If youâre craving something that tastes like brownies but in a more portable, snackable form, these brownie mix cookies are the perfect solution. They combine the best of both worlds: the indulgent, rich texture of brownies and the convenience of cookies. Hereâs a more detailed breakdown of the recipe, step-by-step!
Ingredients Breakdown
1. Brownie Mix (1 box)
- Why use brownie mix? The brownie mix provides the base flavor and texture for the cookies. It already has the cocoa, sugar, and leavening agents in it, which saves time and ensures the cookies will taste like rich brownies with minimal effort.
- Options: You can use any boxed brownie mix you like. There are many variations available: regular, fudge, or even gluten-free options. If you prefer a specific type (like family-sized or reduced-sugar), feel free to adjust the recipe accordingly.
2. Eggs (2 large)
- Purpose: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the chewy texture. They also help with the structure, giving your cookies that « just right » texture â not too cakey, but not too dense either.
- Tip: Be sure to use room-temperature eggs, as they blend into the batter more smoothly.
3. Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup)
- Why oil? The oil adds moisture to the cookie dough, ensuring a soft and chewy texture. It also helps to make the cookies easier to scoop onto the baking sheet.
- Alternative oils: You can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, melted butter, or even coconut oil if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
4. All-Purpose Flour (1/8 cup)
- Purpose: The addition of a small amount of flour gives the cookies structure and helps them hold together better than if you were just using brownie mix alone. It also prevents them from spreading too thin while baking.
- Why such a small amount? You only need a small quantity because the brownie mix already contains some flour. The extra flour ensures that the cookies maintain a cookie-like texture rather than turning into a thin, spread-out brownie.
5. Optional: Nuts (1/4-1/2 cup)
- Choice of nuts: You can enhance the texture and flavor by adding chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or even almonds. The crunch of nuts adds a nice contrast to the soft, chewy brownie base. Add them at the same time as the flour, mixing them in gently to avoid breaking them up too much.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a standard baking temperature for most cookies and will give you the perfect balance between chewy and slightly crisp edges.
- Tip: Itâs always a good idea to preheat the oven before starting, so that the cookies go into an oven thatâs at the correct temperature right away.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and flour.
- Mixing Tips: Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to stir the ingredients together. Avoid using an electric mixer, as overmixing can result in tougher cookies. Stir just until everything is combined into a thick, dough-like consistency.
- Consistency Check: The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, not runny. If it seems too runny, add a little more flour to thicken it up. If it feels too dry, add a small amount of oil.
Step 3: Add Nuts (Optional)
- If youâre using nuts, fold them in gently after youâve mixed the basic dough. Nuts like walnuts or pecans work really well, adding both flavor and texture to the cookies. Aim for about 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, but you can increase or decrease based on your preference.
Step 4: Scoop the Dough onto a Baking Sheet
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly while baking.
- Tip for Perfect Cookie Size: A standard tablespoon or a medium cookie scoop works well for making cookies that are about 2 inches wide. This size ensures that the cookies bake evenly and have that perfect chewy texture.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Baking Time: Bake the cookies for 9 minutes. However, every oven is different, so start checking them around the 8-minute mark. The cookies are done when the edges are slightly firm, and the centers are set but still soft. If you prefer a softer, gooier cookie, reduce the baking time by a minute or so.
- Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking can result in hard cookies, so once the edges are golden and the centers look set, take them out of the oven.
Step 6: Cooling
- Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting period helps them set and firm up, making them easier to move without falling apart.
- Cooling Rack: After 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This ensures they cool evenly and donât get soggy from sitting on the baking sheet.
Additional Tips for Perfect Brownie Mix Cookies
- Texture Adjustments: If you like your cookies a bit more cake-like, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water to the batter. For chewier cookies, you can use more oil or even a bit of melted butter.
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. Chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, or even swirls of caramel sauce could elevate your brownie mix cookies even further. Just make sure not to overload the dough with too many add-ins, as it can make the cookies too soft to hold their shape.
- Baking with Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper makes cleanup easier, prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan, and helps them bake more evenly. Itâs a great idea, especially if youâre making multiple batches.
- Freezing the Dough: You can freeze cookie dough if you want to make the cookies later. Simply scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once theyâre frozen solid, transfer them to a ziplock bag or container. When youâre ready to bake, just pop the frozen dough onto a baking sheet and bake for a minute or two longer than usual.
Why Make Cookies from Brownie Mix?
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for when youâre craving a sweet treat but donât want to spend hours in the kitchen. The boxed brownie mix simplifies the process, meaning you can have fresh cookies in less than 30 minutes.