As a passionate home cook, I can’t help but smile every time I think about brookies. These delightful brownie and cookie hybrids have a way of bringing joy to any gathering. The first time I made brookies, my kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of melting chocolate and warm, buttery cookie dough. It was a moment of pure bliss, and I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The combination of fudgy brownie layers and chewy cookie tops creates a texture that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try brookies, you’ll find it hard to choose between brownies and cookies ever again!
What is Brookies?
Brookies are a delightful fusion of brownies and cookies, creating a treat that satisfies both cravings in one bite. This innovative dessert has its roots in American baking culture, where creativity in the kitchen often leads to delicious hybrids. The combination of rich, fudgy brownie layers and chewy cookie dough results in a texture that is both satisfying and indulgent. You can think of brookies as the best of both worlds, where the deep chocolate flavor of brownies meets the comforting sweetness of cookies.
Originating from the desire to combine two beloved desserts, brookies have gained popularity in recent years, especially among home bakers looking to impress family and friends. They are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With their unique blend of flavors and textures, brookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Brookies
- Convenient: Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Tasty: A perfect balance of chocolatey and sweet flavors.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this treat.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or caramel.
Who It’s For
Brookies are ideal for busy families looking for a quick dessert, health-conscious cooks who want to indulge without guilt, and food lovers eager to try something new and exciting.
When to Cook It
These delicious brookies are perfect for weeknight dinners, celebrations, or family meals. They also make a great addition to bake sales or as a sweet surprise for friends.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (can use erythritol for a low-calorie alternative)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (brown sugar substitute can be made with granulated sugar and molasses)
- 2 large eggs (flax eggs can be used for a vegan option)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional: use almond extract for a different flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (helps the brookies rise)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances the sweetness)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (dark chocolate chips add richness; use dairy-free for vegan)
- 1 cup brownie mix (for a shortcut, use your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup water (to prepare the brownie mix)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- In another bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions, adding the water as needed to achieve a smooth batter.
- Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Drop spoonfuls of the brownie batter on top of the cookie dough, swirling gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving, enjoying the delightful blend of flavors and textures.
- Stevia: A natural sweetener with zero calories, perfect for baking.
- Monk fruit: A low-calorie sweetener that doesn’t spike blood sugar levels.
- Allulose: A rare sugar that has minimal impact on blood sugar and calories.
It’s best to avoid honey or maple syrup as substitutes, as they can still raise blood sugar levels significantly.
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
- Cooling rack
- Use Quality Chocolate: Renowned pastry chef Jacques Torres emphasizes the importance of using high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Opt for chocolate chips or bars with at least 60% cocoa content.
- Don’t Overmix: Chef Ina Garten advises against overmixing your batter. This can lead to tough brookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
- Chill the Dough: According to baking expert Sally McKenney, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and prevent spreading during baking.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Celebrity chef Christina Tosi encourages creativity. Add nuts, caramel bits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor boost.
- Check for Doneness: Renowned baker Peter Reinhart suggests using a toothpick to test for doneness. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter, for the perfect brookie.
- Room Temperature: Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerator: If you prefer a firmer texture, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they are well-sealed to prevent drying out.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze brookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: To enjoy brookies warm, microwave a square for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough brookies. Aim to combine ingredients until just mixed for a tender texture.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step can result in uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to ensure consistent results.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture. Make sure your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for the best outcome.
- Ignoring Baking Time: Overbaking can dry out your brookies. Keep an eye on them and use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Not Letting Them Cool: Cutting into brookies too soon can lead to a messy result. Allow them to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Q: Can I make brookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare brookies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Q: Are brookies suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, brookies are vegetarian-friendly as they contain no meat or fish products.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour for brookies?
It depends. You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
Q: Do brookies freeze well?
Yes, brookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
Q: Are brookies healthier than regular brownies or cookies?
No, brookies are a hybrid dessert and typically have similar nutritional values to brownies and cookies, so enjoy them in moderation!
Brookies are truly a delightful treat that combines the best of both brownies and cookies, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delicious hybrids with your family and friends as much as I do. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out, and don’t forget to share it with fellow food lovers!
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Brookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brookies are a delightful combination of brownies and cookies, offering the best of both worlds in one delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup brownie mix
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- In another bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions, adding the water as needed.
- Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the brownie batter on top of the cookie dough, swirling gently with a knife.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
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Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- These can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Brookies, brownie cookie hybrid, dessert recipe