One-Bowl Chewy Chocolate Cookies are rich, fudgy, brownie-like cookies made with sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, butter, flour, vanilla, and chopped nuts. They have crisp edges, soft centers, and deep chocolate flavor in every bite. If you love the chewy corner piece of a brownie pan, these cookies deliver that same texture in easy cookie form.
These cookies come together quickly in one bowl, which makes cleanup simple and baking stress-free. The sweetened condensed milk gives the dough a thick, glossy texture and helps the cookies bake up chewy instead of cakey. They are perfect for bake sales, holidays, lunchbox treats, or nights when you want something chocolatey without making a full pan of brownies.
I first made One-Bowl Chewy Chocolate Cookies on a quiet weekend when I wanted brownies but did not want to wait for a whole pan to cool. I had chocolate chips, condensed milk, and pecans in the pantry, so I mixed everything in one bowl and hoped for the best. The cookies came out with crackly edges and soft, fudgy centers that reminded everyone of the best brownie bite. By the end of the evening, only crumbs were left on the cooling rack, and this recipe became a regular favorite.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Stir in salt, self-rising flour, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts.
- Mix until the dough is thick and well combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
- Flatten dough portions slightly if the dough has cooled and holds a round shape.
- Bake for 7–9 minutes until edges are set and centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Notes
Why One-Bowl Chewy Chocolate Cookies Work So Well
Sweetened Condensed Milk Creates Chewy Texture
Sweetened condensed milk gives these cookies their signature chewy bite. It adds sweetness, moisture, and richness without needing a long list of ingredients.
Because the milk is thick and syrupy, it helps the melted chocolate turn into a dense, fudgy dough. As the cookies bake, the edges set while the centers stay soft and brownie-like.
This texture makes the cookies feel extra special. They are not dry, crumbly, or overly crisp. Instead, they land somewhere between a cookie and a brownie.
The condensed milk also keeps the recipe easy because it replaces several steps found in traditional cookie doughs.
One Bowl Makes Baking Easier
This recipe is simple because everything mixes in one bowl. You melt the chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter together first, then stir in the remaining ingredients.
Since there is no creaming butter and sugar, the dough comes together fast. That makes the recipe great for beginner bakers.
The one-bowl method also means fewer dishes, which is always helpful when baking during busy weeks or holiday seasons.
Even better, the dough bakes quickly. In under 10 minutes, the cookies turn glossy, set around the edges, and stay soft in the middle.
Best Ingredients for One-Bowl Chewy Chocolate Cookies
Chocolate Chips and Butter Add Richness
Semi-sweet chocolate chips create deep chocolate flavor without making the cookies overly sweet. They melt smoothly with butter and condensed milk to form a rich base.
Butter adds flavor and helps the cookies bake with tender edges. A small amount is enough because the condensed milk already adds plenty of moisture.
Vanilla extract rounds out the chocolate flavor and makes the cookies taste warmer and more balanced.
Salt is also important because it keeps the sweetness in check and makes the chocolate taste stronger.
Flour and Nuts Give Structure
Self-rising flour helps the cookies hold their shape while still staying soft. It includes leavening, so the cookies rise just enough without becoming cakey.
Finely chopped nuts add texture and structure. Pecans work especially well because their buttery flavor pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Walnuts or almonds can also work if you prefer a different nut flavor. However, chopping them finely helps them blend evenly into the dough.
The nuts also add contrast to the soft centers and chewy edges, making every bite more interesting.
How to Make One-Bowl Chewy Chocolate Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Place chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring often, until smooth.
Stir in salt, self-rising flour, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts.
Mix until the dough is thick and fully combined.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
If the dough has cooled and holds a ball shape, gently flatten each portion slightly.
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes until the edges are set and the centers still look soft.
Cool on the baking sheets for several minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Helpful Tips for Better Results
Do not overbake these cookies. They should still look slightly soft in the center when they come out of the oven.
Warm dough spreads more easily, while cooler dough stays rounder. Therefore, gently flatten cooler dough before baking.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and help the cookies release cleanly.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet first. This helps them finish setting without becoming dry.
Serving Ideas and Variations
What to Serve With Chocolate Cookies
One-Bowl Chewy Chocolate Cookies taste wonderful with cold milk, coffee, hot cocoa, or vanilla ice cream.
They also make excellent ice cream sandwiches because their chewy texture holds up well.
For dessert trays, pair them with sugar cookies, lemon bars, or shortbread for contrast.
They are rich, so small cookies work perfectly for parties and bake sales.
Easy Variations to Try
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
Add mini chocolate chips after mixing for extra chocolate texture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty finish.
You can also add a little espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes, although the texture may be softer since nuts add structure.
Can I use all-purpose flour?
Yes. Use 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Why did my cookies stay round?
The dough may have cooled before baking. Flatten each dough portion slightly before placing it in the oven.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes. Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to two months.
Conclusion
One-Bowl Chewy Chocolate Cookies are rich, fudgy, easy, and perfect for anyone who loves brownie-style desserts. Sweetened condensed milk gives them a chewy texture, while chocolate chips and nuts create deep flavor and satisfying bite.
Because the recipe comes together in one bowl and bakes quickly, it is perfect for holidays, parties, or simple weeknight treats. These cookies deliver big chocolate comfort with very little effort.
