If you adore both fudgy brownies and delightful cookies, then the Brownie Bear Claw Cookies Recipe is absolutely made for you. This charming creation brings together the rich, chocolaty goodness of brownies with the playful shape of a bear claw cookie, complete with almond “toes” and a luscious candy center. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or just treating yourself, these cookies combine texture, flavor, and a sprinkle of whimsy all in one bite. Ready to bake something that’s as fun to eat as it is to make? Let’s dive right into this Brownie Bear Claw Cookies Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients are all that’s needed to whip up these irresistible Brownie Bear Claw Cookies. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s creating the perfect fudgy base, adding moisture, or giving the cookies that signature claw look and irresistible crunch.
- 1 box brownie mix: The foundation of flavor and fudgy texture, brownie mix makes this recipe quick and easy.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the ingredients together for perfect cookie consistency.
- 1/3 cup oil: Adds moisture and the richness that keeps the cookies soft and tender.
- 2 tablespoons water: Balances the dough and ensures it isn’t too dense.
- Slivered almonds: Create the bear claw toes, adding subtle crunch and a lovely nutty flavor.
- Chocolate candy melts or Reese’s mini cups: These are the adorable centerpiece candies, adding extra chocolate decadence and a playful touch.
How to Make Brownie Bear Claw Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature to bake these cookies so they stay soft in the middle while developing a lightly crisp edge.
Step 2: Mix Your Dough
In a bowl, combine the brownie mix, egg, oil, and water thoroughly. Make sure everything is well blended but don’t over-mix — this ensures your cookies stay tender and not cakey.
Step 3: Scoop Onto the Cookie Sheet
Lightly grease your cookie sheet to prevent sticking, then scoop generous spoonfuls of the brownie dough onto the tray. Don’t crowd them too tightly as they will spread a bit while baking.
Step 4: Shape the Bear Claws
This is the fun part! Using your fingers, gently pinch the tops of each dough mound to create the “toes” of the bear claw. Then press slivered almonds into each “toe” to mimic claws — the almonds add a delightful texture and appearance.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Check around the 8-minute mark so they don’t overbake — the cookies should be set but still soft, with a fudgy, brownie-like center.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Candy Center
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a chocolate candy melt or Reese’s mini cup into the middle of each cookie with the back side facing up. This melts slightly and creates a beautiful, gooey center that’s pure indulgence.
How to Serve Brownie Bear Claw Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, consider lightly dusting your Brownie Bear Claw Cookies with powdered sugar or drizzling a bit of melted white chocolate over the top for contrast. Adding a sprinkle of crushed almonds or a few mini chocolate chips around the plate also brings extra flair.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or tea. For a special occasion, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream to create a decadent dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Set your Brownie Bear Claw Cookies out on a rustic wooden board with some fresh berries and sprigs of mint for a charming look. Alternatively, stack them in a cookie jar layered with parchment paper and tied with a ribbon as a sweet gift that anyone would love to receive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Brownie Bear Claw Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, preserving that irresistible fudgy texture you enjoyed right out of the oven.
Freezing
Want to save these treats for later? Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they freeze well for up to 2 months, perfect for last-minute indulgences.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply warm them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes or pop one in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Warm cookies bring back that freshly baked experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter for the Brownie Bear Claw Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While the boxed mix saves time, homemade brownie batter works just as well and lets you customize sweetness and chocolate intensity to your liking.
What if I’m allergic to almonds? Can I substitute the slivered almonds?
Yes, you can use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even small chocolate chips as a substitute for the “toes” to keep the fun shape without compromising taste or texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use a gluten-free brownie mix, and ensure other ingredients like candy melts are gluten-free. These cookies adapt well to dietary needs.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes, doubling the ingredients is easy and perfect for bigger batches. Just remember to space the cookies well on the sheet to prevent them from merging as they bake.
How long do Brownie Bear Claw Cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days at room temperature. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet for preserving flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a playful twist on classic brownies with the fun of cookies, the Brownie Bear Claw Cookies Recipe is a total winner. Each bite brings fudgy chocolate, crackly almond edges, and that melt-in-your-mouth candy center that makes you smile. Give this recipe a try — it’s perfect for weekends, parties, or any time you need a delicious pick-me-up that feels like a warm hug from your oven!
Print
Brownie Bear Claw Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brownie Bear Claw Cookies are a fun and delicious treat that combines the rich flavor of brownie mix with a creative bear claw design. Made with simple ingredients and topped with slivered almonds and chocolate candies, these cookies are perfect for a playful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 box brownie mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup oil
- 2 tbsp water
Toppings
- Slivered almonds
- Chocolate candy melts or Reese’s mini cups (or similar small chocolate candies)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Prepare Brownie Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the boxed brownie mix, egg, oil, and water until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the brownie batter onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Shape Bear Claws: Shape the tops of each scoop into toes by pinching the batter with your fingers, creating a claw-like look. Press slivered almonds into the ‘toes’ to resemble claws.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are just set but still soft.
- Add Chocolate Candy: Immediately after baking, press a chocolate candy melt or similar candy into the center of each cookie with the back side facing up to create the bear paw pad.
Notes
- Do not overbake; the cookies should be soft and fudgy like brownies.
- If you do not have slivered almonds, sliced almonds or chopped nuts can be used as an alternative.
- You can experiment with different types of chocolate candies for the center decoration.
- Make sure to grease the cookie sheet lightly to prevent sticking.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before removing from the baking sheet to maintain shape.
