Fudgy Chewy Brookies: The Perfect Blend of Brownies and Cookies

Brookies—those irresistible cookies that perfectly combine the best qualities of brownies and cookies—are a true indulgence for any chocolate lover. This fudgy, chewy brookie recipe, based on the famous Savvy Bites brownie recipe, delivers a thick, chocolatey experience with each bite. With a crackly top and a rich, gooey center, these brookies will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more.

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The Allure of Brookies

Brookies are an ingenious creation that marries the fudgy decadence of a brownie with the chewy, slightly crisp texture of a cookie. This hybrid dessert offers the best of both worlds. Imagine the depth of flavor from dark chocolate, the richness of butter, and the sweet, almost caramel-like notes of brown sugar, all in one bite-sized treat. Each brookie features a fudgy center that is slightly gooey yet firm enough to hold its shape. The exterior is crisp and crackly, giving way to a chewy, moist center that melts in your mouth.

Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk, coffee, or on their own, these fudgy brookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion, from casual family get-togethers to special celebrations. The simple yet decadent ingredients make them an easy yet impressive dessert that can be made in just under 30 minutes. Best of all, they require no special skills—just basic ingredients and a few simple steps to achieve perfection.

The Ingredients: What You’ll Need

To make these fudgy, chewy brookies, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and a few key ingredients that will make these cookies stand out. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 95 g (¾ cup) plain (all-purpose) flour: This is the base of the dough, providing structure and helping the cookies maintain their shape.
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder: The cocoa powder gives the brookies that deep chocolate flavor that every bite should have.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: The leavening agent to give the cookies a slightly airy texture while maintaining their chewiness.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the chocolate, creating a balanced sweetness.
• 225 g (1 ¼ cups) dark chocolate, chopped: The star of the recipe, dark chocolate lends a rich, slightly bitter flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugars.
• 56 g (¼ cup) butter (salted or unsalted): The butter adds richness to the batter, making the brookies extra moist and tender.
• 2 eggs (room temperature): Eggs provide structure and moisture to the cookies, helping them hold together while keeping the texture soft and fudgy.
• 100 g (¾ cup) caster sugar: The fine texture of caster sugar helps create a smooth dough and contributes to the sweetness of the cookies.
• 90 g (½ cup) demerara sugar: This brown sugar variant adds depth and complexity to the sweetness, with a slight molasses flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor, giving the brookies a warm, aromatic undertone.
• 85 g (½ cup) dark or milk chocolate chips: The addition of chocolate chips ensures that each brookie is loaded with gooey pockets of chocolate, enhancing the overall indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Brookies

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these fudgy, chewy brookies.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Tray

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F) with a fan or 170°C (338°F) for conventional heating. This will ensure that the brookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect crackly top. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 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, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and smoothly combined. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract, allowing the rich, aromatic flavors to infuse the mixture.

Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Sugars

In a separate medium bowl, beat together the caster sugar, demerara sugar, and eggs using an electric hand whisk on high speed. Whisk the mixture until it becomes light, thick, and fluffy. The eggs and sugars should blend to a consistency that leaves a ribbon trail when the whisk is lifted from the bowl. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, chocolate chips, and salt. Sifting ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and helps eliminate any lumps. The cocoa powder and baking powder need to be well-distributed throughout the dough for a smooth, even texture.

Step 5: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Now, gently fold the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the whipped eggs and sugars. Be careful not to deflate the mixture. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients until fully combined. The chocolate mixture should be evenly distributed, and the batter should remain light and airy.

Step 6: Add the Dry Ingredients

Carefully fold in the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. This step should be done gently to maintain the airiness of the batter. Mix only until everything is just combined—overmixing could result in a denser texture. The batter will be thick and rich, with pockets of chocolate chips throughout.

Step 7: Scoop the Batter and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them well apart to allow for spreading. You can use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size, which will help the brookies bake evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the brookies are set and crackly on top. The center should still be soft, and the edges should be slightly firm. Avoid overbaking to maintain the fudgy interior.

Step 8: Cool and Finish

Once the brookies are out of the oven, you can sprinkle them with a pinch of sea salt for an added flavor boost, if desired. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them firm up without falling apart. Let them cool completely before enjoying.

Tips for Perfect Brookies

• Chocolate Melting: When melting the chocolate and butter, make sure to watch it closely. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize up, ruining the texture. If using a microwave, melt the chocolate in short bursts, stirring after each, to avoid overheating.
• Whisking Technique: When whisking the eggs and sugars, aim for a thick consistency where the mixture leaves a ribbon trail behind. This will help create the light, chewy texture that brookies are known for.
• Consistent Sizes: For even baking, use a cookie scoop to make sure each brookie is the same size. This ensures that they bake at the same rate and results in perfectly uniform treats.
• Cooling Importance: Don’t rush the cooling process. Let the brookies rest on the baking tray for a few minutes, allowing them to firm up before transferring them to a cooling rack. This step prevents them from falling apart when you move them.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, you can also customize your brookies to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Chocolate: You can swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate or even white chocolate, depending on your personal preferences. Dark chocolate gives the brookies a rich, slightly bitter flavor, while milk chocolate will add a creamier, sweeter taste.
• Nuts: For added crunch, consider folding in chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds. Pecans would also pair beautifully with the chocolatey base.
• Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the blend’s ratio and adjust as necessary.
• Sugar Substitutes: If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you can experiment with alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind that these may alter the texture slightly, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Brookies are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a variety of other treats and beverages for a complete dessert experience. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Ice Cream: Serve your brookies with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Whipped Cream: Top them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a lighter touch.
• Coffee or Milk: Pair the brookies with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for the perfect afternoon snack.

Final Thoughts

Fudgy, chewy, and utterly irresistible, these brookies are a treat you won’t be able to stop at just one. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a family gathering, or simply to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this easy and quick recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. By following the simple steps outlined above and utilizing the helpful tips and variations, you’ll be able to create brookies that are rich in flavor, moist in texture, and oh-so-delicious.