Brownie Mix Cookies: The Best Easy Recipe to Make Chewy Cookies Fast

If you’ve ever stared at a box of brownie mix and thought, “Can I turn this into cookies?”—you’re in the right place. Brownie mix cookies are one of the easiest, most indulgent hacks for bakers of all levels. With just a few simple ingredients and some creative tweaks, you can transform boxed mixes like Betty Crocker, Ghirardelli, or Pillsbury into soft, fudgy, bakery-style cookies in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re into 3-ingredient baking or looking for rich chocolate flavor with a butter-based twist, this guide covers it all.

Don’t miss our Brownie Cake Recipes for even more chocolate-loaded inspiration.

Let’s kick things off by understanding why brownie mix cookies deserve a spot in your baking routine.

Understanding Brownie Mix Cookies

What Are Brownie Mix Cookies?

Brownie mix cookies are a simple spin on traditional chocolate cookies. Instead of starting from scratch, they use a store-bought boxed brownie mix as the dry base. You then add ingredients like eggs, oil (or butter), and sometimes extras like chocolate chips or nuts to form a dough that can be scooped and baked like cookies. The result? Cookies that have the rich, dense chew of a brownie, but the convenience and portion control of individual cookies.

These cookies blend the best of both dessert worlds—gooey centers, crisp edges, and all the fudgy decadence you’d expect from homemade brownies.

Why Use Boxed Brownie Mix for Cookies?

Let’s face it—boxed mixes are affordable, accessible, and consistent. They save time and reduce the margin for error. Here’s why you might choose them over making cookies from scratch:

Benefits of Using Brownie Mix	Description
Convenience	No need to measure multiple dry ingredients.
Consistent Results	Same flavor and texture every time.
Budget-Friendly	One box usually costs less than $3.
Customizable	Add-ins and swaps make every batch unique.
Beginner-Friendly	Ideal for novice bakers or quick desserts.

Whether you’re baking for a school function, potluck, or a midnight snack attack, brownie mix cookies are your shortcut to homemade-tasting treats in less time.

Looking for another unique brownie idea? Check out our Slutty Brownie Recipe that layers cookie dough, Oreos, and brownie batter into one outrageous dessert.

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How to Make Brownie Mix Cookies (Base Recipe)

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the classic version of brownie mix cookies, you’ll need just a few pantry staples. Most boxed brownie mixes work well, but ensure you’re using a fudge-style mix for the best chewy texture.

Here’s your base ingredient list:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Boxed brownie mix	1 box (18–20 oz)	Any brand (Betty Crocker, Ghirardelli, etc.)
Eggs	2 large eggs	Room temperature for easier mixing
Vegetable oil	1/3 cup	Or substitute with melted butter (see Part 7)
Optional add-ins	1/2 cup	Chocolate chips, walnuts, M&Ms, etc.

Pro Tip: For extra fudgy cookies, reduce to 1 egg and chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Basic Brownie Mix Cookies

Follow this process for consistently chewy, thick, and chocolatey cookies every time:

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, and oil. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Add Mix-ins: Fold in your favorite add-ins (chocolate chips, chopped nuts, etc.).
4. Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form 1.5-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes. The edges should be set, and the centers slightly soft.
6. Cool: Let cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

These cookies will firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake.

Discover great ideas like our Protein Brownies if you’re craving something chewy yet packed with a little health boost.

3-Ingredient Brownie Mix Cookies

Minimalist Baking: What Are the Only 3 Ingredients?

If you’re short on time or low on groceries, 3-ingredient brownie mix cookies are your new best friend. No mixers. No chill time. Just a bowl, a spoon, and three simple ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Brownie Mix	1 box (18–20 oz)	Acts as the base
Eggs	2 large	Provides structure and moisture
Oil (or Butter)	1/3 cup	Adds richness and binds dough

That’s it. No water. No extra flour. And definitely no stress.

These ingredients come together in minutes to create thick, gooey, chocolate-packed cookies. And the best part? You probably already have everything in your kitchen.

Quick Recipe for 3-Ingredient Brownie Mix Cookies

Follow these foolproof steps to get perfect cookies with almost no effort:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine all three ingredients in a large bowl. Stir until you get a thick dough.
3. Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges look set.
5. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a rack.

These cookies are super customizable. You can always toss in a handful of chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.

Don’t miss our chewy Brownie in a Mug Recipe for another ultra-simple dessert made with boxed brownie mix.

How to Turn Betty Crocker Brownie Mix into Cookies

Special Traits of Betty Crocker Mix

Betty Crocker brownie mix is a staple in American pantries for a reason—it’s reliable, rich, and always gives that classic fudgy flavor. But here’s the twist: it also makes incredible cookies. What sets it apart?

• Balanced sweetness without being overpowering
• Smooth texture that transitions well from batter to dough
• Versatile flavor base for endless add-in creativity
• Available in varieties like Fudge, Dark Chocolate, and Triple Chunk

When you’re using Betty Crocker for cookies, you’re tapping into a mix that’s already been optimized for rich flavor and perfect rise. You just have to tweak the liquid ratios slightly—and you’re golden.

Step-by-Step Instructions Using Betty Crocker Mix

To turn your Betty Crocker mix into chewy cookies, follow this tested recipe:

Ingredient	Quantity
Betty Crocker brownie mix	1 box (18.3 oz – Fudge style)
Large egg	1
Water	1 tablespoon
Melted butter (unsalted)	1/4 cup
Optional: Vanilla extract	1/2 teaspoon
Add-ins	1/2 cup chocolate chunks or M&Ms

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients: Combine egg, water, and melted butter in a medium bowl.
3. Add brownie mix and stir until fully incorporated. Dough will be thick.
4. Stir in add-ins, if using.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 9–11 minutes. The edges should look set, and centers slightly underdone.
7. Cool for 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

These cookies come out soft in the middle, crisp on the edges, and filled with rich cocoa flavor.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Sweet Potato Brownies for another creative twist on boxed mixes.

Ghirardelli Brownie Mix Cookies

Why Ghirardelli Is Perfect for Rich Cookies

If you’re after a brownie cookie that tastes like it came straight from a high-end bakery, Ghirardelli brownie mix is your go-to. Known for its deep, premium chocolate flavor and smooth consistency, Ghirardelli offers mixes that elevate your cookies to gourmet level with almost no extra effort.

What makes Ghirardelli mix so ideal for cookies?

• Higher cocoa content for deep chocolate intensity
• Thicker, denser mix creates a chewy, moist crumb
• Chunks or chips often included right in the mix
• Better-quality fats and ingredients than many budget brands

The result? Cookies with crisp edges, gooey centers, and that unmistakable “made-from-scratch” flavor—all from a box.

How to Use Ghirardelli Mix for Perfect Cookies

Here’s a tried-and-true recipe specifically tailored for Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix:

Ingredient	Quantity
Ghirardelli Brownie Mix	1 box (20 oz)
Egg	1 large
Unsalted butter (melted)	1/3 cup
All-purpose flour (optional)	2 tablespoons
Sea salt (optional garnish)	A pinch

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and egg. Stir in the brownie mix.
3. Add flour (optional) for thicker cookies. This helps stiffen the dough.
4. Chill for 10–15 minutes to prevent spreading.
5. Scoop dough balls and place 2 inches apart.
6. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
7. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking for a bakery-style finish.

Don’t miss our rich Italian Chocolate Pudding**—another decadent chocolate treat perfect for dessert lovers.

Pillsbury Brownie Mix Cookies

Unique Tips When Using Pillsbury Mix

Pillsbury brownie mix cookies bring that nostalgic, classic chocolate flavor you know from childhood. They’re especially popular for casual baking sessions, family get-togethers, and last-minute cookie swaps. If you’re looking for a soft, cakier texture, Pillsbury mixes are your sweet spot.

Here’s why Pillsbury works so well:

• Balanced flavor — not too dark, not too sweet
• Reliable texture — cookies hold shape well
• Kid-friendly mix — perfect for family baking
• Available in Fudge, Milk Chocolate, and Chocolate Chunk variants

Many home bakers love Pillsbury for its consistency. With just a couple of tweaks, it easily converts into amazing brownie mix cookies that never disappoint.

Pillsbury Brownie Cookies: A Classic Twist Recipe

This version of brownie mix cookies is built on the beloved Pillsbury Fudge Brownie Mix and adds just a bit of flair.

Ingredient	Quantity
Pillsbury Brownie Mix	1 box (18.4 oz)
Large eggs	2
Vegetable oil	1/3 cup
Vanilla extract (optional)	1 teaspoon
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	1/2 cup
Chopped pecans (optional)	1/3 cup

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking trays with parchment.
2. Whisk eggs, oil, and vanilla in a large bowl.
3. Add the brownie mix and stir until combined. Dough will be slightly sticky.
4. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans.
5. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the tray, leaving space between each.
6. Bake for 9–11 minutes. Don’t overbake—edges should be firm, center soft.
7. Cool for 10 minutes before serving or storing.

These brownie mix cookies deliver on both chew and crunch. And they’re perfect for making ahead, too.

Looking for a more indulgent option? Don’t miss our White Chocolate Bread Pudding—a rich, custardy dessert to pair with cookies at any event.

Brownie Mix Cookies with Butter Instead of Oil

Butter vs. Oil in Brownie Mix Cookies

When making brownie mix cookies, most box instructions call for vegetable oil. But here’s the secret: swapping in melted butter makes a massive difference. Butter adds richness, improves structure, and enhances that home-baked flavor we all crave.

Let’s break down the differences:

Property	Vegetable Oil	Butter
Flavor	Neutral	Rich, creamy, slightly salty
Texture	Moist and soft	Chewy and structured
Crumb	Looser, cake-like	Denser and more cookie-like
Aroma	Minimal	Buttery, bakery-style scent

Brownie mix cookies made with butter tend to have crispier edges and a more satisfying chew in the center. If you want cookies that hold shape and offer deeper flavor, butter wins hands down.

Step-by-Step: Substituting Butter for a Chewy Texture

Here’s the best method to make brownie mix cookies using butter instead of oil:

Ingredient	Quantity
Brownie Mix	1 box (18–20 oz)
Large Egg	1
Unsalted Butter (melted)	1/3 cup
Milk (optional)	1–2 tablespoons
Brown Sugar (optional)	1 tablespoon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Use parchment-lined trays for easy cleanup.
2. Melt the butter, then let it cool slightly to avoid scrambling the egg.
3. Mix butter and egg together, then add the brownie mix.
4. If the dough feels too stiff, add 1–2 tbsp of milk to loosen it slightly.
5. For extra depth, stir in a spoonful of brown sugar (totally optional).
6. Scoop and bake cookies for 10–11 minutes until the edges are crisp.
7. Let them cool for 5–7 minutes—they’ll set as they cool.

You’ll notice that brownie mix cookies made this way have a beautifully glossy top and tender middle—just like a bakery brownie but in cookie form.

Easy Add-In Ideas to Upgrade Your Brownie Mix Cookies

Creative Add-Ins: Nuts, Chips, Marshmallows, and More

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe for brownie mix cookies, it’s time to get creative. Add-ins are where the real fun begins—they transform your cookies into custom, bakery-style creations that look (and taste) anything but boxed.

Here are some top-tier additions to upgrade your brownie mix cookies:

Add-In	Recommended Amount	Flavor Impact
Semi-sweet chips	1/2 cup	Intensifies chocolate flavor
Peanut butter chips	1/2 cup	Sweet and nutty contrast
Walnuts/Pecans	1/2 cup (chopped)	Adds crunch and balances sweetness
Mini marshmallows	1/2 cup	Melts into gooey pockets
Crushed Oreos	1/2 cup	Adds texture and fun visual appeal
Caramel bits	1/2 cup	Creates gooey, buttery flavor pockets
M&Ms or sprinkles	1/2 cup	Colorful and festive for any occasion
Chili powder or cayenne	1/4 tsp	Adds a spicy edge to rich chocolate

These mix-ins pair beautifully with the dense, chewy texture of brownie mix cookies, making them versatile for any holiday, potluck, or late-night craving.

Pro Tip: Always fold add-ins gently into the dough just before baking to avoid overworking it. And if using melty add-ins like caramel or marshmallows, chill your dough first for cleaner results.

Flavor Variations for Every Season and Occasion

Want to make your brownie mix cookies seasonal or occasion-specific? Try these flavor pairings that work with any base mix (Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, or Ghirardelli):

Occasion	Flavor Variation
Fall	Cinnamon chips + toasted pecans + maple drizzle
Winter	Crushed candy canes + white chocolate chips
Valentine’s	Freeze-dried strawberries + dark chocolate chunks
Summer	Coconut flakes + lime zest + chocolate chips
Halloween	Orange/black sprinkles + mini M&Ms
Birthday	Rainbow sprinkles + vanilla extract + white chocolate

Flavor swaps are a simple way to refresh your go-to brownie mix cookies without changing the core recipe.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips for Perfect Brownie Mix Cookies

Fixing Common Problems: Too Flat, Too Dry, Too Sticky

Even the easiest recipes can have hiccups. Whether your brownie mix cookies are spreading too much, drying out, or turning into a sticky mess, these fixes will get you back on track fast.

Problem	Cause	Fix
Too flat or spread too much	Dough too warm, too much oil	Chill the dough 15–20 minutes before baking
Too dry or crumbly	Overbaking, too little fat	Slightly reduce bake time or add 1 tbsp milk
Sticky dough	High humidity or excess liquid	Add 1–2 tbsp flour and chill briefly
Burnt bottoms	Thin tray or no parchment	Always use parchment and a light-colored tray
Uneven baking	Crowded tray or inconsistent scoop size	Space cookies 2 inches apart and use a cookie scoop

Baking Time, Temperature & Storage Advice

To get the most out of every batch of brownie mix cookies, you need to understand the basics of cookie science. Start with timing and storage:

• Bake at 350°F for 9–12 minutes depending on your oven.
• Let cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring.
• Cool completely before storing to avoid steam-induced sogginess.
• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• To freeze cookie dough, roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

Looking for even more baking science?
Check out Wikipedia’s page on the Maillard Reaction—the process that gives baked cookies their rich, golden color and complex flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brownie Mix Cookies

Conclusion

Making brownie mix cookies is one of the easiest baking shortcuts that delivers rich, chewy, and crave-worthy results every time. Whether you’re going for a quick 3-ingredient version, using butter for a homemade twist, or dressing them up with fun add-ins, there’s no wrong way to bake them. This guide walked you through using top brands like Betty Crocker, Ghirardelli, and Pillsbury, all while showing you how to customize and troubleshoot along the way.

With minimal prep and maximum flavor, brownie mix cookies are the perfect go-to for busy bakers, late-night cravings, or impressive last-minute desserts.