Ultimate Fudgy Crumbl Brownie Batter Cookies: Your Go-To Copycat Recipe

Prepare to enter a realm of pure chocolate bliss with these incredible **Crumbl Brownie Batter Cookies**. They are the quintessential fusion of a rich, fudgy brownie and a perfectly chewy cookie. Imagine a treat with a beautifully set bottom, a wonderfully crackly top—just like your favorite homemade fudgy brownies—and, most importantly, an irresistibly gooey, *fudgy* center that melts in your mouth with every bite. This recipe isn’t just a cookie; it’s an experience, delivering intense chocolate flavor and a delightful texture contrast that will have everyone reaching for more.

Crumbl Cookies is renowned for its innovative and often decadent cookie flavors, and their brownie-based offerings have certainly captured many hearts (and taste buds!). As a massive fan of both brownies and cookies, I couldn’t resist the challenge of creating a copycat version of these iconic Crumbl creations. Over the years, Crumbl has introduced various brownie-inspired cookies, and I’ve loved recreating them. Once you master this classic Brownie Batter Cookie, why not explore other tempting varieties? You might enjoy the Crumbl Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies, the refreshing Crumbl Mint Brownie Cookies, or the nostalgic Crumbl Cosmic Brownie Cookies! Each offers a unique twist, but this Brownie Batter recipe lays the perfect foundation for all your chocolate-cookie dreams.

Why This Recipe Works: The Secret to Perfect Brownie Batter Cookies

Achieving that coveted Crumbl cookie perfection can seem daunting, but this meticulously crafted recipe guarantees success. Here’s why these brownie batter cookies stand out as a must-try:

• Unbelievably Fudgy Centers: Let’s be honest, is it truly a brownie batter cookie if the center isn’t gloriously fudgy? Absolutely not! The heart of these cookies remains incredibly moist and rich, mimicking the luscious texture of a perfectly underbaked brownie. While the bottoms are fully set, ensuring a stable base, the centers deliver that signature gooeyness. This delicate balance between a baked exterior and a fudgy interior is the holy grail for any brownie-lover, and this recipe nails it every time. If I had to give just one reason why this is the best brownie mix cookie recipe, it would undeniably be those fudgy centers! Fortunately, there are even more reasons to love them.
• Enhanced Chocolate Depth with Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: To elevate the chocolate experience, this recipe incorporates a touch of Dutch process cocoa powder. Unlike natural cocoa, Dutch process cocoa is treated with an alkali, which neutralizes its acidity. This process results in a darker color and a smoother, less bitter, and more profound chocolate flavor. Adding it to our brownie mix cookies creates an exceptionally rich and complex chocolate profile, making each bite even more decadent and luxurious. It’s a small addition that makes a huge difference in taste and appearance.
• The Best of Both Worlds: Brownies in Cookie Form: What truly distinguishes this recipe as a “cookie” and not just a brownie is the inclusion of baking soda. Traditional brownies often omit leavening agents or use minimal amounts, resulting in their dense texture. Here, the baking soda provides a slight rise, giving these treats the characteristic chew and form of a cookie, while still retaining the intense flavor and fudginess of a brownie. It’s the ultimate hybrid dessert, offering the best elements of both beloved baked goods in a single, satisfying bite.
• Quick and Easy with Brownie Mix: Starting with a quality brownie mix streamlines the baking process significantly. This doesn’t compromise flavor; instead, it provides a reliable base and cuts down on prep time, making these sophisticated cookies surprisingly accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfectly Crackly Tops: Just like well-made fudgy brownies, these cookies boast beautiful, crackly tops. This desirable texture isn’t just for aesthetics; it adds another layer of sensory delight, providing a slight crispness that contrasts wonderfully with the soft, fudgy interior.

Ingredient Notes: Crafting the Perfect Brownie Batter Cookie Dough

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the signature texture and flavor of Crumbl’s Brownie Batter Cookies. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Brownie Mix: The foundation of our easy copycat recipe! You have the flexibility to use any brownie mix you prefer. I’m personally a huge fan of Ghirardelli brownie mix for these cookies due to its rich flavor and reliable results, but feel free to choose your favorite. Just ensure you’re using only the dry mix for this recipe, not the liquid ingredients usually called for on the box.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): This is a key departure from traditional cookie recipes, which typically call for softened butter. Using *melted* butter is essential here because it contributes significantly to the fudgy, brownie-like texture we’re aiming for. Softened butter would yield a more crumbly, traditional cookie texture, while melted butter makes the dough denser and more moist. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but omit any additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
• All-Purpose Flour: While the brownie mix provides a good base, a small addition of all-purpose flour is necessary. This extra flour helps to give the mixture more of a distinct dough-like consistency, preventing it from being too liquidy, which would resemble true brownie batter too closely and prevent it from holding its cookie shape. It strikes the perfect balance for a thick, scoopable dough.
• Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: As mentioned, this ingredient is a game-changer for chocolate intensity. Adding a couple of tablespoons of Dutch processed cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor immensely and gives the cookies a richer, darker color that is visually appealing and signals the treat’s decadence. It truly enhances the “brownie” aspect of these cookies.
• Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the cookie dough together and contribute to its structure. They also add moisture and richness, which are vital for that desired fudgy texture. Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation into the mix.
• Light Corn Syrup: This often-overlooked ingredient is a secret weapon for moist, chewy cookies. A bit of light corn syrup helps to prevent crystallization of sugars and keeps the cookies wonderfully soft and moist for longer. It further aids in achieving those soft, gooey, brownie-like insides that are the hallmark of this recipe.
• Baking Soda: Unlike many brownie recipes that rely on eggs for lift, this cookie adaptation uses baking soda. Adding baking soda to the Crumbl Brownie Batter Cookie recipe provides the necessary leavening, giving the cookies a slight rise and that characteristic cookie texture while maintaining their dense, chewy interior. It’s what makes them cookies, not just flat brownies.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are mixed into the dough to provide bursts of melty chocolate throughout. Semi-sweet chips offer a balanced chocolate flavor that complements the rich brownie base. However, if you prefer a sweeter cookie or want to offset some of the deeper chocolate flavor from the Dutch process cocoa, feel free to substitute them with milk chocolate chips. You can even use dark chocolate chips for an extra rich flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Crumbl Brownie Batter Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create bakery-worthy Crumbl Brownie Batter Cookies in your own kitchen. Precision and careful attention to baking times are key for that perfect fudgy center.

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix (dry only), melted unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, large eggs, light corn syrup, and baking soda. Using a hand mixer is recommended for thoroughly combining everything, but you can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix until all ingredients are just combined and a thick, uniform dough forms. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.

3. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Once your dough is ready, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, if preferred) using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.

4. Portion the Dough: Using a 1/4 cup measuring scoop, portion the cookie dough into uniform balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each cookie for spreading. These are generous, Crumbl-sized cookies!
5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for 11-12 minutes. The key is to remove them when the edges are visibly set and the tops have developed those characteristic crackly lines. *Do not overbake!* The centers should still appear slightly soft and fudgy; they will continue to set as they cool.

6. Cool and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a crucial 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up without becoming dry. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The wait is the hardest part, but entirely worth it for that ideal texture. Enjoy your perfectly fudgy Crumbl Brownie Batter Cookies!

Recipe Tips and Tricks for Flawless Brownie Batter Cookies

Mastering these fudgy delights is easy with a few expert tips:

• Customize Your Chocolate: While semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a classic balance, don’t hesitate to experiment! You can add milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, milder chocolate experience, or even use dark chocolate chips for an extra intense chocolate kick. Chocolate chunks or even white chocolate chips could offer a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
• Embrace the Soft Dough: Don’t be alarmed if the cookie dough feels softer than what you’re used to with traditional cookie recipes. This is entirely intentional! We’re striving for a fudgy brownie cookie, and that requires a slightly wetter, more “batter-like” consistency. Adding more flour to stiffen the dough will likely result in drier, less fudgy cookies, which defeats the purpose. Trust the process!
• Avoid Overmixing: Once the ingredients are combined, stop mixing. Overmixing the dough can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, less tender cookie texture. Gently mix until just combined, ensuring a light and chewy result.
• The Golden Rule: Do Not Overbake! This is perhaps the most crucial tip for achieving fudgy centers. Remove the cookies from the oven when their edges appear set and the tops show distinct crackles, even if the center still looks a bit soft. Remember, residual heat from the baking sheet will continue to cook the cookies for those vital 10 minutes of cooling. An underbaked brownie batter cookie is a fudgy brownie batter cookie; an overbaked one is merely a dry chocolate cookie.
• Achieving Perfectly Round Cookies: Sometimes, cookies spread unevenly, resulting in irregular shapes. To get those bakery-perfect round edges, immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, use a very large round biscuit cutter or a wider cookie cutter. Gently place it around each cookie and swirl it in a circular “hula hoop” motion. This helps to tuck in any uneven edges and shape the cookies into perfect circles before they fully set. It’s a simple trick that makes a big visual difference! You can see a video demonstration of this technique on my Instagram page.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: An inaccurate oven temperature can wreak havoc on baked goods. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is truly at 350°F (175°C). This small investment can save you from flat or overbaked cookies.
• Consider a Smaller Batch: If you’re looking for a slightly smaller, more traditional cookie size, you can adapt this recipe. For inspiration on scaling down, check out my Brownie Mix Cookies recipe.

This recipe specifically utilizes Dutch processed cocoa powder. To understand the differences between various cocoa powders and why Dutch process is preferred here for its rich flavor and darker color, delve into our comprehensive Guide to the Best Cocoa Powder for Baking.

Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Brownie Batter Cookies

These delicious cookies are perfect for meal prepping or saving for a rainy day. Here’s how to store and freeze them:

• Storing Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled, store the Crumbl Brownie Batter Cookies in an airtight container or a Ziplock bag at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness and fudginess for 4-5 days. For optimal texture, you can briefly warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: To prepare ahead of time, form the cookie dough into balls as instructed in the recipe. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until firm. Once firm, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty Ziplock bag. They can be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months. To prevent sticking, you may want to layer parchment paper between the dough balls.
• Baking from Frozen Dough: You can bake the cookies directly from frozen, or let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. If baking from frozen, you’ll need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time (around 12-14 minutes total). Always look for those visual cues: set edges and crackly tops, and remember not to overbake for fudgy results.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: If you want to freeze baked cookies, ensure they are completely cool first. Wrap each individual cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a Ziplock bag. They will keep well in the freezer for 1-2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them gently in the microwave or a low oven for a “freshly baked” experience.

Recipe FAQs: All Your Brownie Batter Cookie Questions Answered

Indulge in More Rich Brownie Recipes

If you’re a fan of rich, chocolatey goodness, our collection of brownie recipes has even more to offer. Once you’ve perfected these Brownie Batter Cookies, why not try another irresistible treat?

• Oreo Truffle Brownies: A decadent combination of fudgy brownies and creamy Oreo truffle topping.
• German Chocolate Brownies: Classic German chocolate cake flavors, including coconut and pecan frosting, on a chewy brownie base.
• Biscoff Brownies: Elevate your brownie game with the unique, spiced cookie butter flavor of Biscoff.
• Ferrero Rocher Brownies: Experience the luxury of Ferrero Rocher chocolates infused into rich brownies.
• Nutella Brownies: A dream for hazelnut chocolate lovers, these brownies are swirled with creamy Nutella.