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This hearty brownie-cookie hybrid was born from a co-worker's indecision between two classic treats. When asked to choose between brownies or chocolate chip cookies for her birthday, I created these brookies on my way home, combining the best of both worlds in one irresistible dessert.
I first made these brookies for a birthday celebration at work, and they disappeared so quickly that I now automatically double the recipe when baking for gatherings. The contrast between the chewy cookie base and fudgy brownie top creates a texture experience that satisfies multiple cravings at once.
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, making sure to get into the corners. Gather all ingredients separated by cookie and brownie components to streamline the process.
- Create Cookie Foundation:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar and vanilla until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in color and fluffy in texture. This incorporates air for proper cookie texture. Add the egg and continue beating for a full two minutes until the mixture becomes even lighter and creamier. This extended beating creates the perfect cookie texture.
- Form Cookie Dough:
- Whisk your dry ingredients in a separate bowl before gradually adding to the butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix which would develop too much gluten. Fold in chocolate chips with a few gentle strokes, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Prepare Brownie Mixture:
- In a clean bowl, stir together the sugar, melted butter and vanilla until fully incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture becomes glossy. This creates that classic shiny brownie top. Mix in cocoa powder completely before gently stirring in flour, baking powder and salt just until no dry streaks remain.
- Assemble Layers:
- Press the cookie dough into an even layer in your prepared baking dish, using slightly dampened fingers to prevent sticking if needed. Pour the brownie batter over the cookie layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges, completely covering the cookie layer below.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, checking at the 20 minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center. The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 20 even bars.
My favorite part of these brookies is the contrast between textures. The chewy cookie base provides the perfect foundation for the fudgy brownie top. I still remember the look on my coworker's face when I presented these at her celebration. She was thrilled not to have to choose between her two favorite desserts, and now requests them for every office gathering.
Storage Solutions
These brookies stay fresh at room temperature for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. For maximum freshness, place a slice of white bread in the container with the brookies. The bread absorbs excess moisture in the air, keeping your brookies soft and chewy. If you need to store them longer, wrap individual brookies tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Customization Options
The beauty of brookies lies in their versatility. Try adding walnuts or pecans to either layer for extra crunch and nutty flavor. For a festive touch, mix holiday colored chocolate candies into the cookie dough instead of chocolate chips. White chocolate lovers can swap in white chocolate chips in the cookie layer and add a swirl of melted white chocolate over the brownie layer before baking. For a more decadent dessert, drizzle cooled brookies with caramel sauce or chocolate ganache before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Transform these brookies into an extraordinary dessert by warming individual pieces slightly and topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge sauce. For a fun party idea, set up a brookie sundae bar with various ice cream flavors and toppings. These brookies also make excellent gifts when wrapped individually in clear cellophane and tied with a pretty ribbon. They're sturdy enough to mail to distant loved ones and are always a welcome treat.
Time Saving Tips
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted when you're short on time. For an even quicker version, use refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough for the base instead of making it from scratch. Both the cookie dough and brownie batter can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated separately until ready to assemble and bake. If doubling the recipe for a crowd, use a jelly roll pan instead of two separate dishes to save oven space and baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What are brookies?
Brookies are a dessert that combines a chewy cookie layer with a rich brownie layer, baked together into a bar format.
- → How do you make brookies?
To make brookies, prepare a cookie dough as the base layer, add brownie batter on top, and bake until set. See detailed instructions above.
- → Can I use store-bought dough for brookies?
Yes, you can use store-bought chocolate chip cookie dough as a shortcut for the cookie layer in brookies.
- → How should I store brookies?
Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To keep them extra soft, place a piece of white bread in the container.
- → Can brookies be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough and brownie batter separately. Assemble and bake once thawed for fresh brookies.
- → How can I customize brookies?
You can add extras like nuts, chocolate chips, or even a layer of caramel to make your brookies unique.