Fudge Cookies

These fudge cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream, combining rich, melty chocolate with a soft, fudgy center. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to add to your cookie box or a delightful dessert to wow your guests, these cookies are the perfect choice. Their deep chocolate flavor and tender crumb make them irresistible, and they’re as easy to make as they are to enjoy. Whip up a batch for your next gathering, or keep them on hand for your personal daily indulgence—either way, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients for Fudge Cookies

• Semisweet chocolate chips: The 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips are divided for melting into the dough and adding extra chocolaty goodness later. You can use dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Unsweetened chocolate: Unsweetened chocolate is chopped and added to provide a deep, rich chocolate flavor without additional sweetness. You can substitute with bittersweet or dark chocolate, but then reduce the sugar slightly.
• Butter: The butter adds richness and helps create a smooth texture. Margarine can be used as an alternative.
• Sugar: Sugar sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a tender crumb. For a slightly different flavor, you can use brown sugar.
• Large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture. If you need an egg substitute, use flax eggs or chia eggs.
• Vanilla extract: In these cookies, vanilla brings a subtle depth, keeping the flavors balanced. Almond extract can be used instead.
• All-purpose flour: The flour provides structure and helps the cookies hold their shape. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in a cup-for-cup ratio.
• Baking cocoa: In the recipe, baking cocoa intensifies the chocolate flavor. Dutch-process cocoa can be used for a darker, richer taste.
• Baking powder: This gives the cookies a slight lift.
• Confectioners’ sugar: A dusting of confectioners’ sugar leaves a finishing touch of sweetness and a pretty, snowy appearance. You can leave this out if you prefer less sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Melt the chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, the unsweetened chocolate and the butter. Stir until smooth, then let it cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Beat the sugar and eggs

In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and eggs for two minutes until light and fluffy. Then beat in the chocolate mixture and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture. Stir in the remaining semisweet chocolate chips.

Step 4: Chill the dough

Refrigerate the dough, covered, until it’s firm enough to handle, at least three hours.

Step 5: Shape the dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F. With lightly floured hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake the cookies

Bake the cookies until they’re lightly puffed and set, 10 to 12 minutes. Let them cool on the pans for three minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

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Fudge Cookie Variations

• Add some nuts: Incorporate some of your favorite nuts, such as almonds, walnuts or pecans, into the dough for a satisfying crunch and extra flavor.
• Create s’mores flavor: Mix mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers into the dough for a s’mores-inspired cookie.
• Enhance with espresso: Blend 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder into the dry ingredients for a rich mocha flavor.
• Sprinkle with sea salt: After baking, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the cookies for a sweet-salty treat.

How to Store Fudge Cookies

Store these cookies in a resealable container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.

Can you freeze fudge cookies?

Yes, you can freeze these chocolate fudge cookies. Place them in a single layer on a sheet tray to freeze until solid, then store them in a freezer bag for up to three months.

Fudge Cookie Tips

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What can I use instead of unsweetened chocolate?

You can use bittersweet or dark chocolate, but do reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your dough is well chilled before baking. If necessary, chill the dough balls again before placing them in the oven.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend cup-for-cup.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store the cookies in a container with a slice of bread. The bread will help maintain the cookies’ moisture.

Why did my cookies turn out dry?

Overbaking is one of the most common causes of dry cookies. Make sure to bake them until they’re just set and lightly puffed.