Ultimate Fudgy Halloween Brownie Cookies: Chewy, Frosted & Irresistibly Delicious!
Get ready to indulge in the perfect combination of your two favorite desserts: brownies and cookies! These Halloween Brownie Cookies take everything you adore about rich, fudgy brownies and transform it into a delightfully chewy cookie. Each bite offers a soft, dense center with a satisfyingly chewy edge, all crowned with a decadent chocolate icing. These festive treats are an absolute dream for any chocolate lover, especially as a special indulgence for the spooky season!
Crafted from scratch, these fudgy frosted brownie cookies are truly irresistible. We’ve meticulously balanced the ingredients to ensure they achieve that coveted brownie texture: gloriously soft and fudgy in the middle, and perfectly chewy around the edges. This recipe delivers a cookie that captures all the best qualities of a freshly baked pan of brownies, but in a convenient, hand-held form. Prepare yourself for a rich, deep chocolate experience that will leave you wanting more!
Why This is The BEST Brownie Cookie Recipe You’ll Find
If you consider yourself a true connoisseur of chocolate, then these cookies are specifically designed for you. Our recipe features a intensely chocolatey brownie cookie base, generously packed with extra chocolate chips for an added burst of cocoa in every mouthful. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there! Each cookie is then crowned with a silky, homemade chocolate ganache frosting, ensuring your deepest chocolate cravings are not just met, but gloriously exceeded. For the ultimate treat, don’t forget to serve these rich cookies alongside a tall, frosty glass of cold milk.
Reasons You’ll Fall in Love with These Frosted Brownie Cookies
While the sheer deliciousness of a fudgy, chocolate-packed cookie might be reason enough to start baking, we understand that a little extra convincing never hurts! If you need a few more nudges to whip up a batch of these delightful Halloween Brownie Cookies soon, here are four compelling reasons why we believe this recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients. You won’t need to hunt for exotic items for this recipe. All the ingredients are very straightforward and likely already stocked in your pantry. This makes it an ideal recipe for any occasion, whether you’re planning ahead or deciding on a whim to bake something special without an extra trip to the grocery store.
- Absolutely No Dough Chilling Required! One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is the complete absence of dough chilling. This means no tedious waiting around! You can start measuring your ingredients right now, and in just a short amount of time, you’ll be enjoying a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven, fudgy brownie cookie (or two!). Instant gratification at its finest.
- The Frosting is Delightfully Optional. While we wholeheartedly recommend adding a luscious layer of chocolate ganache frosting – especially for that extra decadent touch – these incredible brownie cookies taste fantastic even without it. This flexibility allows you to customize your treat: skip the topping if you prefer a simpler brownie cookie, or dive in while the cookies are still warm if you can’t bear to wait for the frosting to set. They’re delicious either way!
- Perfect for Any Occasion & Easy Customization. Beyond just Halloween, these brownie cookies are a versatile treat. Their robust chocolate flavor makes them a hit year-round, and they’re incredibly easy to customize with different sprinkles or toppings for any holiday or celebration. They’re also simple to package, making them wonderful for gifting or bringing to parties.
Essential Ingredients for Our Irresistible Chocolate Brownie Cookies
Creating these remarkably rich and chewy brownie cookies starts with a selection of common pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing the deep chocolate flavor and the signature fudgy-chewy texture that makes these cookies so special.
For the Fudgy Brownie Cookies, you will need:
Cocoa Powder: You’ll need 3/4 cups of high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. This is the cornerstone of our intense chocolate flavor, ensuring a deep and authentic brownie taste. Using a good brand will significantly enhance the final result.
Butter: We use 1/2 cup (one stick) of unsalted butter. Butter contributes to the rich flavor and moistness of the cookies, helping them achieve that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Shortening: Adding in 1/4 cup of vegetable shortening is key to achieving that perfect chewy yet soft texture. Shortening helps create a tender crumb without imparting any additional flavor, allowing the chocolate to truly shine.
Granulated Sugar: Use 2 cups of granulated sugar. This not only provides the perfect level of sweetness but also contributes significantly to the chewy texture and slightly cracked tops that are characteristic of excellent brownie cookies.
Large Eggs: Three large eggs are essential for binding the cookie dough together, adding richness, and creating that desirable fudgy density. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.
Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract elevates and balances the chocolate flavors. Vanilla acts as a flavor enhancer, adding warmth and depth to the overall profile of the cookies.
All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to provide the necessary structure for these substantial cookies. Be careful not to overmix once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
Salt: A modest 3/4 teaspoon of salt is vital. It doesn’t just add seasoning; it acts as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the depth of the chocolate and balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Chocolate Chips: Incorporate 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough for delightful pockets of melted chocolate in every single bite, further intensifying the chocolate experience.
For the Decadent Chocolate Frosting, you will need:
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For the ultimate smooth and rich ganache, use 1/2 cup of high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips. Their balanced sweetness is perfect for the frosting.
Heavy Cream: 1/3 cup of heavy cream is crucial for creating a rich, luxurious, and pourable chocolate ganache that will beautifully coat your cookies.
Butter: Just 1/2 a tablespoon of butter is added to the frosting. This small amount helps to achieve a beautiful glossy shine and adds a subtle depth of flavor to the ganache.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Frosted Brownie Cookies
Crafting the Perfect Brownie Cookie Base
Follow these simple instructions to create the fudgy, chewy brownie cookies:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Set this aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cocoa powder, butter, and shortening. Microwave this mixture for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or until the butter and shortening are completely melted. Stir thoroughly until the cocoa powder has fully dissolved into a smooth, rich chocolate base.
- Next, stir in the granulated sugar until it is well blended with the chocolate mixture. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
- Add the three large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until it is fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Finally, gently stir in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for a burst of chocolate in every bite.
- Using a tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. The cookies are done when their tops appear slightly cracked and the edges are set, but the centers still look soft and fudgy.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a full 10 minutes. This is crucial for them to firm up before you attempt to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whipping Up the Silky Chocolate Frosting
This simple ganache frosting adds a layer of luxuriousness to your brownie cookies:
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream and butter over medium-low heat on the stove. Stir occasionally, just until the butter melts and the mixture barely begins to boil around the edges. Remove immediately from heat.
- Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. Pour the hot cream and butter mixture directly over the chocolate chips. Resist the urge to stir immediately; allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. This allows the heat from the cream to melt the chocolate thoroughly.
- After 5 minutes, gently stir the cream and chocolate mixture from the center outwards until it transforms into a thick, smooth, and well-combined chocolate ganache.
- Now it’s time to frost! You can either drizzle the warm ganache generously over the tops of your cooled cookies for an elegant finish, or for a bolder coating, dip the tops of the cookies directly into the frosting.
- For a festive touch, especially for Halloween, immediately sprinkle with your favorite colorful Halloween sprinkles while the frosting is still wet. Allow the frosted cookies to set at room temperature until the ganache is firm, then serve and enjoy every delectable bite!
Creative & Fun Add-On Ideas to Elevate Your Brownie Cookies
While these brownie cookies are absolutely delicious on their own, they are also incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit any occasion or season. Making them a tad more festive is simple and fun! Once your cookies have been frosted, and while the ganache is still wet and pliable, you can add a variety of colorful sprinkles or other toppings.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: For Fall and Halloween, vibrant orange, black, and purple sprinkles are perfect for a spooky touch. Around Christmas time, switch to cheerful red and green sprinkles. For Valentine’s Day, pink and red hearts or sprinkles would be ideal. Easter can call for pastel colors, and Fourth of July for red, white, and blue.
- Crushed Candies: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider sprinkling crushed peppermint candies during the winter months, or crushed peanut butter cups for a rich, salty-sweet contrast.
- Chopped Nuts: If you love a bit of crunch, finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be added on top of the frosting.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: A scattering of mini chocolate chips (white, milk, or dark) can add another dimension of chocolatey goodness and visual appeal.
- Sea Salt Flakes: For a sophisticated touch that truly makes the chocolate flavor pop, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the wet ganache is a game-changer.
- Drizzle with Caramel or White Chocolate: After the dark chocolate ganache has set, you could add an additional drizzle of melted caramel or white chocolate for a beautiful contrast and extra flavor layers.
The possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize these brownie cookies for any celebration or simply to satisfy a creative craving!
HALLOWEEN BROWNIE COOKIES
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Ingredients
Cookies
- ¾ cup cocoa
- ½ cup butter 1 stick
- ¼ cup shortening
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Frosting
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ½ Tbsp butter
- Halloween sprinkles
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside for easy cleanup.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cocoa, butter, and shortening. Microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or until fully melted. Stir continuously until the cocoa completely dissolves into a smooth, dark chocolate mixture.
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Stir the granulated sugar into the warm chocolate mixture until it’s thoroughly blended and glossy. Then, mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
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Once the wet ingredients are well combined, gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix gently until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix the dough.
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After the flour is mixed in, gently stir in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the rich brownie cookie dough.
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Drop the cookie dough by tablespoonfuls onto your prepared baking sheet. Ensure there’s enough space between each cookie for spreading.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the tops of the cookies should show slight cracks, indicating they are done but still wonderfully fudgy. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Frosting
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In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream and butter until the butter has fully melted and the mixture just begins to simmer, but not boil rapidly.
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Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Pour the hot cream and butter mixture directly over the chocolate chips. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for a full 5 minutes to let the heat melt the chocolate.
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After 5 minutes, begin stirring the mixture from the center outwards. Continue stirring until the chocolate chips have completely melted into the hot cream, creating a smooth, luscious chocolate ganache. You can then dip the cooled cookies directly into this rich frosting, or drizzle it artfully over them. For a festive touch, top your freshly frosted cookies with Halloween sprinkles while the ganache is still wet. Let the frosting set completely before serving for the best experience.
Nutrition
Tips for Storing Your Fudgy Brownie Cookies
Proper storage ensures your delicious creations maintain their incredible taste and texture for as long as possible. Here’s how to best store your fudgy brownie cookies:
These delightful cookies will remain fresh and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. However, for the absolute best taste and texture, we highly recommend enjoying them within three days of baking. For optimal results, always ensure the cookies have cooled completely and the chocolate frosting has fully set before placing them in a container. Storing them too early can lead to condensation, which can make them soggy.
Can I Freeze Brownie Cookies for Later?
Absolutely! These brownie cookies are excellent candidates for freezing, allowing you to enjoy them long after you’ve baked a fresh batch. You can freeze them for up to three months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. However, there’s a crucial tip to keep in mind regarding the frosting:
For the best results, we strongly advise against adding the chocolate ganache frosting until after the cookies have been thawed. When chocolate ganache thaws, it tends to “sweat” or release moisture. This can result in your perfectly baked cookies becoming unpleasantly soggy, or the frosting might develop an unappetizing appearance. Instead, bake the cookies, let them cool completely, then freeze them unfrosted. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature and prepare a fresh batch of ganache to frost them just before serving. This method ensures your cookies are always as fresh and delicious as possible!
While those delicious cookies are cooling, why not take a little break? Sometimes our furry friends offer the best inspiration for relaxation. Just like Penny, who absolutely adores being wrapped up in blankets, a ‘taco blanket’ is always a good idea for ultimate comfort!
Discover More Decadent Chocolate Cookie Recipes You’re Sure to Enjoy!
If these Halloween Brownie Cookies have sparked your passion for chocolate, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other rich and delicious chocolate cookie recipes that are just waiting to be baked. Explore these fantastic options to satisfy every chocolate craving:
- OATMEAL CHERRY CHOCOLATE COOKIES
- CADBURY MINI EGG CHOCOLATE COOKIES
- CHEWY CHOCOLATE SUGAR COOKIES
- DOUBLE CHOCOLATE COOKIE DROPS
- MINT CHOCOLATE BROWNIE COOKIES
- DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHERRY COOKIES
- CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH TRUFFLES
- THE BEST BROWNIE COOKIES (Classic Version)
- ROCKY ROAD COOKIES
- LOADED CHOCOLATE TOFFEE COOKIES
- HOT CHOCOLATE CHRISTMAS COOKIES
- CARAMEL STUFFED CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES
In conclusion, this frosted brownie cookie recipe offers an unparalleled chocolate experience. With its perfect balance of chewy and fudgy textures, deep chocolate flavor, and optional decadent ganache, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Each bite is perfectly sweetened and bursting with rich chocolate, making it a dream come true for every chocolate lover out there. Happy baking!
