Perfect Homemade Fudgy Brookies recipe. Anyone with a sweet tooth!😏 Brownie & Chocolate Chip Cookie lovers will adore these rich, decadent, and ultra-chocolaty brookies recipes. These brookies are one of my all-time favorites and a definite crowd-pleaser. Not only do they taste scrumptious, but they’re also really easy to make. It's truly a one-of-a-kind dessert!😍
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What are Brookies?
Brookies are a combination of brownies and cookies, hence the name. They are baked treats that combine a cookie's chewiness with a brownie's richness. Typically, they consist of a layer of brownie batter and a layer of cookie dough, baked together in the oven to create a delicious hybrid dessert. Brookies can be made in various ways, with different types of chocolate, nuts, or other add-ins to customize the recipe.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
For the Brownie Batter:
- Unsalted butter: used to add richness and moisture to the batter
- Bittersweet chocolate: used to add a deep, rich chocolate flavor to the batter
- Granulated sugar: used to sweeten the batter
- Light brown sugar: used to add a caramel-like flavor and moistness to the batter
- Vanilla extract: used to add a subtle vanilla flavor to the batter
- Salt: used to balance the sweetness of the batter
- Eggs: used to bind the batter together and add structure
- All-purpose flour: used as the base of the batter and to add structure
For the Cookie Dough:
- Unsalted butter: used to add richness and moisture to the dough
- Granulated sugar: used to sweeten the dough
- Light brown sugar: used to add a caramel-like flavor and moistness to the dough
- Vanilla extract: used to add a subtle vanilla flavor to the dough
- Egg: used to bind the dough together and add structure
- Salt: used to balance the sweetness of the dough
- Baking powder: used to help the dough rise slightly while baking
- Baking soda: used to help the dough rise slightly while baking
- All-purpose flour: used as the base of the dough and to add structure
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: used to add a chocolate flavor and texture to the dough
Tools you'll need
- Stand Mixer or Mixer
- 12-cup Non Stick Bundt Cake
- Silicone Spatula
- Liquid Measuring Cups
- Dry Measuring Cups
How to Make Brookies
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 350 ºF. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with shortening; set aside. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Beat the butter and both sugars on medium-high speed in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or in a large bowl if using a handheld mixer) until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the egg and beat until incorporated. Beat in the vanilla. Scrape down the side of the bowl as needed. Reduce the speed to medium, add the flour mixture, and beat until just incorporated.
Stir in the chocolate chips. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the freezer while you make the brownie batter. Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and melt it in the microwave for about 1 minute. Alternatively, stirring frequently, you can melt the butter and chocolate in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chocolate and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted. Let cool slightly.
Whisk in the sugars, salt, and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs until just combined. Add the flour mixture and stir to combine. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Remove the cookie dough from the freezer and dollop small spoonfuls evenly over the brownie batter.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking. Let stand for 15-20 minutes before serving. To serve, lift the brookies from the pan using the parchment overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Pull the parchment away from the edges. Cut the brookies into 2-in squares directly on the parchment using a sharp knife. Enjoy!😋🥛🍪
Substitutions
- Unsalted butter: Salted butter can be used instead, but you may need to reduce the salt added to the recipe to avoid making the batter or dough too salty.
- Bittersweet chocolate: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate can be used instead, depending on your preference for the intensity of the chocolate flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Brown sugar can be used instead, but it will change the color, texture, and flavor of the Brookies.
- Light brown sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used instead, but it will result in a more robust molasses flavor and a denser texture.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla bean paste or vanilla powder can be used instead, but you may need to adjust the amount used since they have a more robust flavor than extract.
- All-purpose flour: Whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour can be used instead, but it may affect the texture and taste of the Brookies.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Milk chocolate or white chocolate chips can be used instead, depending on your preference for sweetness and flavor. Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or candy can be added to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Variations
- Mint Brookies: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cookie dough and replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with mint chocolate chips. Layer the mint dough on top of a brownie batter made with dark chocolate for a delicious and refreshing twist.
- Nutty Brookies: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, to the cookie dough. Layer the nutty dough over a brownie batter made with milk chocolate for a crunchy and flavorful treat.
- Peanut Butter Brookies: Swirl ½ cup of peanut butter into the brownie batter before layering it with the cookie dough. Top the dough with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for a delicious chocolate and peanut butter combination.
- Red Velvet Brookies: Add 1 tablespoon of red food coloring and 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder to the cookie dough. Layer the red velvet dough over a brownie batter made with white chocolate for a festive and decadent dessert.
- Oreo Brookies: Crush 8-10 Oreo cookies and mix them into the cookie dough. Layer the Oreo dough on top of a brownie batter made with milk chocolate for a cookie and cream-inspired treat.
- Salted Caramel Brookies: Add ½ cup of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce to the cookie dough. Layer the caramel dough on top of a brownie batter made with dark chocolate and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
How to Serve
Brookies are versatile desserts that can be served in many ways. Once baked and cooled, they can be cut into squares or bars and served as a sweet snack or dessert. They can also be served warm with a scoop of ice cream on top for a delicious and decadent dessert. Alternatively, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the Brookies or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for added sweetness.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Allow them to cool completely, and then transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.
To reheat: You can warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, depending on your desired level of warmth. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become dry and lose their texture if heated for too long. Whether you are storing or reheating Brookies, handle them gently to avoid breaking or crumbling them.
Make-Ahead
Brookies are a great make-ahead dessert that can save time and effort when preparing for a party or gathering. You can make the brownie batter and cookie dough in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before assembling and baking them. This will allow the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in an even richer and more delicious dessert. Then, when you are ready to bake the Brookies, layer the cookie dough on top of the brownie batter in a baking dish and bake as instructed in the recipe.
If the batter is chilled, you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time, so be sure to watch them while baking. By making Brookies ahead of time, you can reduce stress and enjoy a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen on the day of your event.
Tips for Making The Best Brookies
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact your Brookies' flavor and texture. Use the best quality chocolate, butter, and flour for the best results.
- Measure accurately: Baking is a science and requires precise measurements. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups and spoons to ensure that you measure accurately.
- Don't overmix the batter or dough: Overmixing can lead to tough and dense Brookies. Mix the batter and dough until the ingredients are combined, and then stop.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before layering it on top of the brownie batter can help it maintain its shape and prevent it from spreading too much while baking.
- Use a parchment paper-lined baking dish: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper can help prevent sticking and make removing the Brookies from the pan easier.
- Don't overbake: Brookies should be slightly underbaked to achieve their signature chewy texture. Start checking them a few minutes before the recommended baking time, and remove them from the oven when they are slightly underdone.
- Let them cool completely before cutting: Cutting Brookies while still warm can cause them to fall apart or become too gooey. Allow them to cool completely before cutting them into squares or bars.
FAQ
Can I mix milk and dark chocolate for the brownie batter?
You can combine milk and dark chocolate for the brownie batter to achieve a more complex and balanced flavor.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be substituted for butter in some baking recipes, it may affect the texture and flavor of the Brookies. Butter is preferred for its richness and flavor.
Can I use a different type of sugar for the cookie dough?
You can use brown sugar or a combination of brown and white sugar for the cookie dough, but it will change the texture and flavor of it.
How do I know when the Brookies are done baking?
The Brookies should be slightly underbaked to achieve their signature chewy texture. They will be done when the edges are set, and the center is still slightly gooey. You can test them by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done.
Can I make Brookies without eggs?
You can make vegan Brookies by using flax eggs or applesauce instead of eggs, but it will change the texture of the Brookies.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the recipe?
You can add nuts, dried fruit, candy, or other mix-ins to the cookie dough or brownie batter to customize the recipe.
Related Recipes:
Recipe
Easy Brookies
Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter:
- 113 g (1 stick / ½ cup) unsalted butter
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 100 g (½ cup) packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs , room temperature
- 63 g (½ cup) all-purpose flour
For the cookie dough:
- 113 g (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 73 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
- 73 g (⅓ cup) light brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg , room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 157 g (1-¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 84 g (½ cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 ºF. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with shortening; set aside.
For the cookie dough:
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Beat the butter and both sugars on medium-high speed in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or in a large bowl if using a handheld mixer) until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the egg and beat until incorporated. Beat in the vanilla. Scrape down the side of the bowl as needed. Reduce the speed to medium, add the flour mixture, and beat until just incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the freezer while you make the brownie batter.
For the brownie batter:
- Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and melt it in the microwave, for about 1 minute. Alternatively, you can melt the butter and chocolate in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add the chocolate, and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted. Let cool slightly.
- Whisk in the sugars, salt, and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs until just combined. Add the flour mixture, and stir to combine. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Remove the cookie dough from the freezer and dollop small spoonfuls of the cookie dough evenly over the brownie batter. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking time. Let stand for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- To serve, lift the brookies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Pull the parchment away from the edges. Using a sharp knife, cut the brookies into 2-in squares directly on the parchment. Enjoy!😋🥛🍪
Notes
- To store: Brookies, allow them to cool completely, and then transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.
- To reheat: Brookies, you can warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, depending on your desired level of warmth. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become dry and lose their texture if heated for too long. Whether you are storing or reheating Brookies, handle them gently to avoid breaking or crumbling them.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.