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.
For the Dough:
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.