If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate flavor with a fudgy, chewy texture, you are going to adore this 20 Minute Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe. Imagine that classic brownie goodness transformed into individual cookies that bake quickly, have the most irresistible shiny, crinkled tops, and require no chilling time—making them the ultimate treat for both last-minute gatherings and your everyday sweet tooth. This recipe strikes the perfect harmony between cookie and brownie, delivering an easy, fast, and wildly delicious dessert experience that will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this 20 Minute Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe lies not only in the technique but also in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building those luscious fudgy centers, that shiny crinkle top, and that rich chocolate flavor you’ll be talking about long after the last cookie is gone.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Provides richness and helps achieve that fudgy texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate (4 ounces): Melts smoothly into the batter adding deep, complex chocolate flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Critical for structure and moisture, plus whipping them creates that airy, crinkly top.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens perfectly while helping with texture and the shiny topping.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate notes with a subtle, warm flavor layer.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Keeps the cookies tender yet sturdy enough to hold their shape.
- Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- Cocoa powder (3 tablespoons): Boosts chocolate richness and adds depth.
- Baking soda (1/8 teaspoon): Just enough leavening to create a perfect texture and spread.
How to Make 20 Minute Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Melt Chocolate Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and semi-sweet chocolate, melting them together in 30-second increments. Be patient and stir between sessions until smooth and glossy—this rich base is what makes your cookies super fudgy and chocolaty.
Step 2: Whip Eggs and Sugar Until Fluffy
In a separate bowl, use a hand or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to beat your eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract on high for 3 to 5 minutes. This step is a game-changer—the mixture will turn light, airy, and pale, creating that signature crinkle top when baked. Mixing by hand just won’t give you the same magic, so it’s worth the effort to use a mixer here.
Step 3: Combine Chocolate with Egg Mixture
Gently fold, or mix on low speed, the cooled melted chocolate and butter mixture into the fluffy eggs and sugar. This brings everything together while maintaining the airy texture you just whipped up, setting the stage for beautifully textured cookies.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Develop Cookie Batter
Next, sprinkle in the flour, kosher salt, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Mix just until combined on low speed or fold in by hand—overmixing can toughen your cookies. The cookie dough will resemble brownie batter—loose and glossy, which is exactly what makes these cookies fudgy and irresistible.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a mini ice cream scoop or small spoon, drop the batter onto your prepared cookie sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for precisely 10 minutes until the cookies develop lovely crinkles and the edges firm up a bit while the centers remain soft. After baking, let them cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve 20 Minute Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
These brownies-turned-cookies are delicious all on their own, but adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking enhances the chocolate flavor even more. You could also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or top with a few mini chocolate chips while the cookies are still warm for extra melty pockets of chocolate.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a simple yet decadent treat. A warm cup of coffee or a rich milkshake pairs perfectly too, complementing the fudgy richness while balancing the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, stack these 20 Minute Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe cookies into a cookie tower or place them on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves. You can also sandwich a little cream cheese frosting or your favorite nut butter between two cookies for a fudgy cookie sandwich that will impress any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps retain their signature fudgy texture and shiny top without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for best results.
Reheating
To revive the fudginess and warm them just right, heat cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This brings out their gooey charm like they just came fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with another kind?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate for a richer taste or milk chocolate if you like it sweeter. Just make sure it’s good quality chocolate for the best fudgy texture and flavor.
Why do the eggs need to be whipped so much?
Whipping the eggs, sugar, and vanilla creates an airy, light batter that forms the shiny crinkle top and helps the cookies rise properly while maintaining a soft interior. This step is essential for that classic brownie cookie look and texture.
Do these cookies require chilling before baking?
No chilling time is needed! The dough is quite loose and more like brownie batter, so you can bake these cookies immediately after mixing, making the 20 Minute Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe perfect for quick cravings.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for crinkles on the surface and edges that look set but still soft in the center. They should bake for 10 minutes exactly, and the bottoms will be firm but not hard. Overbaking can make them less fudgy, so it’s best to stick to the time.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or mix in some chocolate chips for extra chewy pockets. Just don’t add too much or it might affect the spread and texture of the cookies.
Final Thoughts
This 20 Minute Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer when you’re in need of a fast, delicious chocolate fix with a homemade feel. It’s simple enough for any baker to master and always delights with each fudgy, chewy bite. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your go-to for quick and irresistible chocolate treats!
Print
20 Minute Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These 20 Minute Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies combine the chewy, fudgy texture of a brownie with the convenience of a cookie. They feature a shiny, crinkled top, are packed with rich chocolate flavor, and require no chill time. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, they are perfect for a delicious treat in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 1/4 cup (56.75 g) unsalted butter
- 4 ounces (113.4 g) semi-sweet chocolate (about 1/2 cup)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Melt butter and chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/4 cup butter and 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Beat eggs and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract using a hand or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment at high speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light, airy, and fluffy. This aeration is crucial for the crinkly tops of the cookies.
- Combine chocolate mixture: Gently fold or mix on low speed the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar batter until fully combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift together 1 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda. Gradually add these to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. The resulting batter will be loose, resembling brownie batter rather than traditional cookie dough.
- Scoop dough onto sheets: Using a mini ice cream scoop or small spoon, place dollops of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. The cookies should develop characteristic crinkles on top and have crisp edges.
- Cool cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Do not skip whipping the eggs and sugar thoroughly; this step creates the perfect crinkle tops.
- The batter will be loose and more like brownie batter, which is normal and key for the fudgy texture.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Let the cookies cool on the pan first so they set properly before moving.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, you can use a mix of semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate.
