Easy Brookie Recipe From Scratch

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This ingenious dessert hybrid marries the soft, chewy texture of a brownie with the classic, crisp edges of a cookie, creating a confectionery masterpiece that’s nothing short of spectacular. I remember the first time I stumbled upon this concept; it was love at first bite. The experience was so mind-blowing that it set me on a quest to perfect my very own Easy Brookie Recipe From Scratch.

How to make Brookie From Scratch

This is a combination of a brownie and a cookie, usually baked together to create a layered dessert that features a brownie’s rich, dense texture with the chewy, sweet qualities of a cookie.

Ingredients:

For the Brownie layer

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) 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 baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

For the Cookie layer

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Brownie Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Mix well. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing; this keeps the brownies tender. If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them in. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3. Prepare the Cookie Layer: In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring they are fully incorporated. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop dollops of the cookie dough over the brownie layer and gently press down to form an even layer. Don’t worry about small gaps; the dough will spread as it bakes.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top cookie layer is golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake; this will dry out the brownie layer.
5. Allow your Brookie to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Once cool, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the Brookie out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips:

• Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature (especially eggs and butter for the cookie layer) to achieve a consistent, smooth batter or dough.
• Use a gentle hand while mixing the brownie batter and cookie dough. Overmixing can result in a tough Brookie, as it develops too much gluten.
• You can personalize your Brookie by adding nuts, white chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel to either the brownie or cookie layers.
• Lastly, remember that every oven is different, so baking times may need to be adjusted. Keep a close eye on your Brookie, particularly as it gets closer to the finish line.

What to serve with

A Brookie, with its delightful combination of crispy cookie and fudgy brownie, stands splendidly on its own. However, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the dessert experience to celestial levels.

Classic Pairings

Vanilla Ice Cream: Perhaps the most classic accompaniment, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on a warm Brookie creates a heavenly contrast of temperatures and textures. The ice cream’s creaminess complements the Brookie’s chewy and soft textures. For an extra touch of flair, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce on top.

Beverages

• Milk: A simple glass of cold milk pairs beautifully with a Brookie, especially if it’s rich and chocolatey. The milk helps cleanse the palate and balances the sweetness.
• Coffee: A strong cup of coffee offers a delightful contrast for the adult crowd. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the chocolate flavors in the Brookie, making each bite even more enjoyable.
• Hot Chocolate: For an indulgent, cozy pairing, serve a warm mug of hot chocolate with your Brookie. Opt for a hot chocolate that’s not too sweet to complement the dessert without overshadowing it.

Gourmet Pairings

• Fruit Compote: A tangy berry compote can add a refreshing element to your Brookie, cutting through the richness of its acidity. Berries like raspberry, blackberry, or a mix can create a colorful and delicious topping.
• Cheese: For a more adventurous pairing, try serving thin slices of a mild cheese, such as Brie or Camembert, alongside your Brookie. The creaminess and slight tang of the cheese can offer an intriguing contrast to the sweet and chocolaty flavors.
• Wine: If you’re feeling particularly fancy, pair your Brookie with a dessert wine like Port, which has rich fruit notes and a velvety smoothness that can complement the dense texture and deep chocolate flavor of the Brookie.

Experimental Pairings

• Nut Butter: For a twist, serve your Brookie with a side of almond butter or peanut butter. Guests can spread a little on their Brookie for an extra layer of nutty flavor and creaminess.
• Ice Cream Flavors Beyond Vanilla: While vanilla ice cream is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other flavors. Coffee, peanut butter, or even strawberry ice cream can offer fascinating flavor combinations when paired with a Brookie.

Seasonal Twists

Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream: In the fall, top your Brookie with a dollop of pumpkin spice whipped cream for a seasonal twist that nods to the flavors of the season.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a Brookie from scratch involves combining ingredients for both brownies and cookies into one irresistibly decadent treat. Sometimes, you may not have all the ingredients on hand or you might need to avoid certain components due to dietary restrictions.

Flour

• All-Purpose Flour Substitute: If you’re out of all-purpose flour or need a gluten-free option, you can use an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur offer blends that work well as one-for-one substitutes.
• Almond Flour: For a lower carb option, almond flour can be used, but it’s denser and might need some adjustments. Generally, for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, use 1 1/4 cups of almond flour.

Sugar

• Granulated Sugar: If you want a less refined option, coconut sugar is a great replacement in a 1:1 ratio. It can add a slight caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate.
• Brown Sugar: For brown sugar, you can mix white sugar and molasses (1 cup of white sugar to 1 tablespoon of molasses) if you’re out. This replacement not only maintains moisture but also that quintessential flavor.

Eggs

Egg Substitutes: To make Brookies vegan or for those allergic to eggs, use flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit until it gels, per egg) or commercial egg replacers available in markets.

Butter

• For a Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter in equal amounts. This substitution works well with the fat component needed in Brookies.
• Healthier Fats: You can also opt for unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado to reduce calories and fat, although this might slightly alter the texture and flavor.

Chocolate

• Chocolate Chips: If you’re out of chocolate chips, chop up any available chocolate bars into small chunks. Alternatively, you can use other types of chips like white chocolate, butterscotch, or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.
• Cocoa Powder: For cocoa powder, a good swap can be carob powder in a 1:1 ratio, though the taste will be slightly different.

Final Thoughts

With these detailed steps and tips, you’ll be on your way to making irresistible Brookies that combine the best of both worlds. Enjoy the process, indulge in the outcome, and don’t forget to share the love (and maybe a Brookie or two) with friends and family!