Can I use a different brand of brownie mix?

I've successfully tested this recipe with 18-ounce boxes of Ghirardelli and Duncan Hines brownie mixes. Betty Crocker mix tends to produce flatter cookies because it lacks baking soda. If using Betty Crocker, try adding 1 teaspoon of baking soda, although results may vary.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This typically happens if the brownie mix you used has different ingredients than recommended, if the dough was too warm, or if you used too little flour. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking next time.

Can I make these cookies larger?

Absolutely! If using a medium cookie scoop, add 1-2 minutes to the baking time. Just watch them carefully as they'll still need to look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.

How do I know when they're done baking?

The perfect brownie cookie should have a thin, crackly film on top with the batter no longer glossy, but still showing small ripples of darker batter. The edges should be set while the center still looks slightly soft.

Brownie Cookies Recipe

Name: Brownie Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (18 oz.) box Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 2 large eggs; 5 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon water

This decadent Brownie Cookie recipe transforms your favorite boxed brownie mix into irresistible cookies that deliver all the fudgy goodness of brownies in cookie form. With their crackly tops and soft, chewy centers, these treats come together in just 15 minutes from start to finish – perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings or last-minute dessert emergencies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: Using a boxed brownie mix as your base means fewer ingredients and less measuring – you’ll have these in the oven in 5 minutes flat!
Intensely Chocolatey: These cookies deliver that deep, rich chocolate flavor you crave with the perfect brownie-like texture that’s crisp on the edges and fudgy in the center.
Versatile: Easy to customize with mix-ins like nuts, different chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top to elevate the flavor.
No Special Equipment: No fancy tools required – just a mixing bowl, spoon, and cookie scoop are all you need for perfect cookies every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix: The star of the show – this particular mix creates the perfect texture and deep chocolate flavor. The chocolate chips in the mix add extra chocolatey goodness.
All-purpose flour: Helps transform the brownie batter into a cookie dough consistency, giving structure while maintaining that fudgy center we all love.
Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the cookies, binding everything together perfectly.
Vegetable oil: Creates moisture and helps achieve that signature brownie chewiness.
Water: Just a touch to help bring the dough together without thinning it too much.
Mini chocolate chips: For extra chocolate pockets throughout each cookie – because there’s no such thing as too much chocolate!
Walnuts: Optional but highly recommended for that classic brownie crunch and nutty dimension.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make these brownie cookies your own? Try these tasty twists:

Mint Chocolate: Add 1/4 teaspoon mint extract and use mint chocolate chips instead of regular.
Peanut Butter Paradise: Swirl in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter before baking or press a peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie right after baking.
S’mores Style: Top with mini marshmallows for the last minute of baking and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers when they come out of the oven.
Holiday Special: Add festive sprinkles or colored candy-coated chocolates to match any holiday theme.

How to Make Brownie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the brownie mix, flour, eggs, vegetable oil, water, mini chocolate chips, and walnuts (if using). Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed. The dough will be very sticky – that’s normal and exactly what you want!

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Using a small cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread a bit during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8 minutes initially. The cookies should have a thin film on top, and the batter should no longer be glossy. You might still see small ripples of darker batter – that’s perfect! Remember, it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake these treats.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes (they’ll continue cooking slightly from the residual heat), then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate brownie-cookie experience!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Watch Like a Hawk: These cookies can go from perfectly fudgy to overdone in just a minute. Start checking at 8 minutes and look for that thin film on top.
Test Batch: Every oven bakes differently, so bake 2-3 cookies as a test batch to nail down your exact timing before committing to a full tray.
Cookie Scoop: A small cookie scoop creates uniform cookies that bake evenly. If using a medium scoop, add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Don’t Overmix: Just blend until the ingredients are combined – overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
Sticky Dough Solution: If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm it up slightly.

How to Serve

These brownie cookies shine in so many delicious ways:

Simple Serving

Serve slightly warm with a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort dessert experience.

Dessert Upgrade

Transform them into mini ice cream sandwiches by placing a small scoop of vanilla ice cream between two completely cooled cookies.

Gift Worthy

Stack them in a decorative tin or box lined with parchment paper for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place a slice of bread in the container to keep the cookies soft and chewy.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze scooped dough balls for fresh-baked cookies anytime!

Reheating

For that fresh-baked taste, warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different brand of brownie mix?

I’ve successfully tested this recipe with 18-ounce boxes of Ghirardelli and Duncan Hines brownie mixes. Betty Crocker mix tends to produce flatter cookies because it lacks baking soda. If using Betty Crocker, try adding 1 teaspoon of baking soda, although results may vary.
Why did my cookies spread too much?

This typically happens if the brownie mix you used has different ingredients than recommended, if the dough was too warm, or if you used too little flour. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking next time.
Can I make these cookies larger?

Absolutely! If using a medium cookie scoop, add 1-2 minutes to the baking time. Just watch them carefully as they’ll still need to look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.
How do I know when they’re done baking?

The perfect brownie cookie should have a thin, crackly film on top with the batter no longer glossy, but still showing small ripples of darker batter. The edges should be set while the center still looks slightly soft.

Final Thoughts

These Brownie Cookies are the perfect solution when you’re craving both brownies and cookies – why choose when you can have both? The simplicity of using a boxed mix means you can whip these up whenever a chocolate craving strikes, while the result tastes completely homemade. Their fudgy centers and slightly crisp edges create the perfect texture contrast that keeps everyone coming back for just one more. Give them a try tonight – I bet they won’t last the week!