There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the scent of warm cookies wafting through the kitchen. Growing up in an Italian-American household, my Nonna always believed that any recipe worth baking could be shared over a coffee and good company. One day, while rummaging through our pantry, I stumbled across a box of brownie mix. That was the beginning of what has now become a go-to favorite: brownie mix cookies.
Fast-forward to today, and this recipe has become a quick crowd-pleaser — from last-minute bake sales to summer BBQs and chilly winter evenings by the fire. If you’re craving that perfect cross between a chewy cookie and a fudgy brownie, these cookies are for you.
Why You’ll Love These Brownie Mix Cookies
- Incredibly easy: Just 5 main ingredients.
- Time-saving: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Customize with nuts, candies, or even marshmallows.
- Seasonless: Perfect for summer ice cream sandwiches or winter cookie platters.
Ingredients
This recipe makes 7 generous servings (about 14 cookies, 2 per serving).
- 1 box (18.4 oz) of brownie mix (choose classic fudge flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Sea salt for topping
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
🔹 Step 2: Mix It All Up
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Brownie mix
- Flour
- Eggs
- Oil
- Vanilla extract
Mix until well combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky — that’s exactly what you want!
Tip: If you’re using a hand mixer, go slow to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of chewy.
🔹 Step 3: Add the Extras
Gently fold in your choice of mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. I love a combo of mini chocolate chips and crushed pecans — gives every bite some crunch and gooeyness.
🔹 Step 4: Scoop and Shape
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out balls of dough onto your lined baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.
Optional: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie ball for that sweet-salty contrast.
🔹 Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. Don’t overbake — these cookies will continue to set as they cool.
🔹 Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for the ultimate brownie experience!
Variations to Try
- Summer S’mores Version: Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows to the dough.
- Holiday Peppermint: Stir in crushed peppermint candies and drizzle with white chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop small dollops of peanut butter into the dough and swirl before baking.
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze Dough: Freeze scooped dough balls and bake directly from frozen — just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freeze Baked Cookies: Freeze fully cooled cookies for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: During summer, sandwich vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies.
- Cookie Sundae: Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge.
- Gift Packs: Wrap in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon for holiday cookie exchanges.
Nutritional Information (per serving – 2 cookies)
Please note: This is an estimate based on standard brownie mix.
- Calories: ~280
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 22g
Final Thoughts
What makes brownie mix cookies truly special is how effortlessly they bring people together. Whether you’re making them as a late-night snack or for a weekend picnic, their fudgy texture and crackly tops never fail to impress. My Nonna might not have used boxed mixes, but I know she’d appreciate the spirit behind these — quick, simple, and always made with love.
So go ahead, bake a batch and let me know how you customize yours. I’d love to hear if you add a pinch of espresso powder for a mocha twist or sandwich them with marshmallow fluff!