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Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies with Crackly Tops

Four freshly baked chocolate brownie cookies with shiny, cracked tops stacked on a light plate.

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Make these rich, fudgy chocolate brownie cookies that combine the best qualities of a dense brownie and a chewy cookie. They develop a desirable crackly top, offering an ultimate chocolate indulgence in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra gooey centers)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using. The dough will be thick, like brownie batter.
  7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound.
  8. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers will still look slightly soft and underbaked—this is key for fudgy results.
  9. Remove the sheets from the oven. Immediately tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter two or three times to help the tops crackle.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For the best crackly tops, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before starting.
  • Do not overbake these cookies; they firm up significantly as they cool.
  • For a gourmet finish, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the dough balls right before baking.

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