AMAZING BROOKIES RECIPE
Is it a brownie? Is it a cookie? Nope, it’s a brookie! Brookies are bars made from marbled layers of fudgy brownie batter and cakey chocolate chip cookie dough. When I first heard of them, I thought they were a silly fad (why mess with the classics?) but then I tried them and, boy, was I wrong!
Brookies are not only super delicious, but they’re also more festive than your basic brownies or chocolate chip cookies. They’re perfect for those occasions when you need a fun potluck treat for all ages — and they’re pretty handy for packing in lunch boxes and late-night snacking, too.
You’ll need two types of chocolate for this recipe: semi-sweet chocolate chips for the cookie layer and bittersweet chocolate for the brownie layer. The label on the bittersweet chocolate I use for this recipe indicates that it contains 60% cacao. Don’t get too caught up in the percentages though, because there are no legal regulations that indicate exactly how much cacao bittersweet chocolate must have. Instead, just make sure what you purchase is labeled bittersweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This brookie recipe combines the best of both worlds, offering a delightful contrast between the dense, fudgy brownie layer and the soft, chewy cookie dough top. Whether you’re a fan of brownies or cookies, you’ll find something to love here. Plus, it’s visually stunning with its marbled appearance, making it a showstopper at any gathering.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or heatproof bowl
- Medium bowl
- Electric mixer with paddle attachment
- Spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Wire rack
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped (best quality, such as Ghirardelli)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled off with knife
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off with a knife, plus more for kneading
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Set the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan with parchment paper (bring the parchment up the sides of pan so there is a slight overhang) and grease with butter or nonstick cooking spray. (If the parchment is slipping, dot a little butter or nonstick spray in the corners of the pan to help the parchment stick.)
- Make the brownie batter: Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave until bubbling. Add the chocolate and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted. The heat from the butter should be enough to melt the chocolate completely, but if not, place the chocolate-butter mixture in the microwave and heat for 20 seconds or so, then whisk again. (Alternatively, combine the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set over a pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted.) Whisk in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. The mixture will be a bit grainy; that’s okay. Whisk in the eggs. Finally, whisk in the flour until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Set aside.
- Make the cookie dough: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle or beaters, beat the butter and both sugars for 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. Add the vanilla and egg and beat for 1 minute more. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again. Add the salt, baking powder, and baking soda and beat briefly until evenly combined. On low speed, mix in the flour. Finally, add the chocolate chips and mix until just combined.
- Dollop small spoonfuls of the cookie dough evenly over the brownie batter (no need to spread it out or press it down). Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the brownie edges are shiny and the cookie portion is golden brown, about 20 minutes more. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool completely. To cut, 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.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the cookie dough to get the best texture.
- Don’t over-mix the cookie dough after adding the flour to avoid tough cookies.
- Allow the brookies to cool completely before cutting them to get clean edges.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for extra crunch.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips in the cookie dough.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each brookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but it will make the cookie layer sweeter. Adjust the sugar accordingly if desired.
How should I store brookies?
Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Conclusion
These brookies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies and cookies, offering the best of both treats in one delicious bite. Perfect for any occasion, they promise to impress family and friends. Give this amazing brookies recipe a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy baking!