Brookies are the ultimate dessert mashup, combining the best of both worlds—rich brownies and soft, chewy cookies. Fudgy on the inside with a crackly top, these brookies (also known as “browkies”) are perfect for chocolate lovers. This recipe offers a delightful texture and deep chocolate flavor, creating a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent. Follow this step-by-step guide to make brookies that are guaranteed to impress your friends, family, or simply satisfy your own sweet cravings!
Overview of the Recipe
The brookie is a unique hybrid, featuring a soft, cookie-like texture with the intense chocolate flavor of brownies. In this recipe, a mix of dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips gives the brookies a fudgy richness, while the addition of two types of sugar brings a chewy texture and caramel undertone. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to achieve the perfect brookie every time, with tips on chocolate melting, whisking technique, and cooling methods for the ideal finish.
History and Origin of Brookies
Brookies are a relatively modern dessert innovation, becoming popular in recent years as more bakers started experimenting with blending classic desserts. Born from the desire to enjoy both a cookie and a brownie in one bite, brookies have since become a staple in bakeries and home kitchens alike. Their popularity has continued to grow thanks to their appealing texture and intense flavor, especially among chocolate lovers looking for a twist on the traditional brownie or cookie.
Ingredients
This recipe yields approximately 12-14 brookies.
- 95 g (¾ cup) plain (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, at 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:
- Preheat your oven to 160ºC (320ºF) if using a fan, or 170ºC (338ºF) for a conventional oven. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the brookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter:
- Place the chopped dark chocolate and butter into a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Stir occasionally until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and smooth. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Whip the Eggs and Sugars:
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the caster sugar, demerara sugar, and eggs. Use an electric hand whisk on high speed to beat the mixture until it becomes very light, thick, and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the whisk leaves a ribbon-like trail on the surface of the mixture.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to eliminate any lumps. Add in the chocolate chips and mix lightly to coat them with flour, which helps them distribute evenly in the batter.
- Combine the Chocolate Mixture with the Whipped Eggs:
- Gently fold the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the whipped eggs and sugars. Be careful not to deflate the airy egg mixture, as this helps give the brookies a light texture. Stir slowly and only until combined.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
- Using a spatula, carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and prevent the brookies from becoming dense.
- Scoop and Bake:
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking tray. Space each brookie well apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the brookies are set and crackly on top. The edges should look slightly crisp, while the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the brookies from the oven. If desired, sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a flavor contrast.
- Let the brookies cool on the baking tray for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
Brookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your serving experience:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for added sweetness.
- Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance the richness.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- Beverage Pairing: These brookies pair well with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. For a more refined option, pair with espresso or an herbal tea.
- Ice Cream: Adding a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or caramel-flavored ice cream can create a decadent dessert.
- Seasonal Fruit: Fresh berries or sliced strawberries provide a tangy balance to the brookies’ rich chocolate flavor.
Variations of the Recipe
- Nutty Brookies: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the batter for a crunchy twist.
- White Chocolate Brookies: Replace dark chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier flavor.
- Spicy Brookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a subtle warmth.
- Mint Chocolate Brookies: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter, and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top after baking for a festive touch.
Health Benefits Notes
While brookies are a rich dessert, they do have a few benefits when enjoyed in moderation:
- Dark Chocolate: Contains antioxidants and may boost mood.
- Eggs: Provide protein and nutrients like vitamin D and B vitamins.
- Demerara Sugar: Contains molasses, adding a hint of minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron.
FAQs
- Can I make brookies gluten-free?
- Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
- Can I freeze brookies?
- Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat, or warm them in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
- Why did my brookies turn out too dense?
- Overmixing the batter or not whipping the eggs and sugars properly can lead to a dense texture. Make sure to fold gently and whisk until the mixture is light and airy.
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- Yes, but using milk chocolate will create a sweeter flavor and slightly alter the texture. Dark chocolate is preferred for a richer taste.
Conclusion
Brookies are a delightful fusion of brownies and cookies, ideal for anyone who loves the intense flavor of chocolate in a chewy, fudgy format. With a few simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you can create these treats in under an hour. Brookies are versatile enough to serve alone or alongside your favorite accompaniments like ice cream or fresh fruit. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a solo treat, these brookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy baking, and happy indulging!