Name: 3-Ingredient Brownie Cookies
Prep time: 9 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 large egg; 1 (18 to 19-ounce) box brownie mix; 1/3 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional); Flaky salt for finishing (optional)

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I love making these 3-Ingredient Brownie Cookies when I want a quick chocolate dessert that feels rich, chewy, and incredibly satisfying. The brownie mix creates a soft and fudgy center while the slightly crisp edges make the cookies taste just like a cross between brownies and classic cookies. I enjoy how simple the recipe is because I can prepare a fresh batch in only about 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how fast and effortless these cookies are to make with only a few ingredients. The texture turns out wonderfully chewy and chocolatey every single time. I also love that the recipe is flexible because I can add chocolate chips, nuts, or flaky salt for extra flavor and texture. Another reason I keep making these cookies is that they are perfect for last-minute desserts, parties, or quick sweet cravings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 large egg
1 (18 to 19-ounce) box brownie mix, preferably Ghirardelli’s
1/3 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips, optional
flaky salt, for finishing, optional

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the melted butter and egg until smooth.
I stir in the brownie mix until a thick cookie dough forms.
If I want extra chocolate flavor, I fold in the chocolate chips.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, I place portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
I sprinkle flaky salt on top if I want a sweet and salty finish.
I bake the cookies for about 10 to 11 minutes until the edges are set while the centers remain soft.
I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Servings: 18 cookies
Prep Time: 9 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. When I want an even richer flavor, I mix in white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips. I also enjoy drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a bakery-style finish. For a festive version, I occasionally add colorful candy-coated chocolates or crushed peppermint pieces. If I want extra fudgy cookies, I slightly underbake them for an ultra-soft center.

storage/reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them extra soft, I sometimes place a slice of bread in the container. I can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. When I want them warm again, I microwave a cookie for a few seconds to bring back the gooey brownie texture.

FAQs

Can I use any brownie mix?

I usually use Ghirardelli brownie mix because it gives a rich chocolate flavor, but most boxed brownie mixes work well.

Why are my cookies too flat?

I notice this can happen if the butter is too hot when mixed into the dough. I let the melted butter cool slightly before combining it.

Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?

I often skip the chocolate chips and still get deliciously rich brownie cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

I look for set edges with slightly soft centers because the cookies continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

I sometimes freeze scoops of dough on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag for easy baking later.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to these 3-Ingredient Brownie Cookies because they are simple, quick, and packed with rich chocolate flavor. The chewy brownie-like texture and crisp edges make them incredibly satisfying with very little effort involved. Whether I bake them for parties, family treats, or late-night cravings, they always disappear fast.