Fudgy Brownie Cookies are a delicious hybrid dessert that combines the rich, dense texture of brownies with the convenient format of cookies. These treats are characterized by their soft, chewy centers and crispy edges, offering the best of both worlds. They often include ingredients like cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and a touch of vanilla, which give them a deep, chocolatey flavor reminiscent of brownies. Ideal for those who love brownies but want the ease and portability of cookies, Fudgy Brownie Cookies are perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings in a handheld form.
Fudgy Brownie Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup (60g) plain/all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
7 oz (200g) 60 – 70% dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Line 2 large baking trays with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate and butter. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one, until melted and smooth. Set aside.
Using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat together the eggs and sugar until pale, fluffy, and tripled in volume – about 5 minutes.
Add the chocolate mixture and vanilla, and whisk until combined.
Add the dry ingredients and fold in until smooth and combined. The batter will be very runny.
Refrigerate for 15 minutes until thickened slightly, and resembles more like a thick brownie batter when mixed.
Using a medium cookie scoop, divide all of the batter out between the prepared baking trays.
NOTE: Scooping out all of the dough at once onto baking trays is key to shiny, crinkly tops on all cookies.
Bake for 10 – 12 minutes (one tray at a time) or until the tops are shiny and cracked, and the cookies have domed slightly.
Allow to cool on the baking trays for at least 15 – 20 minutes (they will be very soft) before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To store Fudgy Brownie Cookies and keep them fresh, follow these guidelines:
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Airtight Container: Place the cookies in an airtight container. This will help retain their freshness and prevent them from becoming too dry or hard.
- Layer with Parchment Paper: If you’re stacking cookies, place parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Room Temperature: Store the container at room temperature if you plan to eat the cookies within a week.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge.
- Freezing: To store cookies for an extended period, freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Following these steps will help maintain the taste and texture of your Fudgy Brownie Cookies.
Here are some variations and tips to enhance your Fudgy Brownie Cookies:
Variations:
- Mix-ins: Add chocolate chips, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or chunks of caramel for added texture and flavor.
- Flavors: Experiment with different extracts such as almond or peppermint, or add a swirl of peanut butter or hazelnut spread for a unique twist.
- Swirls and Toppings: Incorporate swirls of cream cheese or marshmallow fluff into the dough. Top with sea salt flakes or sprinkles before baking for extra flair.
- Stuffed Cookies: Stuff the cookie dough with a piece of your favorite candy or a small dollop of Nutella before baking for a gooey surprise inside.
- Spices: Add a touch of cinnamon, espresso powder, or chili powder for a subtle kick or depth of flavor.
Tips:
- Proper Measurement: Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements of ingredients, especially for the best fudgy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can make cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before baking to make it easier to handle.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Baking Time: Watch the cookies closely towards the end of baking. They should look set around the edges but remain soft in the center for the perfect fudgy texture.
- Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from falling apart.
By exploring these variations and following these tips, you can tailor your Fudgy Brownie Cookies to suit your taste and achieve the perfect texture.