If you’re a chocolate lover in search of the ultimate indulgence, look no further. These Super Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies blend the rich, dense texture of brownies with the delightful crispiness of cookies, creating a treat that’s both gooey and satisfying. Perfect for a special occasion or a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate bars, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon espresso powder (optional, for an extra depth of flavor)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean extract
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars (optional, for extra fudginess)
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a medium-sized heatproof bowl.
- Melt in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time to prevent burning.
- Once melted, whisk in the cocoa powder and optional espresso powder. Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg with both the granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes pale and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the vanilla bean extract and oil into the egg mixture.
- Gradually add the cooled chocolate mixture, mixing until everything is well combined.
- On medium-low speed, blend in the flour, baking powder, and salt until the dough is smooth.
- For an extra fudgy texture, stir in the optional chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
- Shape and Bake:
- Use a cookie scoop lightly coated with baking spray to drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 4 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the cookies have a crinkly top and are just set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven for the best fudgy experience or store them in an airtight container to savor later. For the ultimate treat, eat them within a day of baking.
FAQs:
- Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?
- Yes, chocolate chips or chunks can be used as a substitute for chopped chocolate.
- How should I store these cookies?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Can I prepare the dough in advance?
- Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
- What can I use if I don’t have espresso powder?
- The espresso powder is optional. You can omit it or substitute with instant coffee for a similar effect.
- How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Why did my cookies spread too much?
- Ensure that your dough is not too warm and that you have not overmixed it.
- Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
- Yes, using dark chocolate will make the cookies richer and less sweet.
- How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?
- Adding extra chocolate chips or chunks to the dough will enhance the chocolate flavor.
- What if my cookies are too soft?
- Let them cool completely on the baking sheet as they will firm up as they cool.
- Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
- Absolutely! Nuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins can be added for extra texture and flavor.
Chef’s Advice:
For an indulgent twist, try serving these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast between the warm, fudgy cookie and cold, creamy ice cream creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Also, ensure you use high-quality chocolate, as it significantly enhances the flavor of these cookies. Enjoy baking and savoring every bite of these Super Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies!