If you crave a rich, sweet treat that combines the best of brownies and cookies, you’ve found it! These Ultimate Fudgy Brookies are the perfect indulgence for chocolate lovers. I’ll guide you through simple steps to create these gooey delights. With only a few ingredients and some handy tips, you’ll be ready to impress friends and family in no time. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
Brownie Layer Ingredients
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Cookie Layer Ingredients
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chocolate chips
Optional Mix-ins
You can add some extra fun to your brookies. Consider using:
– Chopped nuts for crunch
– Peanut butter chips for a nutty twist
– Dried fruit for a chewy texture
Each mix-in adds a unique taste and texture to the treat. Have fun with it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish. Grease it with butter or cooking spray. Then, line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the brookies out later.
Making the Brownie Layer
In a medium bowl, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and mix well. Next, crack in 2 large eggs and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat this mix until smooth. Sift in 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! Pour the brownie batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly.
Making the Cookie Layer
Now, take another mixing bowl. Cream together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until it looks light and fluffy. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add this mix to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, then fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Layering the Brookies
Take spoonfuls of the cookie dough and drop them on top of the brownie layer. Spread it to cover as much as you can. Some brownie peeking through is just fine.
Baking the Brookies
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cooling & Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the brookies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Lift them out using the parchment paper overhang. Move them to a wire rack to cool down further. Cut into squares and serve them warm or at room temperature. For a special touch, drizzle melted chocolate on top and sprinkle with sea salt. Enjoy your rich and indulgent treat!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Fudgy Texture
To get that fudgy texture, use melted butter in the brownie layer. It helps create a moist and rich feel. Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix just until combined. This keeps the brownies tender. For the cookie layer, cream the butter and sugars well. The air added here makes a nice contrast to the dense brownie. Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is baking too long. If your brookies are dry, you baked them too much. Check them at 25 minutes; they should look set but soft in the center. Another mistake is not using enough chocolate chips. Those chips add sweetness and texture. Lastly, don’t skip the parchment paper; it makes removing the brookies a breeze.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
I love serving brookies warm, fresh from the oven. Try drizzling melted chocolate on top for extra sweetness. A sprinkle of sea salt brightens the flavor. Pair them with vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert. You can also serve them with a cup of coffee or milk. They taste amazing with a cold glass of milk!
Variations
Adding Nuts or Different Chocolates
You can make these brookies even better by adding nuts or different types of chocolate. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Chop them up and fold them into the brownie or cookie layer. If you love chocolate, try mixing in dark or white chocolate chips. This will give your brookies a richer taste and a fun twist.
Gluten-Free Adaptations
If you want gluten-free brookies, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in baking. Just make sure it has a good mix of flours and starches. You might also want to add a bit of xanthan gum to help with texture. This will keep your brookies fudgy and soft.
Flavor Variations (Mint, Espresso, etc.)
Feel free to get creative with flavors! Adding mint extract gives a fresh taste. A teaspoon mixed into the brownie layer can make a big difference. For coffee lovers, a bit of espresso powder adds a rich depth to the chocolate. Just a tablespoon can boost the flavor without being too strong. Experiment and find your favorite!
Storage Info
How to Store Brookies
To keep your brookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating Instructions
If your brookies lose some of their warmth, don’t worry! You can gently reheat them. Place a brookie in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This warms them up without drying them out. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), and warm the brookies for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Freezing for Later
Want to save some brookies for later? You can freeze them easily! First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each brookie tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight, or warm them up using the microwave or oven.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate. Melt 4 ounces of dark chocolate. Replace cocoa powder and some butter. This change adds rich flavor and a fudgy texture.
How can I make these brookies chewy?
To make brookies chewy, use brown sugar in the cookie layer. Brown sugar keeps moisture in. You can also bake them for a shorter time. Check them 5 minutes early to keep them soft.
What’s the best way to cut brookies into squares?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife. First, let them cool for 15 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper. Use a gentle sawing motion to cut squares.
Can I make a larger batch of brookies?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Use a 9×13-inch pan for the larger batch. Adjust baking time slightly, checking for doneness after 30 minutes. Enjoy your big batch of brookies!
In this post, we covered how to make brookies, a mix of brownies and cookies. We explored the ingredients for each layer and discussed optional mix-ins. I shared step-by-step instructions for baking and cooling, along with tips for achieving the perfect texture. You also learned how to store and freeze brookies for later.
Brookies are fun to make and easy to customize. Enjoy baking your own delicious treat!
