandwiches. Let the cookies cool completely before storing to avoid condensation inside the container, which can make them soggy.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking: These cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out; they firm up as they cool.
• Undermixing the eggs and sugar: Not beating long enough won’t give you that glossy top.
• Hot chocolate mixture: Adding the melted chocolate while it’s too hot can scramble the eggs.
• Skipping rest time: Without letting the batter rest, the cookies may spread too thin in the oven.
• Overmixing the dry ingredients: Can deflate the batter and make cookies dense.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them chewy, you can place a slice of bread in the container—it helps retain moisture. If you want to store them longer, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked softness.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie, yields ~18)

• Calories: 145
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get that crinkly, shiny top on the cookies?

It comes from beating the eggs and sugar thoroughly and then folding in the chocolate gently. This forms a thin crust on top as they bake.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate gives a richer, more intense flavor, but make sure to adjust the sugar slightly if needed.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if the batter was too warm or not rested before baking. Letting the batter sit helps it firm up.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How do I make them dairy-free?

Use dairy-free chocolate and plant-based butter alternatives. The results are still deliciously fudgy.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, portion the dough and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

What cocoa powder is best for this recipe?

Use unsweetened Dutch-process or natural cocoa powder. Dutch-process offers a smoother, more intense chocolate flavor.

Conclusion

Fudgy Brownie Cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and chewy cookie comfort. With the crackled tops and irresistibly soft centers, they deliver bakery-style quality straight from your kitchen. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving chocolate, these cookies are a surefire crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget the sprinkle of sea salt—it’s the final flourish that makes each bite unforgettable.

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