Brownie Cookies aka Brookies
Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that marries the rich gooiness of a brownie with the delightful chew of a classic cookie. Enter Brownie Cookies, also affectionately known as Brookies. These delectable treats are a dream come true for chocolate lovers, packing intense flavors and contrasting textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, these cookies promise to be a showstopper.
Why Make This Recipe
- Each bite balances fudgy brownie goodness with cookie-like chewiness, creating a delightful contrast.
- They are quick and easy to whip up, making them accessible for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
- The flexibility of ingredients means you can personalize your Brookies to satisfy every chocolate craving.
Simple Way to Prepare Brownie Cookies
Creating the perfect batch of Brownie Cookies is a straightforward process filled with indulgent chocolatey goodness. Here’s how you can make these divine treats in a few easy steps:
Melt the Dark Chocolate and Butter: Start by breaking the dark chocolate into small chunks and combining it with unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, add the eggs, caster sugar, soft brown sugar, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Whip the ingredients together until the mixture is pale, thick, and creamy. This process should take around four minutes.
Combine Chocolate Mixture: Drizzle the cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the whipped eggs. Use a hand mixer on a low speed until everything is well combined. It’s crucial not to overmix here since that could alter the final texture of your cookies.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and cocoa powder directly into the bowl. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until they are almost combined. The key is to be gentle to keep that rich, dense brownie texture. Next, toss in the chocolate chips, whether you prefer dark, milk, or white, and carefully blend them into the dough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the dough has firmed up. Chilling the dough allows for a better bake, creating chewy edges and a fudgy center.
Preheat and Prepare for Baking: As you approach the end of the 30 minutes, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Meanwhile, line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, dollop equal amounts of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the tops have cracked beautifully.
Cool and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets. They may appear soft initially, but don’t worry, they will firm up as they cool. Then, let the indulgence begin.
Keeping Brownie Cookies Fresh
Best Way to Store Brownie Cookies
To savor your Brownie Cookies beyond the initial bake, here are some handy storage recommendations:
- Room Temperature: Keep your Brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. They will maintain their delicious chewy texture.
- Refrigerate: For extended freshness, refrigerate them for up to one week. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before indulging.
- Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, or use freezer bags for a more space-efficient method. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up briefly in the microwave.
How to Serve Brownie Cookies
With their decadent appearance and fantastic flavors, Brownie Cookies can be served in various delightful ways:
- Classic Enjoyment: Simply serve them warm from the oven, perhaps with a glass of milk for a timeless treat.
- À la Mode: Top a warm Brookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious sundae experience.
- Sandwich Style: Spread a layer of your favorite frosting or whipped cream between two cookies for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Coffee Companion: Pair these cookies with a strong cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk as a delightful afternoon snack.
Tips to Make Brownie Cookies
- Use Quality Chocolate: The quality of chocolate can make or break your Brookies. Aim for high-quality dark chocolate to elevate the flavors.
- Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Ensure you allow time for the cookie dough to chill. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect brownie-cookie texture.
- Experiment with Chocolate Chips: Don’t hesitate to mix various chocolate types or even add nuts for an added crunch.
Variations or Substitutions
If you’re feeling inspired to switch things up, consider these variations for your Brownie Cookies:
- Nutty Additions: Add a handful of walnuts or pecans for a hearty crunch that complements the chewy texture beautifully.
- Flavor Infusions: Instead of vanilla extract, experiment with almond extract for a differently aromatic cookie. A dash of espresso powder can also heighten the chocolate flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days prior to baking. Just remember to chilled before scooping onto the baking sheet.
Q: How can I achieve a softer cookie?
A: To ensure softer cookies, take them out of the oven when they look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook as they cool, resulting in a deliciously chewy finish.
Q: Can I replace the eggs in this recipe?
A: While the eggs add moisture and act as a binding agent, they can be replaced with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) for a vegan alternative.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A: Look for the tops of the cookies to crack deeply and set. They should feel soft but not raw in the center; they will firm up as they cool.
Nutritional Information
Brownie Cookies may be a sweet treat, but they also hold their own when it comes to delightful nourishment. With a good balance of ingredients, here is an approximate breakdown per cookie (assuming 16 cookies):
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
Please keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients used and any variations made to the recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the best Brookies, here are a couple of common pitfalls to be mindful of:
- Overmixing the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture rather than the desired chewiness.
- Chilling for Too Long: While chilling helps, don’t leave the dough for too long. If chilled for more than 2 hours, you might need to let it sit at room temperature briefly before scooping, as it could become too firm.
Conclusion
Brownie Cookies, or Brookies, are more than just a delicious dessert; they’re a celebration of rich flavors and contrasting textures. With their simple preparation, versatility, and impressive results, they’re perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try in your own kitchen, and experience the scrumptious joy of these hybrid treats. Happy baking!
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Brownie Cookies aka Brookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful hybrid of a brownie and a cookie, these Brookies feature fudgy brownie goodness combined with a chewy cookie texture, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dark Chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
- 2 Eggs
- 3/4 cup Caster Sugar
- 1/4 cup Soft Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips (dark, milk, or white)
Instructions
- Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, caster sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until pale and creamy.
- Gently mix the melted chocolate mixture with the egg mixture using a hand mixer on low speed.
- Sift the flour and cocoa powder into the mixture and fold until almost combined. Add chocolate chips and blend carefully.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop dollops of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until tops are cracked. Let cool on baking sheets.
Notes
For the best texture, avoid overmixing the batter and allow the dough to chill adequately.