Fudgy Chewy Brookies (Browkies)

Brookies combine the best elements of brownies and cookies into one irresistible dessert. With a crackly top, chewy texture, and rich chocolate flavor, these fudgy chewy brookies are a dream for chocolate lovers. They have the deep cocoa taste of a brownie with the soft, chewy bite of a cookie, making them a perfect hybrid treat.

This recipe is ideal for those who love homemade baked goods but don’t want to choose between cookies and brownies. Whether you’re making them for a party, sharing with friends, or treating yourself, these brookies are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two Desserts in One – The chewiness of cookies meets the fudginess of brownies.
Perfect Crackly Top – Achieved by properly whipping the eggs and sugar.
Easy to Make – A simple recipe with no complicated steps.
Rich Chocolate Flavor – Made with real dark chocolate for an intense taste.
Versatile Treat – Great for dessert platters, gifting, or an everyday sweet snack.

Essential Tools and Equipment

To ensure the best results, gather these tools before starting:

Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
Electric whisk or stand mixer – Helps aerate the eggs and sugar.
Heatproof bowl – For melting chocolate and butter.
Spatula – Prevents overmixing while folding ingredients.
Baking tray with parchment paper – Ensures easy removal and even baking.
Cookie scoop or tablespoon – Helps portion the batter evenly.

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, room temperature
100g (¾ cup) caster sugar
90g (½ cup) demerara sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Directions

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 pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom doesn’t touch the water.
Stir occasionally until smooth, then remove from heat.
Mix in the vanilla extract and let cool slightly.

3. Whip the Eggs and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, use an electric whisk on high speed to beat:
- 2 eggs
- Caster sugar
- Demerara sugar
Beat for 3–5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, thick, and fluffy.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together:
- Flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Chocolate chips

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped egg mixture.
Add the dry ingredients gradually, folding carefully with a spatula.
Mix until just combined to avoid deflating the batter.

6. Bake the Brookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking tray.
Leave space between each scoop as the brookies will spread.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the tops are crackly and set.

7. Cool and Serve

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

Baking Tips for the Best Brookies

Use quality chocolate – Higher cocoa content enhances flavor.
Whisk the eggs and sugar well – This step creates the signature crackly top.
Avoid overmixing – Mix just until combined to keep the texture soft.
Let them cool properly – They firm up as they sit, so don’t move them too soon.

These fudgy chewy brookies are an indulgent treat that perfectly balances the best qualities of both brownies and cookies. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on their own, they are sure to become a favorite.

How to Serve Brookies

Brookies can be served in different ways depending on the occasion. Here are a few ideas:

Warm and Fresh – Serve straight from the oven or reheat for a few seconds in the microwave. The soft, melted chocolate center makes them extra indulgent.
With Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream enhances the richness of the brookies. The contrast of warm brookies and cold ice cream creates the perfect balance.
Drizzled with Sauce – Chocolate, caramel, or peanut butter drizzle adds an extra layer of flavor.
With Fresh Fruits – Raspberries, strawberries, or bananas pair well with the deep chocolate flavor.
As a Dessert Platter – Serve alongside brownies, cookies, and other baked goods for variety.

Brookies are also a great addition to dessert bars for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe, a few missteps can lead to brookies that are too dry, too flat, or lacking the perfect crackly top. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Overmixing the Batter

Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough brookies instead of the soft, chewy texture you want.

2. Skipping the Egg and Sugar Whipping Step

Beating the eggs and sugars properly is crucial for achieving a crackly top. The mixture should be pale and thick, which incorporates air into the batter.

3. Using Low-Quality Chocolate

Since brookies rely heavily on chocolate for flavor, using a high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) makes a noticeable difference. Lower-quality chocolate may not melt as smoothly or provide the same depth of flavor.

4. Overbaking

Brookies should be removed from the oven when the tops are set and slightly crackly. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking results in dry, hard brookies rather than fudgy ones.

5. Not Allowing Proper Cooling

Letting brookies cool on the tray for at least 10 minutes before transferring them helps them set. Moving them too soon can cause them to fall apart.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of chewiness, fudginess, and crisp edges every time.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Brookies

Brookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with other treats to enhance their flavor. Here are eight great side dish ideas:

1. Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense brookies. For extra flavor, try adding a hint of vanilla or cinnamon to the cream.

2. Fresh Berries

The tartness of raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries balances the richness of the chocolate. A simple berry compote can also be drizzled over the brookies for a fresh twist.

3. Chocolate Ganache

For those who love an extra chocolatey experience, a warm chocolate ganache drizzle over brookies takes them to the next level.

4. Salted Caramel Sauce

The sweet and salty contrast of caramel sauce pairs beautifully with the deep cocoa flavors of the brookies. A light drizzle is enough to enhance the overall taste.

5. Espresso or Coffee

The bold, slightly bitter notes of coffee complement the sweetness of brookies. Whether it’s a classic espresso, cappuccino, or a cold brew, coffee enhances the richness of the chocolate.

6. Nut Butter Spread

A spoonful of peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut spread adds a creamy, nutty element that pairs well with the chocolatey brookies.

7. Coconut Ice Cream

For a dairy-free alternative, coconut ice cream offers a creamy texture with a light, tropical flavor that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.

8. Mint Tea

For a refreshing pairing, a cup of mint tea helps cleanse the palate and balances the richness of the brookies without overpowering their flavor.

Expert Tips for the Best Brookies

Following a few key tips can make all the difference in achieving the perfect brookies.

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate

Since chocolate is the star ingredient, opt for dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa. This ensures a deep, rich flavor without excessive sweetness.

2. Whip the Eggs and Sugar Properly

Beating the eggs and sugar until thick and pale is essential for achieving the classic crackly top. This process incorporates air, which helps create a light yet fudgy texture.

3. Let the Batter Rest Before Baking

Allowing the batter to sit for 10–15 minutes before scooping and baking helps thicken it slightly, leading to better texture and shape.

4. Do Not Overbake

Brookies should be slightly underbaked when they come out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking results in dry and crumbly brookies rather than soft and chewy ones.

5. Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Sizes

For uniform brookies, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the batter. This ensures even baking and consistent texture.

6. Let Them Cool on the Tray Before Moving

Freshly baked brookies are delicate. Let them cool on the baking tray for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart.

Storage Instructions

Brookies can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or frozen for longer storage.

Room Temperature (Best for Short-Term Storage)

Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Refrigeration (Extends Freshness for Longer)

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Allow refrigerated brookies to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezing (Best for Long-Term Storage)

Place brookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
Transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container, with parchment paper between layers.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Brookies

Reheating restores the soft, fudgy texture of brookies and enhances their flavor.

Microwave Method (Quick and Easy)

Place a brookie on a microwave-safe plate.
Heat on medium power for 10–15 seconds.
If reheating multiple brookies, heat in 5-second intervals to avoid overheating.

Oven Method (For Crisp Edges and Soft Centers)

Preheat oven to 150ºC (300ºF).
Place brookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Warm for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through.

Room Temperature Thawing (For Frozen Brookies)

Let frozen brookies sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before serving.
For a freshly baked taste, warm them in the oven for 5 minutes at 150ºC (300ºF).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make brookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure the baking powder and chocolate chips used are also gluten-free.

2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but the brookies will be sweeter and less intense in flavor. If using milk chocolate, consider reducing the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.

3. Why didn’t my brookies get a crackly top?

The most common reason is not whipping the eggs and sugar enough. The mixture should be thick and pale before adding the melted chocolate. Also, using room temperature eggs helps create the right texture.

4. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a great crunch and complement the rich chocolate flavor. Stir in ½ cup of nuts with the dry ingredients.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before scooping and baking.

6. Can I double this recipe?

Yes. Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches. Make sure to whip the eggs and sugar properly, as the increased volume may take longer to reach the desired thickness.

7. How can I make my brookies thicker?

Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes before baking.
Use cold baking trays to prevent spreading.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.

Final Thoughts on Making the Perfect Brookies

Brookies are a perfect combination of brownies and cookies, offering the best of both worlds in one bite. By using high-quality chocolate, properly whipping the eggs and sugar, and avoiding overbaking, you can achieve chewy, fudgy brookies with a signature crackly top.

With proper storage and reheating, brookies can be enjoyed fresh for days. Whether served warm with ice cream, drizzled with caramel, or paired with coffee, they are a delicious and versatile dessert for any occasion.