Fudgy Chewy Brookies (Browkies)

These fudgy, chewy brookies combine the best of brownies and cookies into one indulgent treat. With a crackly top, soft center, and rich chocolate flavor, they offer the perfect balance between the dense chewiness of a brownie and the crisp edges of a cookie. If you love chocolate desserts, this easy homemade brookies recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Best of Both Worlds – Get the gooey richness of brownies with the crispness of cookies.
• Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like flour, cocoa, butter, and sugar.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for snacks, parties, gifts, or an after-dinner treat.

Preparation & Essential Tools

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric whisk or hand mixer – Helps aerate the eggs and sugar for a crackly top.
• Heatproof bowl – For melting chocolate and butter.
• Baking tray & parchment paper – Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
• Spatula – Helps fold ingredients gently without overmixing.

Preparation Tips

• Use Room Temperature Eggs – This ensures proper emulsification for the best texture.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately – Using a digital scale prevents dry or overly dense brookies.
• Avoid Overmixing – Over-stirring the batter can result in tough brookies.

Ingredients (Makes 15 Brookies)

Dry Ingredients

• 95g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 225g (1 ¼ cups) dark chocolate, chopped
• 56g (¼ cup) butter, salted or unsalted
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 100g (¾ cup) caster sugar
• 90g (½ cup) demerara sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 85g (½ cup) dark or milk chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set the oven to 160ºC (320ºF) fan or 170ºC (338ºF) conventional.
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter

• In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter.
• Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom doesn’t touch the water.
• Stir occasionally until melted and smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Whip the Eggs and Sugars

• In a medium bowl, use an electric whisk on high speed to beat the eggs, caster sugar, and demerara sugar.
• Continue whisking until the mixture becomes light, thick, and fluffy.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, chocolate chips, and salt.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped eggs and sugar.
• Stir gently to maintain the airy texture.
• Carefully fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula, mixing only until just combined.

6. Shape and Bake

• Scoop tablespoons of batter onto the lined baking tray, spacing them apart to allow for spreading.
• Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the tops are crackly and set.

7. Cool and Serve

• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sea salt (optional).
• Let the brookies cool on the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Recipe Notes

• Chocolate Melting Tip – If using a microwave, heat the chocolate and butter in short intervals, stirring between each to avoid overheating.
• Egg Whisking Technique – The mixture should be thick enough to leave a ribbon trail when the whisk is lifted.
• Consistent Sizes – Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized brookies.
• Cooling Time – Let them rest on the tray before transferring to a rack. This helps them firm up without falling apart.

Best Ways to Serve Brookies

1. Warm with Ice Cream

Serving brookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances their rich chocolate flavor. The contrast between the warm, gooey brookie and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a perfect balance of textures.

2. Drizzled with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce

For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle melted dark chocolate or caramel sauce over the brookies. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and enhances their fudgy texture.

3. With a Glass of Cold Milk

The classic combination of milk and cookies works just as well with brookies. A cold glass of milk balances the richness of the chocolate, making it an ideal pairing.

4. With Coffee or Espresso

If you enjoy pairing desserts with coffee, brookies go perfectly with espresso, cappuccino, or black coffee. The bitterness of coffee enhances the deep chocolate flavor of the brookies.

5. As a Topping for Yogurt or Parfaits

For a slightly lighter option, crumble brookies over a bowl of Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt. This adds a rich, chocolatey crunch that pairs well with the creamy texture of yogurt.

6. Dusted with Powdered Sugar

A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of brookies before serving gives them a bakery-style finish and adds a touch of extra sweetness.

7. With Fresh Berries

The slight tartness of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries balances the sweetness of the brookies. Serve them on the side or layer them on top for a fresh contrast.

8. With Whipped Cream

For a light and airy addition, serve brookies with homemade whipped cream. The fluffy texture complements the dense chewiness of the brookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though brookies are simple to make, a few mistakes can affect their texture and flavor. Avoiding these common issues will help ensure perfect results every time.

1. Overmixing the Batter

Once the dry ingredients are added, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense or tough brookies instead of a soft, chewy texture.

2. Not Whipping the Eggs and Sugar Enough

The key to a crackly top is properly whipping the eggs and sugar. The mixture should be thick, pale, and airy before adding the melted chocolate. If under-whipped, the brookies may turn out flat and dense.

3. Using Too Much Flour

Adding too much flour can make the brookies dry and cakey. It is best to use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately rather than relying on cup measurements.

4. Overbaking

Brookies should be slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking tray. Overbaking can result in a dry, crumbly texture.

5. Not Letting the Brookies Cool on the Tray

Allowing brookies to rest on the tray for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack prevents them from falling apart. The residual heat helps them firm up without overcooking.

6. Using Low-Quality Chocolate

Since chocolate is the main ingredient, using high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60-70% cocoa) enhances the flavor and texture of the brookies.

7. Skipping the Parchment Paper

Lining the baking tray with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Without it, brookies may spread unevenly or be difficult to remove.

8. Storing Them Incorrectly

If left uncovered, brookies can dry out quickly. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Side Dish Pairings

Brookies are rich and chocolatey, so pairing them with complementary flavors can enhance the overall dessert experience.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the deep chocolate flavor of brookies, creating a perfect hot-and-cold combination.

2. Fresh Strawberries

The natural sweetness and slight acidity of fresh strawberries cut through the richness of the brookies, making them a refreshing side option.

3. Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzling salted caramel sauce over brookies adds a sweet and salty contrast that enhances their overall flavor.

4. Dark Chocolate Ganache

For an extra layer of decadence, serve brookies with a side of dark chocolate ganache for dipping or drizzling.

5. Greek Yogurt with Honey

If you prefer a lighter option, pair brookies with Greek yogurt sweetened with a drizzle of honey. The tangy yogurt balances the richness of the brookies.

6. Espresso or Black Coffee

The bitterness of espresso or strong black coffee complements the sweetness of brookies, making it an ideal pairing for coffee lovers.

7. Whipped Cream and Cocoa Powder

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, dusted with cocoa powder, adds a soft, airy contrast to the dense brookies.

8. Almond Butter or Peanut Butter

For a nutty twist, serve brookies with a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter. The nutty flavor pairs well with the rich chocolate taste.

Brookies are a versatile dessert that can be served in many ways. Whether paired with ice cream, fresh fruit, or a cup of coffee, these fudgy, chewy treats make for a satisfying and indulgent experience.Expert Tips for Perfect Brookies

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate

Since chocolate is the main flavor in brookies, use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60-70% cocoa. Lower-quality chocolate can result in a dull or overly sweet flavor.

2. Do Not Overmix the Batter

Overmixing can cause brookies to become tough and dense. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients only until just combined to keep the texture light and chewy.

3. Whip the Eggs and Sugar Properly

To achieve the crackly top, whisk the eggs and sugars until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and airy. This step is crucial for creating the signature brownie-like texture.

4. Melt Chocolate and Butter Correctly

Use a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, to prevent the chocolate from overheating and becoming grainy.

5. Chill the Batter for Extra Thickness

For thicker brookies, refrigerate the batter for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps control spreading and enhances the chewy texture.

6. Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Sizes

A cookie scoop or tablespoon ensures uniform brookies, allowing them to bake evenly. This prevents some from being overbaked while others remain undercooked.

7. Allow Brookies to Cool on the Tray

Let the brookies cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart while still warm.

How to Store Brookies

Brookies stay fresh for several days when stored properly.

At Room Temperature

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent them from becoming stale.

In the Refrigerator

• If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, store brookies in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Allow them to come to room temperature before serving or warm them slightly for a softer bite.

In the Freezer

• Brookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container.
• To serve, let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or warm them in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes.

How to Reheat Brookies

To bring back the fresh-baked taste and texture, use these reheating methods:

In the Microwave

• Heat for 10-15 seconds to soften and restore the gooey texture.

In the Oven

• Preheat to 150°C (300°F) and bake for 5 minutes to maintain crisp edges and a warm center.

On the Stovetop

• Warm in a dry pan over low heat for 1-2 minutes on each side to slightly crisp up the exterior.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why Are My Brookies Too Flat?

If brookies spread too much, the batter may be too warm or too thin. Try refrigerating it for 10-15 minutes before baking to firm it up. Using the correct amount of flour also helps control spreading.

2. How Do I Get a Crackly Top?

A well-whipped egg and sugar mixture is key to achieving the signature crackly top. Beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale before adding the melted chocolate.

3. Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still be chewy and delicious.

4. Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Dark Chocolate?

Milk chocolate can be used, but it will make the brookies sweeter and less rich. If using milk chocolate, reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.

5. Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?

Absolutely. Add chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for extra crunch. You can also mix in white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or shredded coconut for variety.

6. Why Did My Brookies Turn Out Dry?

Overbaking is the most common reason for dry brookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the center is slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

7. How Can I Make My Brookies More Fudgy?

For an even fudgier texture, use an extra egg yolk or slightly reduce the flour. Also, be sure to not overbake them.

8. Can I Make the Batter in Advance?

Yes, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.

Final Thoughts

Brookies are a perfect fusion of brownies and cookies, offering the best of both textures in a single bite. By following these tips and storage methods, you can enjoy fresh, chewy brookies anytime. Whether served warm with ice cream, paired with coffee, or eaten straight from the container, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Try experimenting with different chocolate variations, mix-ins, or toppings to make them uniquely your own. Once you master this easy recipe, it will become a staple for any chocolate lover.