If you love brownies and cookies but can never decide which to bake, brookies are your solution! This Fudgy Chewy Brookies Recipe combines the rich, chocolatey decadence of a brownie with the chewy, satisfying bite of a cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these brookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Best of Both Worlds: Combines the fudginess of brownies with the chewiness of cookies.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps with common ingredients found in most kitchens.
- Versatile: Great for parties, holiday baking, or an indulgent treat.
- Customizable: Add nuts, different chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter for variety.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 95 g (3/4 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour: Provides structure to the brookies.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brookies rise slightly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
- 225 g (1 1/4 cups) dark chocolate, chopped: Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- 56 g (1/4 cups) butter (salted or unsalted): Adds richness to the batter.
- 2 eggs (room temperature): Creates structure and adds moisture.
- 100 g (3/4 cups) caster sugar: For sweetness and a slightly crisp top.
- 90 g (1/2 cups) demerara sugar: Adds chewiness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
Add-Ins:
- 85 g (1/2 cups) dark or milk chocolate chips: Optional but adds bursts of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Fudgy Chewy Brookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 160ºC (320ºF) for fan or 170ºC (338ºF) for conventional heating.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter.
- Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method). Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- Stir occasionally until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- This method ensures the chocolate and butter melt gently without burning.
Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugars
- In a medium bowl, use an electric whisk on high speed to beat the eggs, caster sugar, and demerara sugar.
- Whisk until the mixture becomes very light, thick, and fluffy. The whisk should leave a ribbon trail when lifted.
- This step incorporates air, making the brookies light yet chewy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, chocolate chips, and salt.
- Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps combine the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Integrate Chocolate Mixture
- Gradually fold the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the whipped eggs and sugars. Use a spatula and stir gently to maintain the airiness of the mixture.
Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients
- Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and fluffy.
Step 7: Bake the Brookies
- Scoop tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the brookies are set and crackly on top.
- The crackly top is a sign of perfectly whipped eggs and sugars.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
- Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Allow the brookies to cool on the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Let them cool completely to set their chewy texture.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: They incorporate more air, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the brookies dense and less chewy.
- Watch the Oven: Brookies bake quickly. Check them at the 12-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Before Moving: Letting them cool on the tray prevents them from falling apart.
- Consistent Sizes: Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized brookies, ensuring even baking.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm brookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey brookies.
- As a Snack: Perfect with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. It’s an ideal pick-me-up treat during the day.
- Dessert Platter: Pair brookies with other treats like brownies, cookies, or chocolate-dipped strawberries for a dessert spread. This makes for an eye-catching party platter.
- Gifting: Wrap cooled brookies in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Add a handwritten note for a personal touch.
Variations
- Nutty Brookies: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle peanut butter on the batter before baking and swirl with a toothpick. This creates a beautiful pattern and adds a creamy element.
- Double Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips alongside dark chocolate chips for a contrast in flavors and colors.
- Mint Chocolate: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist. Perfect for holiday baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 23 mg
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Potassium: 180 mg
- Vitamin A: 46 IU
- Calcium: 41 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
Nutritional Highlights
- Rich in Antioxidants: Dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals.
- Balanced Sweetness: The combination of sugars provides a depth of flavor without being overly sweet.
- Customizable: Adjust the chocolate or sugar content to fit dietary needs. For a lower-calorie version, reduce the amount of chocolate chips.
FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Fudge and Brownies?
Fudge is denser and has a higher fat-to-flour ratio, giving it a creamy, candy-like texture. Brownies, on the other hand, have a lighter, cake-like structure with a balance of fat, flour, and eggs.
How Do You Keep Brownies Fudgy?
To keep brownies fudgy, use less flour and avoid overbaking. Adding more fat, such as butter or chocolate, also contributes to a fudgier texture.
What Is the Difference Between Chewy and Fudgy Brownies?
Chewy brownies have a more elastic texture due to the addition of more eggs or sugar. Fudgy brownies are denser and richer, often with a higher fat content.
What’s the Difference Between a Brownie and a Chocolate Cookie?
Brownies are denser and more cake-like, while chocolate cookies are lighter, crispier on the edges, and chewier in the center. Brookies combine the best of both worlds!
Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Dark Chocolate?
Yes, milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter flavor. However, dark chocolate adds a deeper, more intense flavor.
How Should I Store Brookies?
Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches or on multiple trays.
Why Are My Brookies Not Crackly on Top?
The crackly top is achieved by properly whipping the eggs and sugars. Make sure the mixture is light and fluffy before folding in the other ingredients.
Conclusion
Fudgy Chewy Brookies are the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. With their perfect balance of brownie richness and cookie chewiness, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these brookies are guaranteed to impress!