Soft Brownie Cookies

Featured in Sweet Treats You'll Actually Make Twice.

Brownie-style cookies with a rich, soft center and crispy tops. Heavy on the chocolate with both cocoa and melted chocolate for a bold flavor.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:58:16 GMT
Chewy chocolate cookies stacked on parchment with chocolate kisses. Pin it
Chewy chocolate cookies stacked on parchment with chocolate kisses. | cookbybook.com

These Meltaway Brownie Cookies transform my kitchen into chocolate heaven. They've got all the best brownie qualities packed into cookie form—fudgy centers with those stunning crackly surfaces. My whole family rushes to the kitchen whenever that rich cocoa smell starts wafting through the house.

Delightful Chocolate Pleasure

What makes these treats so special is how they deliver that classic brownie experience in a grab-and-go format. They're crazy easy to whip up but feel totally luxurious. Pair them with ice-cold milk, a steaming mug of coffee, or some creamy vanilla ice cream for an instant mood-lifter.

What You'll Need

  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Go for top-notch chips to get that knockout flavor.
  • Butter: I pick unsalted so I can nail the taste balance myself.
  • Sugar: This gives you those gorgeous crinkly tops everyone loves.
  • Flour: Just the right amount for shape without getting tough.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds that extra chocolate punch we all crave.
  • Leavening: Baking powder and salt do wonders in small amounts.
  • Final Touch: Maybe dust with sugar powder or sprinkle sea salt bits on top.

Let's Make Cookie Magic

Start with Chocolate
Melt the chocolate and butter together nice and slow until it turns glossy smooth, then let it cool a bit.
Mix with Love
Whip those wet ingredients till they look fluffy, then pour in that gorgeous melted chocolate mixture.
Gentle Mixing
Fold the dry stuff in just enough to blend everything without overdoing it.
Time to Rest
Don't skip the fridge time—this hour wait creates cookie perfection.
Into the Oven
Keep an eye out for that sweet spot when they're done cooking but still soft inside.

My Kitchen Secrets

That cooling time isn't optional—it's what creates those amazing crackly tops. I've found that splurging on good chocolate completely changes the taste. Watch your baking time like a hawk to keep that gooey middle, and don't forget a little sprinkle on top for that perfect finishing touch.

Making Them Your Own

I often swap in my own gluten-free mix for friends with dietary needs or toss in chopped pecans when I want some crunch. A tiny bit of espresso powder makes the chocolate taste even more amazing. And when I'm trying to be healthier, applesauce works great as a partial butter substitute.

Keeping Them Fresh

You can totally prep these cookies ahead of time. The dough can hang out in your fridge or freezer until you're ready. After baking, they stay yummy in a sealed container, though they usually disappear fast at my place. Frozen ones taste just as good once they thaw out.

Pure Chocolate Joy

These cookies always make any get-together feel extra special. Their intense chocolate flavor and soft inside win fans every single time. I love them slightly warm with after-dinner coffee or turned into an over-the-top dessert with a scoop of melting ice cream.

Special Ways to Serve

Try sticking two cookies together with some rich ganache filling or serving them warm with vanilla ice cream slowly melting on top. A little caramel drizzle or light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look fancy enough for special celebrations.

Common Questions

  • Make Ahead: Your dough will stay perfect in the fridge or freezer.
  • Fresh Storage: Keep them in a sealed container and they'll stay tasty for days.
  • Freezing: Pop them in the freezer and just thaw when you need a treat.
  • Perfect Pairs: They go amazingly with milk, coffee, or any creamy dessert.
  • Extra Indulgent: Feel free to add even more chocolate if you want.

Everyone's Welcome

I enjoy tweaking these for different dietary needs using non-dairy butter or gluten-free flour blends. Switching to dark chocolate makes them slightly healthier but still packed with flavor. There's always a way to adjust the recipe so nobody misses out.

Baking Joy

The whole process of making these cookies brings such happiness, from the easy mixing to the amazing smell while they bake. No matter if you just started baking yesterday or have been at it for decades, these cookies will put a smile on your face.

A stack of freshly baked chocolate cookies topped with chocolate chips sits on a piece of parchment paper. Pin it
A stack of freshly baked chocolate cookies topped with chocolate chips sits on a piece of parchment paper. | cookbybook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the point of chilling dough?

Chilling firms up the dough, so it's easier to scoop and stops the cookies from spreading in the oven.

→ How do I know they’re ready?

Check for edges that are firm and tops with cracks, but the centers should still feel soft. They’ll finish setting as they cool.

→ Can these be frozen?

Definitely! Freeze the raw dough or the baked cookies. Thaw raw dough in the fridge, baked cookies at room temp before serving.

→ Why melt the chocolate in small steps?

Short bursts stop the chocolate from burning. Stir between melts so it’s perfectly smooth and silky.

→ Do I need the garnish?

You can skip it, but powdered sugar is great for sweetness and sea salt sharpens the chocolate flavor.

Soft Brownie Cookies

Chewy chocolate cookies with a gooey brownie-like middle, crackly tops, and a sprinkle of sea salt or powdered sugar for a perfect finish.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (24 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened).
02 1 teaspoon vanilla.
03 2 large eggs.
04 1 cup all-purpose flour (plain flour).
05 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
06 1/2 cup butter (unsalted).
07 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet).
08 3/4 cup sugar (granulated).
09 1/4 teaspoon salt.
10 Optional: Flaky salt for sprinkling.
11 Powdered sugar for topping (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat butter with chocolate in the microwave in short bursts, stirring till smooth.

Step 02

Stir sugar with eggs and vanilla until creamy. Blend in the melted chocolate.

Step 03

Mix flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder by sifting them together.

Step 04

Carefully fold the dry mix into the wet mix till it's just combined.

Step 05

Let the dough sit in the fridge for about an hour to firm up.

Step 06

Heat your oven to 350°F and line baking trays with parchment paper.

Step 07

Scoop dough with a spoon and drop it onto trays, leaving enough space between.

Step 08

Let them bake for 10-12 minutes, until the tops crack slightly but the centers stay soft.

Notes

  1. Take them out of the oven early for gooey insides.
  2. Cold dough is easier to work with.
  3. Sprinkles or finishing salt add an extra touch.

Tools You'll Need

  • Microwave-safe dish.
  • Cookie trays.
  • Nonstick parchment sheets.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 300
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 4 g