Brownie Cookies Recipe

Soft and Chewy 25-Minute Brownie Cookies: A Delicious Fusion of Brownie and Cookie

Introduction

In the realm of desserts, few things are as universally adored as brownies and cookies. Each brings its own unique set of textures and flavors to the table, and both have their devoted followers. But what if you could combine the best elements of both into a single, mouth-watering treat? Enter the Soft and Chewy 25-Minute Brownie Cookies, a delightful fusion of fudgy brownies and crisp-edged cookies. This recipe, developed by Erin Clarkson, captures the essence of a perfect chocolate brownie in cookie form, with a crinkly top and a chewy center that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 100g good quality dark chocolate (72% cacao recommended), chopped
• 55g unsalted butter, cold from the fridge is fine
• 12g Dutch process cocoa (a mix of half black cocoa and half Dutch process works beautifully)
• 1 large egg (50g without shell), at room temperature
• 75g caster sugar (granulated sugar can be used if caster sugar is unavailable)
• 55g brown sugar
• 55g all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt

These ingredients are meticulously chosen to ensure the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your brownie cookies.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a half-sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper. Using a 2 ½ inch (6.3 cm) cookie cutter and a pencil, trace eight circles on the parchment paper (three in one line, two in the next, followed by another three), ensuring even spacing. Turn the parchment paper over so the pencil marks are underneath.
2. Piping Setup: Fit a piping bag with a medium round piping tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a Ziploc bag with a corner cut off or a size #24 cookie scoop can work as alternatives. Place a clip above the piping tip and another at the end of the bag to prevent batter from leaking out prematurely.

Melting and Mixing

3. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water), combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, this can be done in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well after each until smooth.
4. Incorporate Cocoa Powder: Sift the cocoa powder over the melted chocolate and butter mixture and stir until well combined. Let this mixture stand for 8 minutes. When there are 4 minutes remaining, start preparing the egg mixture.
5. Whip Egg and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the egg, caster sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric handheld mixer, beat the mixture on medium to high speed for 4 minutes until it lightens in color and increases in volume. This step can also be performed using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
6. Combine Mixtures: Add the chocolate mixture to the whipped egg and sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined with the electric mixer.
7. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing by hand until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Transfer the batter to the prepared piping bag.

Piping and Baking

8. Pipe the Cookies: Pipe the batter onto the parchment paper, holding the piping tip about 2 cm above the paper. Squeeze until the batter forms a dome that matches the diameter of your traced circles. If the cookies aren’t large enough initially, you can add more batter to the center of each mound to ensure they spread to the correct size.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until they are just set and crinkly on top. Be careful not to overbake them, as this can cause them to dry out. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the pan to set before transferring them to a storage container or serving.

Storing Your Brownie Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled and set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them an ideal treat to prepare in advance for gatherings or to enjoy as a daily indulgence.

Tips for the Perfect Brownie Cookies

1. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. The richness of the chocolate directly impacts the taste of the cookies.
2. Proper Mixing: Ensure that the egg and sugar mixture is beaten until it has lightened and increased in volume. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture.
3. Even Piping: Take your time when piping the batter onto the parchment paper. Even, dome-shaped mounds will result in uniform cookies.
4. Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be just set and crinkly on top. Overbaking can lead to a loss of the chewy, fudgy texture that makes these cookies special.

Serving Suggestions

Brownie cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

• Classic Pairing: Serve them with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic and comforting treat.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the cookies as the base for ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
• With Coffee: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, making them an excellent choice for a mid-morning or afternoon snack.

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of baking is the ability to customize recipes to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to tweak the Soft and Chewy 25-Minute Brownie Cookies to make them uniquely yours:

1. Add-Ins: Incorporate nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an added crunch. You can also mix in chocolate chips or chunks for an extra chocolatey experience.
2. Flavored Extracts: Experiment with different extracts to enhance the flavor. A touch of vanilla extract or even a hint of mint or orange extract can add a new dimension to your cookies.
3. Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to the batter to elevate the flavor profile.
4. Salt: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a delicious sweet and salty combination.
5. Frosting or Drizzle: Once the cookies are cooled, consider adding a drizzle of white chocolate, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a light layer of frosting for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best bakers sometimes run into issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions to help you achieve perfect brownie cookies every time:

1. Cookies Spreading Too Much: If your cookies spread too much during baking, the batter might be too warm. Make sure the chocolate mixture is adequately cooled before combining it with the egg mixture. Chilling the batter for a few minutes before piping can also help.
2. Dry or Crumbly Cookies: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry cookies. Bake the cookies just until they are set and crinkly on top. They should still be slightly soft when removed from the oven as they will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
3. Flat Cookies: If your cookies turn out flat, it could be due to under-whipped eggs. Ensure you beat the egg and sugar mixture until it has significantly lightened and increased in volume.

Nutritional Information

While these brownie cookies are undeniably delicious, it’s also important to be mindful of their nutritional content, especially if you’re enjoying them regularly. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per cookie:

• Calories: Approximately 150
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 2g

These values can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.

Pairing Ideas

Pairing your dessert with the right beverage can elevate your culinary experience. Here are some delightful pairings for your brownie cookies:

1. Milk: The classic choice, milk, complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly.
2. Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Red Wine: For an adult twist, pair your brownie cookies with a robust red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot.
4. Hot Chocolate: For an indulgent treat, enjoy these cookies with a cup of creamy hot chocolate.

Sharing and Gifting

These cookies are not only a treat for yourself but also make for wonderful gifts. Here are some tips on sharing and gifting your brownie cookies:

1. Gift Packaging: Package the cookies in a decorative tin or box lined with parchment paper. Add a ribbon and a handwritten note for a personal touch.
2. Cookie Swaps: Participate in cookie swaps with friends or family. These cookies are sure to be a hit!
3. Party Favors: Wrap individual cookies in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a simple yet elegant party favor.

Variations for Dietary Restrictions

For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can be adapted to suit various needs:

1. Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients, such as chocolate and cocoa powder, are certified gluten-free.
2. Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like margarine or coconut oil. Ensure the chocolate you use is dairy-free as well.
3. Vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) instead of the egg, and a plant-based butter substitute.

Final Thoughts

Baking is a wonderful way to bring joy to yourself and others. The Soft and Chewy 25-Minute Brownie Cookies are a testament to how simple ingredients and a straightforward process can result in an extraordinary treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is accessible and rewarding. The combination of rich, dark chocolate, a perfectly crinkled top, and a chewy center make these cookies irresistible.

So the next time you find yourself craving something sweet, or need a quick dessert for a gathering, remember this recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress, and the best part is, it comes together in just 25 minutes. Happy baking!