Introduction

If you love brownies and cookies equally, these 5-Ingredient Brownie Cookies are about to become your new favorite dessert. They combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the crispy edges and chewy centers of cookies—all using just five simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

In today’s fast-paced world, simple recipes are more valuable than ever. This recipe is perfect for beginners, busy families, students, or anyone craving homemade chocolate treats without complicated steps or expensive ingredients. Despite their simplicity, these brownie cookies deliver bakery-style flavor, making them ideal for snacks, parties, or last-minute desserts.

Best of all, this recipe is naturally adaptable, budget-friendly, and easy to customize for different dietary needs.

 

Ingredients

You only need five basic ingredients to make these rich brownie cookies:

Chocolate Chips or Dark Chocolate (1 cup)
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) gives a deeper, richer taste.

Unsalted Butter (¼ cup / 60 g)
Adds moisture and that classic brownie richness.

Granulated Sugar (½ cup)
Provides sweetness and helps create a shiny, crackly top.

Eggs (1 large)
Acts as a binder and gives the cookies structure and chewiness.

All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup)
Just enough to hold everything together without making the cookies cakey.

Optional but recommended: a pinch of salt or vanilla extract (if your site allows slight flexibility).

 

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together using a microwave (in 20-second intervals) or a double boiler. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Egg

Mix the sugar into the melted chocolate mixture. Add the egg and whisk until fully combined and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Fold in the Flour

Gently fold in the flour using a spatula. Do not overmix—this keeps the cookies soft and fudgy.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for 15–20 minutes. This step prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and space them apart.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

 

that may support heart health.

Homemade cookies avoid preservatives and artificial additives.

Portion control: Smaller cookies help reduce excess sugar intake.

Mental wellness: Chocolate is known to boost mood and reduce stress.

You can further improve the health profile by using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage or reducing sugar slightly.

 

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values per cookie (based on 12 cookies):

Calories: 130 kcal

Carbohydrates: 15 g

Protein: 2 g

Fat: 8 g

Saturated Fat: 5 g

Sugar: 10 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sodium: 25 mg

Values may vary depending on ingredients used.

 

Variations and Substitutions

Healthier Options

Replace sugar with coconut sugar or erythritol

Use whole wheat flour for added fiber

Dietary Adjustments

Gluten-free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend

Dairy-free: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter

Egg-free: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water)

Flavor Add-Ins

Chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds)

White chocolate chips

Espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor

Sea salt on top for contrast

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes brownie cookies different from regular chocolate cookies?

Brownie cookies have a richer, fudgier texture similar to brownies, while regular chocolate cookies are usually more cake-like or crispy. The higher chocolate content and lower flour amount give brownie cookies their signature soft center.

Are 5-ingredient brownie cookies good for beginners?

Yes, this recipe is ideal for beginners. With only five ingredients and simple steps, there is very little room for error, making it perfect for first-time bakers.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?

Melted chocolate is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Cocoa powder alone may result in drier cookies unless additional fat is added.

Why do brownie cookies need chilling before baking?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, prevents spreading, and creates thicker cookies with chewy centers. Skipping this step often leads to flat cookies.

How do I know when brownie cookies are done baking?

The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft. Overbaking will make them dry instead of fudgy.

Can I make these cookies without butter?

Yes, butter can be replaced with coconut oil, vegan butter, or margarine. Keep in mind that flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Are brownie cookies suitable for kids?

Absolutely. These cookies are kid-friendly and great for lunchboxes, parties, and family gatherings. You can reduce sugar slightly for younger children.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, sugar can be reduced by about 10–15% without significantly affecting texture. Reducing it further may change the structure of the cookies.

What type of chocolate works best?

Dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) gives the best balance of sweetness and richness, but milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter taste.

 

Conclusion

These 5-Ingredient Brownie Cookies prove that amazing desserts don’t require long ingredient lists or complicated techniques. With minimal effort, you get rich, fudgy cookies that taste like they came from a professional bakery.

Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or just yourself, this recipe is reliable, adaptable, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy days, beginner bakers, or anyone who loves chocolate, these cookies deserve a permanent place in your recipe collection.

 

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