How to Make Brookies: Easy 7 Steps Brownie-Cookie Delight
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking pan (9×13 inches)
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Cookie Layer:
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet, milk, or a mix of both
Optional Mix-ins:
- ½ cup nuts walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts
- ¼ cup crushed candy bars like Snickers or Reese’s
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder for a deeper flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix in dry: Prepare the brownie layer by melting butter, stirring in sugar, and adding eggs and vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, then spread in the baking pan.
- Blend in: Make the cookie layer by creaming butter and sugars, then adding the egg and vanilla. Blend in the dry ingredients, fold in chocolate chips, and spread over the brownie layer.
- Swirl: Swirl the two layers slightly for a marbled effect if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Substitute chocolate chips with your favorite add-ins like white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder for enhanced flavor.
Variations and Twists:
- S’mores Brookies: Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows, then broil briefly.
- Nutella Swirl: Add dollops of Nutella and swirl into the brownie layer.
- Pumpkin Spice Brookies: Add pumpkin puree and spice for a fall twist.
- Red Velvet Brookies: Use red velvet mix and add cream cheese frosting for a festive look.
Tips for Perfecting:
- Don’t overmix to keep the brookies fudgy.
- Use quality chocolate for better flavor.
- Begin testing for doneness early to prevent overbaking.
- Chill the cookie dough if possible for thicker, chewier brookies.
- Experiment with additional layers like fruit preserves or peanut butter for added flavor.
Table of Contents
If you’re a fan of brownies and cookies, then get ready to meet your new favorite dessert: the brookie! This delightful treat is a scrumptious mashup that combines the fudgy richness of brownies with the chewy sweetness of cookies. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this brookie recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth like nothing else. Let’s dive into the magic of brookies!
Starting
Before we get started on the recipe, let’s gather some essential tools and ingredients. This brookie recipe is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow your friends and family. With its gooey brownie base and a luscious cookie top, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Essential Tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking pan (9×13 inches)
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
Having the right tools on hand will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Each step in this recipe is designed to bring out the best flavors and textures, ensuring you end up with a batch of brookies that everyone will love.
Preparation Time and Total Duration
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Duration: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes
This timeline makes it easy to whip up a batch of brookies even on a busy day. You can spend the time while they bake to catch up on your favorite show or prepare a cup of coffee to enjoy alongside your fresh treats.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Cookie Layer:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or a mix of both)
Optional Mix-ins:
- ½ cup nuts (walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts)
- ¼ cup crushed candy bars (like Snickers or Reese’s)
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder (for a deeper flavor)
These ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, making this recipe accessible and straightforward. Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brookies bake evenly and gives you that perfect, gooey texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This little step can save you a lot of hassle when it’s time to serve. Parchment paper is especially useful for creating clean edges and avoiding sticky situations!
Step 3: Make the Brownie Layer
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the 1 cup of butter. Remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. The residual heat will help dissolve the sugar.
- Incorporate the eggs individually, ensuring each one is fully mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. This mixture should be smooth and glossy.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, whisking them together until well blended. Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until they are barely combined. Remember, it’s okay to have a few small lumps overmixing is best avoided!
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Use a rubber spatula to help with this step.
Step 4: Make the Cookie Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Make sure to scrape the bowl’s edges to guarantee all ingredients are well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, blend the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is thoroughly combined. Your dough should be thick and sticky.
- Fold in the chocolate chips. Feel free to get creative here try using chunks of your favorite candy bars or different flavored chips!
Step 5: Assemble Your Brookies
- Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough over the brownie layer, spreading it as evenly as possible. Don’t worry about covering the brownie layer completely; it’s okay if some brownie peeks through. The two layers will meld together beautifully as they bake.
- Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the two layers together for a marbled effect. This adds a fun texture and flavor combination!
Step 6: Bake
- Place your baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Keep an eye on your brookies to prevent overbaking; you want them to remain chewy and fudgy! The edges should look set while the center might still appear slightly underbaked. It will continue to cook as it cools.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. This cooling period is essential for the brookies to firm up a bit before cutting.
- Cut into squares and serve warm, or allow them to cool completely before serving. Either way, they are delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Brookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your dessert experience:
- À la Mode: Serve warm brookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of a warm brownie and chilly ice cream offers a wonderfully contrasting experience.
- Garnish: Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Pairing: Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage coffee, tea, or hot chocolate would work wonderfully.
- Dessert Platter: Arrange cut brookie squares on a platter alongside other desserts like cookies or mini cupcakes for a fun dessert table.
Storage Recommendations
To keep your brookies fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to a week. Chilling them can enhance the fudgy texture!
- Freezing: You can also freeze brookies! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with the type of chocolate chips you use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter chips can add a unique twist!
- If you’re a fan of nuts, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans into either layer for added crunch.
- Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie layer for a deeper flavor.
History and Culture
The brookie, a delightful hybrid of brownies and cookies, is a relatively modern creation. While the exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, this dessert trend emerged in the late 20th century as bakers began experimenting with combining beloved dessert elements. Brookies are now a favorite at bakeries and home kitchens alike, loved for their fudgy, chewy texture and ease of preparation.
Many recipes have emerged over the years, with each baker adding their unique touch. Today, brookies can be found in various flavors and styles, including those topped with frosting, flavored with spices, or even drizzled with gourmet sauces.
The rise of social media has helped popularize brookies, with home bakers sharing their creations on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, inspiring others to try this delicious combination in their kitchens.
Variations and Modern Twists
The beauty of the brookie lies in its versatility. Here are some unexpected variations that can elevate your brookie game:
- S’mores Brookies: Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows to the cookie layer. After baking, broil for a minute or two to toast the marshmallows for that classic s’mores flavor.
- Nutella Swirl: Replace some of the brownie batter with Nutella for a rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor. You can also add a dollop of Nutella on top before swirling.
- Red Velvet Brookies: Use red velvet cake mix for the brownie layer and top with a cream cheese frosting for a festive twist.
- Pumpkin Spice Brookies: During fall, swap out some of the flour in the brownie layer for pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal delight.
- Brown Butter Brookies: For a nutty, rich flavor, brown your butter for both layers before mixing it into the batters. This simple technique adds depth to the flavors.
- Matcha Brookies: Incorporate matcha powder into the brownie layer for a unique green tea flavor that pairs surprisingly well with chocolate.
Tips for Perfecting
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can lead to dense brookies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder for the best flavor. The better the chocolate, the better your brookies will taste!
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different. Begin testing for doneness a few minutes earlier than the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking.
- Chill Your Dough: If you have time, consider chilling your cookie dough for about 30 minutes before layering it on the brownies. This can help the cookie layer maintain its shape and create a thicker texture.
- Experiment with Layering: Try adding a layer of fruit preserves, peanut butter, or a different type of batter in between the brownie and cookie layers for an exciting twist.
And there you have it a delicious brookie recipe that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this treat is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo, these brookies are bound to impress. Happy baking!
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