Last month, I needed dessert fast for oliver's class party and had zero time to bake from scratch. Staring at a box of brownie mix in my pantry, I remembered an old trick from my culinary school days - turning that brownie mix cookies into incredible cookies with just two extra ingredients. These easy brownie mix cookies turned out so amazing that oliver's teacher asked for the recipe, and now they're my go-to quick cookie recipe whenever we need homemade treats in a hurry.
Why Make These Brownie Mix Cookies
When you're short on time but still want that rich chocolate flavor of homemade cookies, these brownie mix cookies are your answer. I've been making this easy dessert recipe for years now, and it never fails to impress. The 3 ingredient brownie mix cookies come together in one bowl with no chill cookie dough needed - you can literally go from craving to baking in under five minutes of prep time. The fudgy brownie cookies have that signature crinkled top that makes them look like you spent hours in the kitchen, but the secret is just knowing how to turn Betty Crocker brownie mix into cookies.
What makes these chewy brownie mix cookies so reliable is that they work with any brand you have on hand. Whether you're using Pillsbury brownie mix cookies or a store brand, the technique stays the same and delivers consistent results every time. This boxed mix dessert upgrade has saved countless rushed mornings, last-minute bake sales, and unexpected guests. Plus, oliver loves adding his own touches like chocolate chips, walnuts or pecans, or even peanut butter brownie cookies variations. These brownie cookies from mix boxes prove that simple doesn't mean boring - sometimes the best brownie cookie combo comes from the easiest method.
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Brownie Mix Cookies Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 box brownie mix
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Optional Mix-ins:
- 1 cup chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup M&Ms or candy pieces
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
For Extra Fudgy Texture:
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step by Step Method
Step 1: Mix Your Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine your box brownie mix with the eggs and oil. This is where the magic happens - you're basically turning brownie batter into cookie dough. Add those 2 tablespoons of flour to help the cookies hold their shape instead of spreading into flat puddles. Mix everything until just combined - you want it thick and fudgy, not overmixed. The dough for these 3 ingredient brownie mix cookies should be thick enough to scoop but still glossy from the chocolate. If you're adding chocolate chips, walnuts or pecans, or making M&M brownie cookies, fold them in now.
Step 2: Scoop and Shape
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough balls about 2 tablespoons each. This size creates the perfect chewy brownie cookies with those crispy edges we love. Roll each scoop between your palms to make smooth balls - this helps create that beautiful crinkle top pattern as they bake. Place them on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. These brownie mix cookies don't spread as much as regular cookies, but they need a little room to breathe. oliver loves helping with this step, though his "balls" are sometimes more like abstract art shapes!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Here's the trick for fudgy brownie cookies - they should look slightly underbaked when you pull them out. The tops will have those gorgeous cracks, and the edges should be just set while the centers still look a bit soft. They'll continue cooking on the hot pan after you remove them from the oven. If you wait until they look "done" in the oven, you'll end up with cake-like cookies instead of that decadent, chewy texture. For Ghirardelli brownie mix cookies, stick to 10 minutes since they're richer and bake faster.
Step 4: Cool and Set
This is the hardest part - waiting! Let your brownie cookies from mix boxes cool on the baking sheet for 5 full minutes. They'll be too soft to move right away, and this resting time lets them firm up while keeping that fudgy center. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack using a spatula. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, developing that perfect texture - chewy on the inside with slightly crispy edges. oliver usually manages to "test" one at this stage and declares it's worth the burned tongue every single time.
Step 5: Enjoy or Store
Once completely cooled, these easy brownie mix cookies are ready to devour. The rich chocolate flavor really shines through, and you'd never guess they started from a box brownie mix. If you somehow have leftovers (rare in our house), store them in an airtight container where they'll stay soft and chewy for up to a week. These brownie mix crinkle cookies also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months - just thaw at room temperature when you need a quick treat.
Equipment For Brownie Mix Cookies
- Large mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop (2 tablespoon size)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Wire cooling rack
Brownie Mix Cookies Variations
Peanut Butter Brownie Mix Cookies
- Add ½ cup creamy peanut butter to the basic dough
- Swirl in extra peanut butter before scooping for marbled effect
- Press peanut butter cup into center before baking
- Creates brownie mix cookies with peanut butter that rival any bakery
Double Chocolate Brownie Cookies
- Mix in 1 cup chocolate chips to the basic dough
- Add 2 tablespoons extra cocoa powder for intense flavor
- Top with dark chocolate chunks before baking
- Makes the most fudgy brownie cookies with maximum chocolate
M&M Brownie Mix Cookies
- Fold 1 cup M&Ms into dough for colorful fun
- Press extra M&Ms on top before baking
- Use mini M&Ms for more color distribution
- Perfect cookies made from brownie mix boxes for parties
Brownie Mix Crinkle Cookies
- Roll dough balls in powdered sugar before baking
- The sugar creates beautiful white cracks as cookies spread
- Looks like traditional crinkle cookies with fudgy texture
- Most impressive presentation for this easy cookie recipe
Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies
- Press caramel square into center of each dough ball
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking
- Caramel melts into gooey center
- Elevates these cookies from brownie mix boxes to gourmet
Mint Chocolate Brownie Cookies
- Add ½ teaspoon mint extract to dough
- Mix in Andes mints or mint chocolate chips
- Top with crushed candy canes during holidays
- Refreshing twist on chocolate brownie cookies
Storing Your Brownie Mix Cookies
Best Fresh
- Serve brownie mix cookies warm for the most fudgy texture
- Fresh cookies have the chewiest center and crispiest edges
- Box brownie mix creates cookies that stay soft even when fresh
- Room temperature brings out the best rich chocolate flavor
Make Ahead Strategy
- Scoop dough balls and refrigerate up to 3 days before baking
- Freeze unbaked dough balls on trays, then transfer to bags
- Bake frozen dough directly from freezer, add 2 minutes to time
- Dough stays fresh in freezer for up to 3 months
Room Temperature Storage (5-7 Days)
- Cool brownie cookies from mix boxes completely before storing
- Store in airtight container with parchment between layers
- Cookies stay chewy thanks to the batter-like texture
- Add slice of bread to container to maintain softness
Reheating Tips
- Microwave individual cookies for 10 seconds for warm fudgy centers
- Warm whole batch in 300°F oven for 5 minutes
- Don't overheat or the fudgy brownie cookies will dry out
- Best enjoyed slightly warm for that decadent dessert idea experience
Freezer Storage (2-3 Months)
- Freeze baked cookies in single layer, then bag
- These 3 ingredient brownie mix cookies freeze beautifully
- Thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving
- Maintain that chewy on the inside texture perfectly
Substitutions
Oil Alternatives:
- Vegetable oil → Melted butter for brownie mix cookies with butter
- Regular oil → Coconut oil
- Standard → Melted coconut butter
- Oil → Applesauce (use ⅓ cup for lower fat)
Egg Substitutes:
- Regular eggs → Flax eggs (2 tablespoon flaxmeal + 5 tablespoon water)
- Standard → Applesauce (¼ cup per egg)
- Eggs → Mashed banana (for chewier texture)
- Regular → Box mix egg replacer
Mix-in Options:
- Chocolate chips → Dark chocolate chunks
- Standard → Peanut butter chips for brownie mix cookies with peanut butter
- Regular → Butterscotch chips
- Plain → Crushed Oreos
Brownie Mix Brands:
- Betty Crocker → Ghirardelli for richer cookies
- Standard → Pillsbury brownie mix cookies
- Regular → Duncan Hines
- Store brand → Name brand (all work!)
Top Tip
- Two months ago, oliver was helping me make these brownie mix cookies for his school's bake sale. I'd set out everything we needed, including a jar of peanut butter for sandwiches. While I was answering a phone call, oliver decided to "improve" our recipe by adding a giant scoop of peanut butter to the bowl.
- My first reaction was panic - we were supposed to deliver three dozen cookies in two hours! But oliver insisted we at least try baking one to see what happened. Those brownie mix cookies with peanut butter turned out absolutely incredible. The peanut butter created this swirled effect throughout each cookie, and the combination of chocolate and peanut butter was better than any candy bar.
- Now we deliberately make them both ways - plain and with peanut butter mixed in. oliver's "mistake" taught us that sometimes the best recipes come from not following the rules too carefully. He's proud that his version has become our most requested variation, and honestly, I think these peanut butter brownie cookies might be even better than the original!
FAQ
Can you make brownie cookies out of brownie mix?
Yes! You absolutely can make brownie mix cookies from any box brownie mix. Simply add eggs and oil to the mix along with 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the batter into cookie dough consistency. This simple baking hack transforms brownie batter into delicious cookies with fudgy centers and crispy edges. It works with Betty Crocker brownie mix cookies, Ghirardelli brownie mix cookies, or any brand you have.
What else can I make with brownie mix?
Beyond these easy brownie mix cookies, you can create brownie mug cakes, brownie waffles, brownie pancakes, or even use it as a base for trifles and parfaits. The box brownie mix is incredibly versatile for quick dessert recipes. You can also make brownie mix crinkle cookies by rolling the dough in powdered sugar, or create layered desserts with the mix.
What is a brownie and cookie mixed together called?
A brownie and cookie mixed together is called a "brookie" - though these brownie mix cookies are technically cookies made from brownie batter. Some people also call them fudgy brownie cookies, chocolate brownie cookies, or brownie batter cookies. The best brownie cookie combo delivers that rich, chewy brownie texture in a convenient cookie form perfect for sharing.
What are the three ingredients in brownie mix cookies?
The three basic ingredients in 3 ingredient brownie mix cookies are: one box of brownie mix, two eggs, and ¼ cup oil. I recommend adding 2 tablespoons flour as a fourth ingredient to help the cookies hold their shape better, but technically you can make chewy brownie cookies with just those three core ingredients from any brand.
Easy Dessert in Minutes!
Now you have everything you need to make perfect brownie mix cookies - from choosing any box brownie mix to oliver's peanut butter discovery. These 3 ingredient brownie mix cookies prove that simple baking hacks can create the most decadent desserts.
Craving more chocolate treats? Try our Decadent Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe that takes brownies to the next level with rich espresso flavor. For a lighter dessert, our Easy Mini Lemon Cheesecakes Recipe delivers refreshing citrus sweetness in individual servings. Need a savory dinner before dessert? Our Easy One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta comes together just as quickly as these chewy brownie mix cookies!
Share your cookie success! Tag @SarahAndoliverKitchen and #BrownieMixCookies. We love seeing your creative mix-ins!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Brownie Mix Cookies
Brownie Mix Cookies
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl (For combining ingredients)
- 1 Cookie scoop (For even-sized cookies)
- 2 Baking sheets (Line with parchment)
- 1 Parchment paper or silicone mats (Prevents sticking)
- 1 Wire cooling rack (For proper cooling)
Ingredients
Base
- 1 box Brownie mix - Any brand (Betty Crocker, Ghirardelli, etc.)
- 2 large Eggs - Room temperature preferred
- ¼ cup Vegetable oil or melted butter - Use butter for richer flavor
- 2 tablespoon All-purpose flour - Helps cookies hold shape
Optional Mix-ins
- 1 cup Chocolate chips or chunks - Adds double chocolate flavor
- ½ cup Walnuts or pecans - Optional crunch
- ½ cup M&Ms or candy pieces - Fun for kids
- ¼ cup Peanut butter - Swirled in for variation
- ½ cup White chocolate chips - For contrast
For Extra Fudgy Texture
- 2 tablespoon Cocoa powder - Intensifies chocolate flavor
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract - Rounds out flavor
- 1 pinch Salt - Enhances sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, eggs, oil, and flour until thick and glossy. Fold in any mix-ins.
- Line baking sheets with parchment. Scoop about 2 tablespoon of dough, roll into balls, and space 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and centers appear slightly underbaked.
- Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in airtight container up to 7 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat before serving if desired.
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