Magic Brownie Cookies

These irresistible Magic Brownie Cookies have a rich, fudgy brownie texture, a crackly exterior and are loaded with flavor! You’ll love these brownies in a classic cookie form for a dessert that’s both decadent and delightful. These easy brownie cookies are packed full of flavor – coconut, butterscotch, walnuts and of course, chocolate!

Love easy cookies? Make sure to try my Ritz S’mores Cookies, our classic No Bake Cookies and these fan favorite Almond Joy Cookies – just four ingredients!

Magic Brownie Cookies Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Magic Brownie Cookies recipe with you—it’s been a hit in my kitchen, and I just know you’ll love it too! These cookies combine the best of both worlds: the rich, fudgy texture of brownies complete with the crackled top but are easy to eat in cookie form.

I used all the ingredients you would find in magic bars (often called 7 Layer Bars) and are just as delicious. They’re packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, crunchy walnuts, and sweetened coconut flakes. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that your taste buds won’t be able to resist.

There is just something magical about that shiny, thin crust layer on the top of these cookies that begs you to take a bite. They are just so pretty and, dare I say, hearty. Can cookies be hearty? With all those chips and walnuts in there, they certainly have a ton of texture and flavor going on. This batch makes three dozen. Perfect for a small gathering with just enough extra to send a few home with your friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: These cookies are a delightful mix of semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy butterscotch chips, crunchy walnuts, and coconut flakes. The combination of flavors creates a rich, decadent treat that’s both satisfying and unique.
• Fudgy and Chewy Texture: The recipe achieves the best of both worlds with a texture that’s fudgy like a brownie and chewy like a cookie.
• Easy to Make: These Magic Brownie Cookies are surprisingly easy to prepare. The simple recipe comes together quickly, and the results are always delicious.

How to Make Magic Brownie Cookies

When you want brownies AND cookies – this recipe is the one to make! These cookies are literally bursting with chocolate flavor. So prepare yourself accordingly. The batter is outrageously chunky due to the addition of a cup each of the coconut, butterscotch and chocolate chips, and the walnuts.

I used a bit of espresso powder to really amp up that chocolate flavor. If you don’t have any or can’t find, don’t let that stop you from making these cookies. As always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Melt chocolate chips and butter in the microwave. Stir in the espresso powder.
2. Beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla together until combined.
3. Slowly add in the cooled chocolate mixture.
4. Combine the flour, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl. Stir in the flour mixture.
5. Combine the walnuts, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and coconut in a medium bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of flour.
6. Stir into cookie dough.
7. Scoop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 13-15 minutes. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Make sure you let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them less likely to break apart.

Storage Information

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Refrigerator: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies. Place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before eating for the best taste and texture.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven or microwave for a freshly-baked taste.

Freezing Cookie Dough: If you want to prepare cookies in advance, you can also freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations to Try

• Swap out the butterscotch chips for peanut butter chips to create a chocolate-peanut butter combo. You can also swirl in a few spoonfuls of peanut butter directly into the dough for a rich, nutty flavor throughout each cookie.
• Add dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or raisins for a chewy texture and a hint of natural sweetness. You can also substitute or add different nuts, like pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts, to bring new flavors and crunch to the cookies.
• Incorporate caramel bits or drizzle salted caramel sauce over the baked cookies for a sweet and salty variation.

What makes these cookies “magic”?

The “magic” in these cookies comes from the combination of flavors and textures and of course, the reference to everyone’s favorite Magic Bars. These cookeis feature the fudgy richness of a brownie, the crisp edges of a cookie, and a delightful mix of add-ins like walnuts, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and sweetened coconut flakes. The result is a deliciously unique cookie that’s bursting with flavor!

Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! You can omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version. You can also substitute the walnuts with seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) for some added crunch without the nuts.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Definitely! Feel free to use any type of chocolate chips you like—milk, dark, white, or even flavored varieties like peanut butter or caramel chips.

Trish’s Tips

• Opt for good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips to enhance the overall flavor of the cookies. The better the chocolate, the richer and more delicious the cookies will taste.
• If you have time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking will help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent them from spreading too much. It also gives the flavors time to meld, resulting in a richer taste.
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking, resulting in perfect cookies every time.

More Cookie Recipes to Try

1. Kolaczki (Polish Cookies)
2. Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
3. Coconut Macaroons
4. Peanut Butter Blossoms
5. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
6. Coconut Macaroon Blossoms

 Originally published April 15, 2015.