Can You Make Cookies Out of a Brownie Mix?
Yes, you can make cookies out of brownie mix, but you’ll need to adjust the recipe. Brownie mix cookies tend to be chewier and fudgier than traditional cookies, creating a unique and delicious treat when prepared correctly.
The Brownie Mix Cookie Phenomenon: A Delicious Shortcut
Baking, while often rewarding, can sometimes feel intimidating. Brownie mixes offer a convenient shortcut to rich, chocolatey goodness. The natural extension of this convenience is the question: can we further simplify and diversify our baking repertoire by transforming this mix into another popular dessert – cookies? The answer, thankfully, is a resounding yes, albeit with a few caveats.
Why Use Brownie Mix for Cookies?
The appeal of using brownie mix for cookies lies in several key advantages:
- Convenience: Brownie mixes pre-package most of the dry ingredients, saving time and effort.
- Consistency: Using a mix ensures a predictable base flavor profile every time.
- Unique Texture: Brownie mix cookies offer a distinctive chewy and fudgy texture that differs from traditional cookies.
- Creative Potential: The base flavor can be easily customized with various mix-ins.
The Conversion Process: From Brownie to Cookie
Turning brownie mix into cookies requires understanding the differences between the two baked goods. Brownies typically have a higher fat-to-flour ratio than cookies, which contributes to their dense and moist texture. To counteract this, we need to adjust the wet ingredients and baking time.
Here’s a basic method to transform a standard brownie mix (approximately 18-21 ounces) into cookies:
- Prepare the Brownie Mix: Follow the instructions on the box for the wet ingredients, but slightly reduce the amount of liquid recommended. Begin with about 2 tablespoons less water or milk than directed.
- Adjust the Fat: Add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter or vegetable oil for enhanced spread and a softer texture.
- Chill the Dough: This is crucial! Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This helps prevent excessive spreading.
- Portion and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at a Lower Temperature: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Avoid overbaking!
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
While the process is simple, avoiding common pitfalls is essential for success:
- Overmixing: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until just combined.
- Too Much Liquid: Using too much liquid will cause the cookies to spread too thin and become crispy rather than chewy.
- Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step often leads to flat, greasy cookies.
- Overbaking: Overbaking results in dry, crumbly cookies. Watch carefully and remove them from the oven when they are still slightly soft in the center.
Add-Ins and Variations: Elevating Your Brownie Cookies
The beauty of brownie mix cookies lies in their adaptability. Consider these add-ins to customize your creation:
- Chocolate Chips: Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips.
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts.
- Candy: M&Ms, chopped Snickers bars, or crushed peppermint candies.
- Extracts: Vanilla extract, almond extract, or peppermint extract.
- Espresso Powder: Adds a depth of flavor and enhances the chocolate notes.
Comparison: Brownie Mix Cookies vs. Traditional Cookies
The table below highlights the key differences between brownie mix cookies and traditional cookies:
| Feature | Brownie Mix Cookies | Traditional Cookies |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Chewy, fudgy | Crispy, soft, or chewy (depending on recipe) |
| Flavor | Intense chocolate flavor | Varies depending on recipe |
| Spread | More prone to spreading | More controllable spread |
| Rise | Less rise than traditional cookies | Can achieve significant rise |
| Baking Time | Shorter baking time | Varies depending on recipe |
| Ingredient Control | Less control over base ingredients | Full control over all ingredients |
Frequently Asked Questions: Brownie Mix Cookies
How do I prevent my brownie mix cookies from spreading too thin?
Chilling the dough is the most important step to prevent excessive spreading. Also, ensure you are not using too much liquid. Start with slightly less liquid than the box instructions recommend. If they still spread too much, add a tablespoon or two of all-purpose flour to the mix.
Can I use any type of brownie mix for cookies?
Most brownie mixes will work, but fudgier mixes tend to work better than cakey mixes. The type of brownie mix will impact the final texture of the cookie. Play around with different flavors and textures.
What if my brownie mix cookies are too dry?
This could be due to overbaking or not adding enough fat. Be sure to add the extra tablespoon or two of melted butter or oil. Reduce your baking time and check the cookies frequently.
How do I store brownie mix cookies?
Store brownie mix cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can I freeze brownie mix cookie dough?
Yes! Portion the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to tell if brownie mix cookies are done?
The edges should be set, and the center should still be slightly soft. Avoid overbaking, as they will continue to set as they cool.
Can I add sprinkles to brownie mix cookies?
Absolutely! Sprinkles can be added to the dough before baking or sprinkled on top of the warm cookies after baking.
How do I make brownie mix cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free brownie mix and ensure any added ingredients are also gluten-free. Consider adding a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, to help improve the texture.
What if my brownie mix cookies are sticking to the baking sheet?
Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Can I make brownie mix cookie bars instead of individual cookies?
Yes! Press the dough into a greased and lined baking pan and bake at 325°F (160°C) for a slightly longer time, until set. Cut into bars after cooling.
What can I do if my brownie mix cookies are too cakey?
This typically indicates that the brownie mix itself is more cakey. Try adding extra melted butter to the dough to increase the fat content and create a more fudgy texture.
Is it cheaper to make brownie mix cookies than regular cookies?
It can be, especially when factoring in the convenience. Often, brownie mixes are on sale, making them a cost-effective option. However, cost depends on the specific brands and ingredients used in both recipes.