If you adore the fudgy richness of brownies but crave the convenience of a cookie, then you are in for a treat with this Meltaway Brownie Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the ultimate soft, chocolatey indulgence that literally melt in your mouth, combining the deep, comforting flavors of classic brownies with the perfect handheld size of a cookie. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe brings out the best of intense cocoa, luscious chocolate chips, and a tender crumb that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work beautifully together to create that irresistible texture and flavor we all love in brownie cookies. Each component adds its own magic, from the creamy butter and rich cocoa powder to the melty chocolate chips and a touch of vanilla.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides creamy richness and helps create the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the cookie.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for that soft, fudgy center.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses intense chocolate flavor and earthy bitterness.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie, giving it body while keeping it tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, cakey edge.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds gooey pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A delicate touch for a pretty finish and slight extra sweetness.
How to Make Meltaway Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick and will develop a lovely, even texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and fluffy. This step is crucial because it creates tiny air pockets that make your cookies tender and meltaway soft.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse your dough with its warm, sweet fragrance.
Step 4: Mix in Cocoa Powder
Carefully mix in the unsweetened cocoa powder until the batter turns into a rich, chocolatey canvas. This is where your cookies start to take on that deep, intense brownie flavor.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until you achieve a smooth, thick dough without overmixing, which keeps the cookies tender.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Each bite will have delightful bursts of melty chocolate goodness.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft—this is key to that perfect meltaway texture.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Dusting
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes—they will firm up during this rest—before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For an elegant touch, dust with powdered sugar if you like, to make your cookies look as delightful as they taste.
How to Serve Meltaway Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy elegance, but you can also sprinkle flaky sea salt to contrast the sweet, or drizzle melted white chocolate for a pretty, decadent swirl. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts make lovely garnishes that elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
Pair these Meltaway Brownie Cookies with a cold glass of milk or a rich espresso to complement their fudgy chocolate flavor. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a mini dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies next to a bowl of fresh fruit salad for a beautiful dessert board, or sandwich two cookies around your favorite ice cream for amazing homemade ice cream sandwiches. Gift them in a decorated jar or wrapped with a colorful ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Their soft, fudgy texture stays perfectly intact, making them just as enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To freeze the dough, scoop onto parchment, freeze until firm, then store in bags—bake straight from frozen adding a couple of extra minutes.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked warmth, microwave the cookies for about 10 seconds or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that soft, meltaway quality perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use dark cocoa powder in this Meltaway Brownie Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Dark cocoa powder will give the cookies a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. You might even find adding a pinch of espresso powder enhances the depth even more.
Why do the cookies need to still have soft centers when taking them out of the oven?
This is how you maintain the signature fudge-like texture. The centers continue to set as they cool, ensuring a meltaway experience without becoming dry or cakey.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling isn’t mandatory but can help if your dough feels too soft to handle easily. It also slows spread so you get thicker cookies.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is preferred for its rich flavor and texture. Margarine or oil will affect the taste and the meltaway texture, so it’s best to stick with butter for authentic results.
How many cookies does this Meltaway Brownie Cookies Recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 24 deliciously fudgy cookies—just enough to satisfy a crowd or keep you happily snacking all week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about biting into a cookie that’s bursting with all the velvety, rich goodness of a brownie. This Meltaway Brownie Cookies Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that create magic in your kitchen. Whether for a special occasion or everyday treat, I can’t wait for you to try these and experience their luscious, melt-in-your-mouth charm yourself. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Meltaway Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Meltaway Brownie Cookies deliver the perfect fudgy texture of a brownie in a soft, chewy cookie form. Rich cocoa flavor combined with chocolate chips makes them irresistibly decadent yet simple to prepare, ideal for an easy American dessert treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping (Optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for better texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporate Cocoa Powder: Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder thoroughly until the batter is uniform and richly chocolatey.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet cocoa mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly without breaking them.
- Portion Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft for that meltaway texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, adding a delicate sweetness and attractive finish.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, substitute dark cocoa powder or add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter.
- These cookies are meant to be soft and fudgy; avoid overbaking to retain this texture.
- If the dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, chill it for 30 minutes before scooping.
