When you’re craving cookies but don’t want to spend hours measuring, sifting, and mixing from scratch, brownie mix cookies come to the rescue. These chewy, fudgy delights deliver the best of both worlds—everything you love about rich, gooey brownies in a quick, easy-to-handle cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a last-minute gathering, a school event, or simply because your sweet tooth demands satisfaction, these brownie mix cookies are the perfect solution.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the easiest, fudgiest cookies ever using a simple box of brownie mix!
Why Brownie Mix Cookies?
There’s a reason brownie mix cookies have taken over the internet—they’re foolproof, fast, and ridiculously delicious. With minimal ingredients and practically zero prep time, they’re the kind of dessert that feels like cheating (but in the best possible way).
Benefits:
Quick prep – ready for the oven in under 10 minutes
Minimal ingredients – usually 3–5 pantry staples
Customizable – add-ins like nuts, candies, or sea salt take them up a notch
Incredibly fudgy – crisp on the edges, soft in the center
Kid-friendly – perfect for baking with little helpers
Basic Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe
Here’s a no-fail base recipe that works with any standard 18–20 oz brownie mix.
Ingredients:
1 box brownie mix (18–20 oz)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon water (optional, for a softer texture)
Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
Directions:
- Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Mix Ingredients – In a medium bowl, combine brownie mix, eggs, and oil. Stir until a thick dough forms. If it’s too dry, add the tablespoon of water.
- Add Extras – Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or other desired mix-ins.
- Scoop Dough – Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop balls of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overbake! The key to fudgy centers is pulling them out while slightly underdone. They continue to set as they cool.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about brownie mix cookies is how easy they are to customize. Here are some popular flavor variations:
- Double Chocolate Chunk
Add 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chunks and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Peanut Butter Swirl
Scoop cookie dough onto baking sheet, then press a thumbprint into each and fill with 1 tsp of peanut butter. Swirl slightly with a knife.
- Mint Chocolate
Stir in chopped Andes mints or mint chips for a refreshing twist.
- S’mores Brownie Cookies
Top each cookie with a mini marshmallow and a square of graham cracker halfway through baking. Bake until marshmallows are golden.
- Espresso Fudge
Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Cookies and Cream
Crush up some Oreo cookies and fold them into the dough for a crunchy, creamy surprise.
Tips for the Best Brownie Mix Cookies
Making these cookies is simple, but these tips will guarantee bakery-style results every time:
Don’t Overmix
Once the dough forms, stop mixing to avoid tough cookies.
Chill If Too Sticky
If your dough is sticky and hard to work with, chill it for 15–20 minutes before scooping.
Use a Cookie Scoop
For evenly-sized cookies that bake uniformly, a medium cookie scoop works wonders.
Bake One Sheet at a Time
Even baking is key for these fudgy cookies. Use the center oven rack for the best results.
Let Them Cool
They’ll look soft and underbaked fresh out of the oven—this is normal. Letting them cool helps them set and intensify in fudginess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Cookies:
Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For ultra-soft cookies, add a slice of bread to the container—it keeps them moist.
Freezing Dough:
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
Baked brownie mix cookies freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, wrap individually in plastic, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds for a gooey treat.
Brownie Mix Cookie FAQ
- Can I use any brownie mix?
Yes! Fudge, chewy, or classic—all work well. Just avoid ones labeled “family size” or over 20 oz, as that might throw off proportions.
- My dough is too dry or crumbly—what do I do?
Add 1–2 tablespoons of water or milk until the dough comes together. Some mixes are drier than others.
- Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free brownie mix and check that all other ingredients are GF-safe.
- Can I make these egg-free or vegan?
Try replacing eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and using oil instead of butter. Results may be slightly less chewy but still delicious.
- Why are my cookies cakey instead of fudgy?
This can happen if the dough is overmixed or overbaked. Next time, pull them out earlier and avoid extra flour or dry mix-ins.
Fun Ways to Serve Brownie Cookies
Want to elevate your brownie mix cookies even further? Try these creative serving ideas:
Ice Cream Sandwiches – Place a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for a next-level dessert.
Cookie Sundaes – Top with ice cream, whipped cream, and hot fudge.
Party Favor Bags – Wrap a few cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon for a sweet gift.
Cookie Stack Cake – Layer cookies with frosting or ganache between each for a unique celebration treat.
Holiday Cookie Trays – Add colored sprinkles or drizzle with melted chocolate to match seasonal themes.
Final Thoughts
Brownie mix cookies are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced baking skills to whip up a batch of bakery-worthy treats. Whether you’re making them for a casual weeknight snack or a festive dessert table, these cookies always deliver gooey, fudgy satisfaction.