Earthquake Brownie Cookies Recipe: A Deliciously Chewy and Fudgy Treat

If you’re craving a decadent, chocolatey dessert that’s perfect for your Weight Watchers plan, these Earthquake Brownie Cookies are just what you need. Imagine the fudgy, gooey texture of a brownie combined with the chewy, slightly crisp edge of a cookie. These cookies are a true chocolate lover’s dream, and with a few simple swaps, you can indulge in this treat without feeling guilty. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping your points in check, these cookies are sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier version)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar substitute (such as Stevia or Monk fruit sweetener)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (for a healthier fat alternative)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional for added richness)
• 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (optional, for a chocolatey surprise in every bite)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure the cocoa powder is fully incorporated for an even chocolate flavor throughout the cookies.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar substitute, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract. The applesauce replaces the butter or oil, keeping these cookies lighter while still providing moisture.

4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky. If it seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

5. Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips, if using. These will melt during baking, giving the cookies their signature “earthquake” cracks.

6. Shape the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Flatten the dough balls slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.

7. Bake

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool. The cookies should have a crackly top, reminiscent of an earthquake (hence the name!).

8. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on 12 cookies):

• Calories: 100-120
• WW Points: 3-4 points per cookie (depending on the sugar substitute and chocolate used)
• Fat: 4g
• Carbs: 15g
• Protein: 2g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Chocolate Lover’s Dream: These cookies combine the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie with the convenience of a cookie, making them the perfect treat for any chocolate lover.
2. Lower in Points: With simple swaps like applesauce instead of butter and a sugar substitute, these cookies are much lower in calories and WW points than the traditional version.
3. Fudgy and Gooey: Despite being lighter, these cookies still deliver that irresistible gooey center and slightly crispy edge. They’re the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
4. Perfect for a Sweet Craving: When you need something sweet but don’t want to go overboard on calories or points, these cookies are the answer. They’re portion-controlled and satisfy your chocolate cravings without guilt.

Pro Tips:

• Customize the Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of peanut butter for extra flavor and texture.
• Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds when you’re craving a warm, gooey treat.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The recipe should still turn out just as delicious!

These Weight Watchers Earthquake Brownie Cookies offer the perfect solution to your chocolate cravings while keeping your points in check. With their fudgy, gooey centers and crackly tops, these cookies are both a treat to your taste buds and a light dessert that won’t derail your healthy eating plan. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just need a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit!