If you have ever faced the impossible dilemma of choosing between a brownie and a cookie, brookies are here to rescue you. Fudgy, chewy, and irresistibly chocolatey, brookies bring together the best of both worlds—a crackly, glossy brownie top with a soft and chewy cookie texture.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a weekend treat, or a solo indulgence, this brookie recipe will satisfy every chocolate craving. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what makes brookies special, their history, best ways to serve them, variations, storage tips, and frequently asked questions.

What Are Brookies?

Brookies, short for brownie cookies, are the perfect hybrid dessert that combines the fudge-like richness of a brownie with the chewiness of a cookie. Unlike traditional brownies, which are dense and thick, brookies bake into individual portions, making them easier to serve and enjoy on the go.

This simple yet decadent treat is a great alternative when you can’t decide between a brownie or a chocolate chip cookie—why choose when you can have both?

The History of Brookies: Where Did They Come From?

While both brownies and cookies have been around for centuries, the concept of brookies is relatively new.

• Brownies were invented in the late 19th century, with the first recorded recipe appearing in the 1890s.
• Cookies, on the other hand, have been around since 7th-century Persia, making them one of the oldest baked goods in history.
• The brookie craze started in the early 2010s, gaining popularity as home bakers and professional chefs experimented with combining cookie dough and brownie batter into one incredible dessert.

Brookies quickly became a favorite because they offer the best textures of both treats—the gooeyness of a brownie and the chewiness of a cookie—without requiring two separate recipes.

What Makes Brookies Special?

There are countless chocolate desserts out there, but brookies stand out for a few reasons:

1. Best of Both Worlds

They have a fudgy brownie-like center while maintaining the classic cookie chewiness on the edges.

2. Rich, Decadent Flavor

With dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and brown sugar, these brookies are packed with deep chocolate notes that melt in your mouth.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you need a quick dessert for a party, a holiday treat, or an afternoon snack, brookies fit the bill.

4. Easy to Make, Hard to Mess Up

Unlike brownies that need precise baking times or cookies that spread unpredictably, brookies are forgiving and simple to bake.

5. Great for Freezing and Gifting

Brookies freeze well, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or giving away as sweet gifts.

Ingredients

• 95 grams (¾ cup) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 225 grams (1¼ cups) dark chocolate, chopped
• 56 grams (¼ cup) butter, salted or unsalted
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 100 grams (¾ cup) caster sugar
• 90 grams (½ cup) demerara sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 85 grams (½ cup) dark or milk chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the OvenSet your oven to 160ºC (320ºF) with a fan or 170ºC (338ºF) for conventional heating. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Melt Chocolate and ButterIn a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom doesn’t touch the water. Stir occasionally until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Whisk Eggs and SugarsIn a separate medium bowl, use an electric hand whisk on high speed to beat the caster sugar, demerara sugar, and eggs. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes very light, thick, and fluffy.
4. Combine Dry IngredientsIn another bowl, sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures there are no lumps and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Mix Wet and Dry IngredientsGently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped egg and sugar mixture until well combined. Then, carefully fold in the sifted dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Add Chocolate ChipsFold in the dark or milk chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Scoop and BakeUsing a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop portions of the batter onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the brookies have a shiny, crackled surface and are set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
8. Cool and EnjoyRemove from the oven and allow the brookies to cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 3g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Best Ways to Enjoy Brookies

Brookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary flavors and textures takes them to another level.

1. Classic with a Glass of Milk

There’s nothing better than a warm brookie dunked in a glass of cold milk.

2. Topped with Ice Cream

Serve warm brookies with a scoop of vanilla, caramel, or chocolate ice cream for a brookie sundae experience.

3. Drizzled with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce

For an extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate, caramel, or peanut butter over your brookies before serving.

4. With a Cup of Coffee

The rich chocolate flavor of brookies pairs beautifully with espresso, cappuccino, or a simple black coffee.

5. As a Dessert Sandwich

Take two brookies and sandwich them together with whipped cream, peanut butter, or marshmallow fluff for an ultimate dessert sandwich.

Variations: How to Customize Brookies

Brookies are versatile, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to create different flavors and textures.

1. Nutty Brookies

• Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for a crunchy texture.

2. Peanut Butter Brookies

• Swirl creamy peanut butter into the batter before baking.

3. Salted Caramel Brookies

• Drizzle caramel sauce over the brookies before serving.
• Sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.

4. Espresso Brookies

• Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

5. White Chocolate Chip Brookies

• Replace dark chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast.

How to Store and Freeze Brookies

Brookies store beautifully, making them ideal for meal-prepping desserts or keeping extras for later.

Refrigeration

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Allow the brookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for 5 minutes at 300°F (150°C).

Reheating for the Best Texture

• Warm a brookie in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back its fresh-from-the-oven texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the Best Chocolate for Brookies?

Dark chocolate (around 60–70% cocoa) provides the richest, most intense flavor. However, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.

2. Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

3. Can I Use a Brownie Mix Instead of Making Brownie Batter from Scratch?

Yes, you can use a store-bought brownie mix if you’re short on time, but homemade brookies taste significantly better.

4. Why Did My Brookies Spread Too Much?

If your brookies spread too much, the dough might be too warm. Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking to help retain its shape.

5. Can I Double the Recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in two batches or on a larger baking sheet.

6. How Do I Know When Brookies Are Done?

Brookies should have a shiny, crackly top and be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Chocolate Dessert

Brookies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts, offering the richness of a brownie and the chewiness of a cookie in every bite. Whether you make them for a holiday, a birthday, or just because you love chocolate, they are guaranteed to impress.

With endless variations, easy storage, and crowd-pleasing flavors, brookies are a must-have recipe in every baker’s collection.

Try them today and experience the magic of brownies and cookies in one bite!