These thick, chocolatey, and chewy brookies combine the best of brownies and cookies into one irresistible treat. With a crackly top, fudgy center, and crisp edges, they offer the perfect balance of textures. If you love the rich taste of brownies but crave the chewiness of cookies, this recipe is for you.
Brookies are ideal for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself. Their deep chocolate flavor, enhanced by real dark chocolate and cocoa powder, makes them a must-try for chocolate lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Chocolatey – Made with real dark chocolate and cocoa powder for intense flavor.
- Perfect Texture – Crisp on the outside, soft and gooey inside.
- Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples, making it easy to prepare.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing Bowls – One for wet ingredients and one for dry.
- Electric Hand Mixer or Whisk – Helps create a light, airy texture in the egg mixture.
- Heatproof Bowl – For melting chocolate and butter.
- Baking Tray – Lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Spatula – For gently folding ingredients together.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon – Ensures evenly sized brookies.
Preparation Tips
- Use Room Temperature Eggs – This helps the batter mix evenly and improves the texture.
- Melt Chocolate Gently – Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to prevent burning.
- Do Not Overmix – Overworking the batter can make the brookies dense rather than fudgy.
- Bake Until Just Set – They may look slightly soft when removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 95g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 225g (1 ¼ cups) dark chocolate, chopped
- 56g (¼ cup) butter, salted or unsalted
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 100g (¾ cup) caster sugar
- 90g (½ cup) demerara sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 85g (½ cup) dark or milk chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 160ºC (320ºF) fan or 170ºC (338ºF) conventional.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter.
- Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method), ensuring the bottom does not touch the water.
- Stir occasionally until smooth, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Whip the Eggs and Sugars
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, caster sugar, and demerara sugar using an electric whisk on high speed.
- Continue whisking until the mixture is light, thick, and fluffy.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, chocolate chips, and salt.
5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped egg and sugar mixture. Stir gently to keep the batter airy.
- Carefully fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Bake the Brookies
- Scoop tablespoons of batter onto the lined baking tray, spacing them apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the tops are crackly and set.
7. Cool and Serve
- Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with sea salt immediately.
- Let the brookies cool on the baking tray for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes & Tips
- Chocolate Melting Tip: If using a microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid burning.
- Whisking Technique: The egg mixture should be thick enough to leave a ribbon trail when lifted.
- Uniform Sizes: Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized brookies that bake consistently.
- Cooling Time: Allowing them to rest on the tray helps them firm up without breaking.
Best Ways to Serve Brookies
- Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream
- The contrast between the warm, fudgy brookies and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a perfect balance.
- A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce adds even more indulgence.
- With a Glass of Cold Milk
- The classic pairing of milk and chocolate is always a winner.
- Dunking a brookie into a cold glass of milk enhances its chewiness.
- Drizzled with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce
- Melting some dark chocolate and drizzling it over the brookies adds an extra layer of richness.
- Caramel sauce provides a sweet and slightly salty contrast to the deep chocolate flavor.
- Topped with Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream balances the dense, fudgy texture of the brookies.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle cocoa powder or grated chocolate on top.
- Paired with Fresh Berries
- The tartness of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of brookies.
- A mixed berry compote can be spooned over warm brookies for added flavor.
- Alongside Coffee or Hot Chocolate
- The bitterness of espresso enhances the deep cocoa flavor in brookies.
- A creamy hot chocolate makes for a double-chocolate treat.
- Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a simple but elegant touch.
- It enhances the presentation without overwhelming the rich chocolate taste.
- With a Peanut Butter or Nut Butter Spread
- The nutty, slightly salty taste of peanut butter complements the chocolate flavor.
- Almond or hazelnut butter can also be used for a different variation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
Even though brookies are easy to make, a few mistakes can affect their texture and flavor. Here’s what to watch out for and how to ensure they turn out perfect every time.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter
- Overmixing can cause brookies to become tough and dense instead of light and chewy.
- Mix only until the ingredients are combined to preserve the right texture.
- Not Whipping the Eggs Enough
- The key to getting the signature crackly top is properly whipping the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Skipping this step can result in a flatter and denser texture.
- Using Ingredients at the Wrong Temperature
- Eggs should be at room temperature to incorporate well into the batter.
- Melted chocolate should be slightly cooled before mixing it into the eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Overbaking
- Brookies may look slightly underbaked when removed from the oven, but they firm up as they cool.
- Overbaking will make them dry instead of fudgy.
- Skipping the Cooling Time
- Letting the brookies cool on the baking tray for about 10 minutes helps them set properly.
- Moving them too soon can cause them to break apart.
- Incorrect Measuring of Ingredients
- Using too much flour can make the brookies cakey rather than chewy.
- Measuring ingredients accurately, preferably using a digital scale, ensures consistent results.
Side Dish Recommendations
Brookies are already a rich dessert, but pairing them with the right side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad
- A light and refreshing fruit salad with citrus fruits, berries, and kiwi helps balance the deep chocolate flavor.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey
- The slight tanginess of Greek yogurt combined with a drizzle of honey complements the sweetness of brookies.
- Salted Caramel Dip
- A side of salted caramel sauce provides an extra layer of flavor without overwhelming the brookies.
- Roasted Nuts
- A mix of toasted almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts adds crunch and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Mascarpone Cream
- A spoonful of lightly sweetened mascarpone adds a creamy contrast to the rich brookies.
- Dark Chocolate Ganache
- If you want an extra chocolate hit, serving brookies with a side of warm dark chocolate ganache makes them even more decadent.
- Coconut Whipped Cream
- For a dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream offers a light and slightly tropical contrast.
- Espresso or Black Tea
- A strong cup of espresso or an unsweetened black tea helps cut through the richness of the brookies, making them more enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions
Brookies are best enjoyed fresh, but there are plenty of ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Whether you serve them warm, chilled, or with extra toppings, they pair perfectly with various accompaniments.
How to Serve Brookies
- Warm with Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm brookie creates a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.
- With a Glass of Milk – The classic combination of chocolate and milk never fails.
- Drizzled with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce – Adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel enhances their richness.
- Topped with Whipped Cream – A light and airy topping balances the dense, fudgy texture.
- Paired with Coffee or Hot Chocolate – A strong espresso or creamy hot chocolate complements the deep cocoa flavor.
- With Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a refreshing, tangy contrast.
- Dusted with Powdered Sugar – A simple way to elevate their presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them and make the best brookies every time.
Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Batter – Overmixing can make brookies tough instead of chewy. Mix just until combined.
Not Whipping the Eggs Enough – Beating the eggs and sugars until light and fluffy is essential for the signature crackly top.
Using Ingredients at the Wrong Temperature – Ensure eggs are at room temperature, and melted chocolate is slightly cooled before adding to the batter.
Overbaking – Brookies should look slightly underbaked when removed from the oven; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Skipping the Cooling Time – Letting them rest on the tray allows them to set properly and prevents breakage.
How to Get the Perfect Brookie Texture
- For a Softer Center: Bake for 12 minutes and let them rest longer on the baking tray.
- For a Firmer Texture: Bake for 14 minutes and allow them to cool completely before serving.
- For Extra Fudginess: Increase the chocolate chips slightly or use a mix of milk and dark chocolate.
Recipe Tips, Storage, and Reheating Instructions
Storage Instructions
Brookies stay fresh for several days when stored properly.
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- In the Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Microwave: Warm for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey texture.
- Oven: Heat at 150ºC (300ºF) for 5 minutes to bring back crisp edges.
- Straight from the Freezer: Let them thaw at room temperature before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but dark chocolate gives a richer, deeper flavor. Milk chocolate will make the brookies sweeter.
2. Why are my brookies too cakey?
Overmixing or adding too much flour can create a cakey texture. Be sure to fold the batter gently and measure ingredients accurately.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
4. How do I get the crackly top?
Whipping the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy is key to achieving the signature crackly top.
5. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even white chocolate chips make great additions.
6. Do I need to chill the dough?
No, this batter does not require chilling before baking.
7. Can I make smaller or larger brookies?
Yes. Adjust the baking time accordingly—smaller brookies bake faster, and larger ones may need an extra minute or two.
8. How do I prevent my brookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter isn’t too hot when mixing, and avoid overmixing the batter.
Conclusion
These fudgy, chewy brookies are the perfect treat for chocolate lovers. Combining the richness of brownies with the chewiness of cookies, they offer the best of both worlds. With their crackly tops, soft centers, and intense chocolate flavor, they are bound to become a favorite.
Whether you serve them warm with ice cream, enjoy them with a cup of coffee, or simply grab one as a quick snack, brookies are always a satisfying choice. Store them properly, experiment with different mix-ins, and follow the key tips to get perfect results every time.
Now that you have this easy and delicious recipe, it’s time to start baking and enjoy the ultimate brownie-cookie hybrid.
Fudgy Chewy Brookies (Browkies)
Ingredients
- 95 g ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 225 g 1 ¼ cups dark chocolate, chopped
- 56 g ¼ cup butter, salted or unsalted
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 100 g ¾ cup caster sugar
- 90 g ½ cup demerara sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 85 g ½ cup dark or milk chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set the oven to 160ºC (320ºF) fan or 170ºC (338ºF) conventional.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Melt the Chocolate and Butter:
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter.
- Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- Stir occasionally until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Whip the Eggs and Sugars:
- In a medium bowl, use an electric whisk on high speed to beat the eggs, caster sugar, and demerara sugar.
- Whisk until the mixture is very light, thick, and fluffy.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, chocolate chips, and salt.
Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped egg and sugar mixture, stirring gently to keep the air in the batter.
- Carefully fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula, mixing only until just combined.
Bake the Brookies:
- Scoop tablespoons of batter onto the lined baking tray, spacing them apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the tops are crackly and set.
Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with sea salt immediately.
- Let the brookies cool on the baking tray for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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