My Family Begs for Seconds – These Brawnie Cookies Are a Weeknight Winner!
Okay, friends, let me tell you about a cookie catastrophe turned triumph. Last week, the kids were clamoring for cookies. You know, the kind of persistent, “I’m-going-to-follow-you-around-until-you-give-in” kind of clamoring. I was tired, it was late, and the thought of baking felt like climbing Mount Everest.
But then, I remembered a recipe I’d been meaning to try – these ridiculously fudgy, deeply chocolatey brawnie cookies. A friend had raved about them, calling them the “best of both worlds” – the satisfying chew of a brownie with the convenient hand-held portability of a cookie.
Now, usually, I’m a bit of a recipe skeptic. I’ve had my share of Pinterest fails. But desperation, as they say, is the mother of invention (or in this case, delicious cookies). I whipped up a batch, half-expecting a disaster.
Folks, these brawnie cookies vanished. Gone. Eaten so quickly, I barely snagged one myself! The kids declared them the “best cookies ever,” and even my husband, who claims he’s “not a sweets person,” devoured three.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: Seriously, you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.
- Fudgy and Chewy: The perfect texture combination!
- Super Chocolatey: Intense chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Kid-Approved (and Husband-Approved!): A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes.
Ingredients for Out-of-This-World Brawnie Cookies
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks!)
Ingredient Notes:
Butter: Make sure the butter is completely* melted and slightly cooled before adding the sugar. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Cocoa Powder: Use a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor, but regular cocoa works just fine.
- Chocolate Chips: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, even white chocolate would be delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions: The Easiest Brawnie Cookies You’ll Ever Make
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is KEY for easy cleanup and prevents sticking!
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the egg and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated. Again, avoid overmixing. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Remember, they’ll continue to set as they cool.
9. Let the brawnie cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can resist eating them warm, that is!
Brawnie Cookie Presentation Ideas
- Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty, elegant touch.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Make a brawnie cookie ice cream sandwich!
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel.
- Package them up in a cute box for a homemade gift.
Pro Tips and Frequently Asked Questions About Brawnie Cookies
- Why are my cookies flat? Overmixing the batter can cause flat cookies. Make sure to mix the flour in just until it’s combined. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too hot when you add the sugar.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let it come to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking.
- How do I store leftover brawnie cookies? Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes! These brawnie cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually or in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
My Final Thoughts on These Delightful Brawnie Cookies
Seriously, you guys NEED to try these brawnie cookies. They are the perfect solution for a quick and easy dessert that will satisfy any chocolate craving. This recipe is a keeper, and I know it will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. My biggest problem now is keeping them around long enough to actually enjoy them myself!
Now it’s your turn! Let me know in the comments if you tried this brawnie cookies recipe! Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? I can’t wait to hear from you! And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family – they’ll thank you for it! Happy Baking!