The eternal question: brownies or cookies? Both are delicious in their own ways. I love the fudgy, chewy, richness of a good brownie. However… I also am completely addicted to the scent of cookies baking in the oven and that crisp, first bite into a perfectly baked cookie. Sometimes, it’s really hard to choose between the two, like at a party or something. You can either be that person who goes for them both or you can pick just one and be somewhat miserable because you’re still thinking about that poor, abandoned sweet just sitting on the dessert table. It’s a sad place to be, I know. If you share the same conundrum as me, then this recipe is for you.
Picture a cookie the size of your hand. Chocolate chip. Crispy, yet soft.
You take the first bite… tasty, yet pretty standard for a chocolate chip cookie.
Another bite. Wait, what is that? Is that what I think it is? A brownie? No, it can’t be. This is a cookie! What’s going on here?!?!
That, my friends, is a pillow cookie.
A luscious, soft brownie enveloped by a crunchy cookie.
Believe you me, this recipe is just as amazing as it sounds… and it’s quite easy too. What better way to start a Monday morning than with a cookie recipe like this? Before I get to the good stuff though, I must ask, on an unrelated note…
Is it bad that when I hear the phrase “the best of both worlds,” I now immediately think of Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana? Help me, please.
Pillow Cookies
from Bakerella
Ingredients:
- 1 package brownie mix
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 12 oz. chocolate chunks
Directions:
Make brownies according to package directions. I use Betty Crocker Hershey’s Triple Chunk brownie mix, though any brownies will do. [Bonus points if you make ’em homemade! I love these though.]
Let cool, then cut into 10 1-inch squares. What you do with the rest of those brownies is none of my business, but I’m sure you’ll find a good use for them… 🙂
Meanwhile, start making that cookie dough! Yum!
Beat butter in the bowl of stand mixer until light and creamy. Add in brown sugar and mix until smooth. Then, add egg, yolk, and vanilla and mix that up too.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Add to mixing bowl in gradual 1/3 cup increments, beating to combine along the way. Fold in chocolate chunks, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Waiting is hard, I know, but this will be worth it! This is important because it’s easier to shape the cookies if the dough is cold.
After an hour or so… preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Then, using a measuring cup, spoon out 1/2 cup of cookie dough and shape into a ball. Yes, you read that right. 1/2 cup dough=1 cookie. Make a well in the middle of the ball like so…
Then press a brownie in that indentation.
And finally, fold the rest of the dough around the brownie.
I found it easiest to prepare 5 cookies at a time on a large baking sheet [15 by 20 inches], and to return the dough to the refrigerator while the first batch baked. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until cookies reach desired done-ness. Repeat until all the dough is gone–this should make about 10 large cookies.
Cool cookies on baking pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Eat ASAP.
OH YUM.
Do you prefer cookies or brownies? What’s your favorite recipe?
The Pajama Chef 
This IS the best way to start a Monday morning! Delicious baking insanity 🙂 Your recipe looks fantastic. I made chocolate peanut butter pillow cookies for the first time a couple weeks ago, and I think I fell in love! If you’re up for more pillow cookie madness, the recipe is here: http://ahungryspoon.blogspot.com/2010/09/chocolate-peanut-butter-pillows.html
Have a great week!
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those look great, kylie!
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Looks like an amazing recipe! Can’t wait to try those. They look so delicious.
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I’ve been wanting to make these ever since I saw Bakerella’s post! They look amazing–great job!
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OMG SO GOOD. I love this idea!
PS: I am making your buttermilk chocolate bread this week 🙂
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Brilliant!
Though I have to say, my husband is definitely the baker in our house. I love cooking, but he loves baking. It works out perfectly–in fact, I’m having one of his homemade chocolate chip cookies at my desk here at work right now–with coffee, of course. =)
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This looks amazing!!!
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Omg this is genius!! No more having to make the tough decisions… I LOVE it!
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That looks SOOOO good! I know what to bring to the next cookie swap now. Thanks!
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I never knew this was even possible. This could be dangerous! Ah! =)
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seriously!!
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OH MY GOODNESS… I think this recipe just about made my life!! Thank you so much for sharing – totally trying these next weekend!
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I just discovered your blog this weekend and I am excited to make the pumpkin oatmeal from the weekend tomorrow for my kiddos.
As far as the cookie/brownie debate goes, I love a warm, soft cookie. My man prefers brownies. I think this recipe has the makings of a great date night at home! Thanks.
PJ Chef, do you ever provide nutritional info? Not that I have even the slightest interest for the cookie/brownie merger,(why ruin a very good thing) but the pumpkin oatmeal interests me!
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Hmmm, I have never provided nutritional info before mainly because I don’t count calories and I don’t want to get caught up in that game. However, a good resource for calculating nutritional information for recipes is: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-calculator.asp. Hope that helps!
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Aah yes, like you say, the best of both worlds. Hmm, as for a favourite, well, it depends on my mood. Then again, with a cup of tea in the other hand I would be happy with either.
🙂 Mandy
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haha I totally have Miley Cyrus stuck in my head now. But there are worse things than that, I suppose.
Like for example going my whole life without making these. that would be tragic. They sound amazing.
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Just found this recipe and it looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it. 🙂
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