Fudgy Chewy Brookies (Browkies)

These thick, chocolatey, and chewy brookies combine the best of brownies and cookies in one delicious treat. With a crackly top and a fudgy center, they’re the perfect chocolate indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Best of Both Worlds – A perfect fusion of brownies and cookies.
• Rich and Chocolatey – Packed with dark chocolate and cocoa for an intense flavor.
• Chewy & Fudgy – The ultimate texture contrast with a crisp top.
• Easy to Make – No special techniques required.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

To achieve the best results, gather the following tools:

• Mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
• Electric whisk – Helps achieve the light and fluffy texture.
• Heatproof bowl – For melting chocolate and butter.
• Spatula – For gentle folding to maintain airiness.
• Baking tray – Lined with parchment paper for even baking.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon – Ensures uniform brookie sizes.
• Wire rack – Essential for proper cooling.

Preparation Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better volume.
• Proper Mixing: Whisk the eggs and sugar thoroughly to create a crackly top.
• Even Scooping: Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes and consistent baking.
• Cooling Time: Let brookies rest on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack.

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Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 95g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 85g (½ cup) dark or milk chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients

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

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

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

2. Melt the Chocolate & Butter

• In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter.
• Place over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring occasionally until smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Tip: If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir frequently to prevent burning.

3. Whip the Eggs & Sugar

• In a mixing bowl, use an electric whisk to beat the eggs, caster sugar, and demerara sugar on high speed until the mixture is thick and fluffy.

The mixture should leave a ribbon trail when the whisk is lifted.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

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

5. Mix the Wet & Dry Ingredients

• Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped eggs and sugar.
• Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients, folding with a spatula until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.

6. Bake the Brookies

• 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 & Serve

• Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with sea salt immediately.
• Let them cool on the baking tray for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

Brookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways. Here are a few ideas to enhance their flavor and presentation:

• Classic Enjoyment – Serve them warm straight from the oven for a gooey, chocolatey bite.
• Ice Cream Pairing – A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream complements the rich, fudgy texture.
• Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel – A light drizzle of melted chocolate or warm caramel sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar – For a bakery-style presentation, lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar.
• Pair with Coffee or Milk – A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Turn Them into a Brookie Sundae – Layer crumbled brookies with ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate chips for a delicious dessert.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Even with a simple recipe, a few common mistakes can affect the final texture and flavor. Here are some key pitfalls and how to avoid them:

1. Overbaking

Brookies may appear soft when they first come out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can result in a dry and crumbly texture. Remove them from the oven once the tops are set and crackly, even if they seem slightly underdone.

2. Not Whipping the Eggs and Sugar Enough

The crackly top on brookies comes from properly aerating the eggs and sugar. If this step is rushed, the texture will not be the same. Whisk until the mixture is thick and forms a ribbon when lifted.

3. Overmixing the Batter

Folding the dry ingredients too aggressively can knock out the air, leading to denser brookies. Use a gentle folding motion and stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.

4. Using Cold Eggs

Cold eggs do not whip as well as room-temperature eggs, which can affect the texture. Let the eggs sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using them.

5. Melting the Chocolate Improperly

Chocolate should be melted gently to prevent it from seizing or burning. Using a double boiler ensures even melting, while microwaving in short intervals with frequent stirring prevents overheating.

6. Skipping the Resting Time

Brookies need time to set before being moved from the baking tray. Letting them rest for 10 minutes on the tray allows them to firm up without breaking apart.

7. Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately

Baking is a science, and slight variations in ingredient amounts can affect the final product. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.

Side Dish Recommendations

Although brookies are a dessert on their own, they pair well with other flavors and textures. Here are eight side dish ideas to complement them:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy, cold contrast enhances the warm, fudgy brookies.
2. Whipped Cream – A light and airy topping balances the richness.
3. Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a refreshing tartness.
4. Espresso or Black Coffee – The bitterness of coffee contrasts the sweetness of the brookies.
5. Warm Caramel Sauce – A drizzle of caramel adds a buttery sweetness.
6. Nut Butter – Peanut or almond butter pairs well with chocolate for extra depth.
7. Chocolate Ganache – A rich chocolate sauce intensifies the flavor.
8. Cold Milk – A classic pairing that enhances the chocolatey taste.

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Recipe Tips for the Best Brookies

To achieve the perfect balance of a crackly top, chewy edges, and a fudgy center, consider these essential tips:

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate – The flavor of the brookies depends on the chocolate you use. Opt for good-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for the best results.
2. Properly Melt the Chocolate and Butter – When melting chocolate and butter, use a double boiler or microwave in short intervals to prevent overheating, which can cause the mixture to seize.
3. Whip the Eggs and Sugar Well – Beating the eggs and sugars until thick and fluffy helps create the signature crackly top. This step incorporates air, giving the brookies a light texture.
4. Fold the Ingredients Gently – When combining the melted chocolate mixture with the whipped eggs and dry ingredients, fold gently to maintain the airiness. Overmixing can result in dense brookies.
5. Let the Batter Rest if Needed – If the batter seems too loose, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scooping. This allows the chocolate to slightly firm up, making it easier to portion out.
6. Space the Brookies Properly on the Baking Tray – Leave enough room between each scoop of batter to allow for spreading during baking.
7. Bake Until Just Set – The tops should be crackly and set, but the centers should still be soft. Overbaking can dry them out.
8. Cool on the Tray Before Moving – Brookies are delicate when hot, so allow them to cool on the tray for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Brookies

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
• Refrigeration: If you need to store them longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: Brookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating Brookies

• Microwave: Warm individual brookies for 10-15 seconds to soften them and restore their fudgy texture.
• Oven: Reheat at 150ºC (300ºF) for 5 minutes to maintain their crisp edges while keeping the centers soft.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why didn’t my brookies have a crackly top?

A crackly top forms when the eggs and sugar are whipped properly. Make sure to beat the mixture long enough to incorporate air, which helps create the signature texture.

2. Can I substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate?

Yes, but using milk chocolate will result in a sweeter and less intense chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate provides a rich, deep taste that balances the sweetness.

3. Can I make these brookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain structure.

4. How can I make my brookies even fudgier?

• Use high-quality dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage.
• Reduce the baking time slightly to keep the centers softer.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, as too much air can make them cakier.

5. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even shredded coconut can be added to enhance texture and flavor.

6. What is the best way to serve leftover brookies?

Reheat slightly and serve with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Brookies are the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers, combining the best of brownies and cookies into one irresistible treat. With their crisp, crackly tops and chewy, fudgy centers, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm with ice cream, alongside coffee, or enjoyed on their own, these brookies are sure to satisfy any sweet craving. By following the tips for preparation, baking, and storage, you can ensure that every batch turns out perfect.