Chewy Fudgy Brookies Recipe
If you’re anything like me and have never quite decided between a brownie or a cookie, this Chewy Fudgy Brookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Brookies combine the fudgy, rich chocolate goodness of brownies with the chewy, satisfying texture of cookies in one perfect bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make these for every occasion—and maybe just because it’s Tuesday.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Texture Balance: The recipe expertly combines fudgy brownie richness with chewy cookie edges for an irresistible bite.
- Two Sugars for Depth: Using both caster and Demerara sugar adds layers of sweetness and a delicate crunch.
- Melting Chocolate Method: Gently melting chocolate with butter keeps the texture silky without burning it.
- Whipping Eggs & Sugars: Whipping the eggs with sugar adds air, making these brookies light despite being dense and chewy.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Chewy Fudgy Brookies Recipe plays a role in creating those soft, chewy centers and crackly tops that make them so addictive. Let’s break down a few of my favorites and why they matter.
- Plain (all-purpose) flour: Acts as the base, providing structure without making the brookies too cakey.
- Cocoa powder: Adds that deep chocolate flavor and contributes to the fudgy texture.
- Baking powder: Gives just enough lift so they aren’t too dense.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate taste.
- Dark chocolate (chopped): Melts into the batter for that rich, glossy fudge layer.
- Butter: Provides moisture and tender crumb; salted or unsalted works but adjust salt accordingly.
- Eggs: At room temp for proper emulsification and volume when whipped.
- Caster sugar: For sweetness and helping create a lighter texture when whipped with eggs.
- Demerara sugar: Adds crunch and a subtle caramel note—don’t skip this if you can find it!
- Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor and balances the bittersweet chocolate.
- Chocolate chips: Extra pockets of melty chocolate magic scattered throughout.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best parts of baking brookies is making them your own. Over time, I’ve played with add-ins and tweaks that you might want to try depending on how sweet or rich you like your treats.
- Nutty Goodness: I love tossing in chopped walnuts or pecans to add crunch and a toasty flavor. My friends swear by adding toasted hazelnuts for a gourmet twist.
- White Chocolate Swap: If you’re not a dark chocolate fan, swapping dark chocolate chips for white chocolate turns these into a sweeter, creamier version.
- Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder boosts depth—perfect for coffee lovers like me.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup, and you’re good to go.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chewy Fudgy Brookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Oven and Pan
I always start by setting the oven right away—160ºC (320ºF) fan or 170ºC (338ºF) conventional is perfect. Then, I line a baking tray with parchment paper. This helps the brookies release easily and prevents sticking, which is a huge win when you have that perfect chewy texture to preserve!
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter with Care
Using a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler method), gently melt your chopped dark chocolate with butter. Stir occasionally so it blends smoothly without overheating—burnt chocolate can ruin the flavor, and you don’t want that! Once melted, stir in your vanilla extract for that extra hit of warm flavor.
Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugars to Cloud-Like Volume
This is where the magic starts—beat your room temperature eggs with both sugars on high speed until the mix turns pale, thick, and fluffy, about five minutes. This airiness helps give the brookies a lighter texture despite their fudgy nature. I find it easiest with an electric hand mixer, but a stand mixer will do the trick, too.
Step 4: Sift Dry Ingredients and Mix in the Chocolate Chips
Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together helps prevent lumps and ensures an even mix. Toss in the chocolate chips here to coat them lightly in flour—it helps keep them distributed evenly in the batter.
Step 5: Gently Fold Everything Together
Start by folding the melted chocolate-butter mixture into your fluffy egg and sugar base—do it gently to keep the air bubbles intact. Then, carefully fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing at this point will deflate the batter and make your brookies dense rather than chewy and light.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake to Perfection
I use a cookie scoop to drop heaping tablespoons of batter evenly spaced on the lined tray. This not only gives uniform sizes but ensures even baking. Pop them in the oven for about 12 to 14 minutes. Look for crackly tops and set edges—centers should still have a little wobble for the perfect chewy, fudgy middle.
Step 7: Cool and Add Some Finishing Salt
Right after pulling the brookies out of the oven, sprinkle sea salt on top if you like that sweet-salty contrast. Then, let them cool on the baking tray for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time lets them set up without falling apart, which is key.
Pro Tips for Making Chewy Fudgy Brookies Recipe
- Room Temperature Eggs: They whip up easier and incorporate more air for fluffier brookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Take them out when edges are set but centers still jiggle slightly for ultimate chewiness.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform brookies and consistent baking every time.
- Fold Gently: Taking your time folding ingredients helps keep the light texture we love.
How to Serve Chewy Fudgy Brookies Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before these brownies cool—it really amps up the chocolate. Sometimes, I add a dash of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a pretty finish at parties. Fresh berries on the side also give a nice contrast if you want to balance richness.
Side Dishes
Serving these with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream never gets old. A cup of strong black coffee or chilled milk also pairs wonderfully to cut through the richness. For special brunches, I like to offer fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait alongside the brookies.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or celebrations, I’ve layered brookies with whipped cream and fresh raspberries to make a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert trifle. Cutting them into smaller bite-size squares and arranging them on a platter with assorted toppings allows guests to customize their own treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover brookies in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. The fridge keeps them fresh for up to a week, but honestly in my house, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
Freezing brookies works great—just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you want a sweet treat, thaw overnight in the fridge, and they taste almost as freshly baked as the day you made them.
Reheating
A quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back that incredible gooeyness, or you can warm them in a low oven (around 150ºC/300ºF) for 5 minutes. Just keep an eye so they don’t dry out. I usually add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream after warming for the ultimate indulgence.
FAQs
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Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using milk chocolate will make your brookies sweeter and creamier. Just be aware that milk chocolate melts differently, so watch the melting process carefully to avoid overheating or separation.
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Why is it important to whip the eggs and sugars?
Whipping the eggs and sugars incorporates air, making the brookies lighter and giving them that desirable chewy edge with a soft center. Skipping this step can lead to denser, less tender treats.
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Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
I recommend baking the batter soon after making it to enjoy the best texture and rise. However, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours; just bring it to room temperature and give it a gentle stir before baking.
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What if I don’t have Demerara sugar?
You can substitute Demerara with turbinado sugar or sugar in the raw. These have similar large crystals and offer that lovely subtle crunch and caramel notes that set these brookies apart.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Chewy Fudgy Brookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart—and my kitchen. Whenever I make them, it feels like a little celebration, even on ordinary days. They’re straightforward, supremely satisfying, and so versatile. If you give them a try, I’d bet you’ll be sneaking them for yourself and sharing them with your favorite people just like I do.
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Chewy Fudgy Brookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fudgy, chewy brookies—a chocolate lover’s dream combining brownies and cookies in one irresistible treat. Perfectly balanced with rich dark chocolate, a touch of cocoa, and a crackly top, these brookies bake to soft, gooey perfection with a slight crunch from Demerara sugar and chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 95 g (3/4 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 85 g (1/2 cups) dark or milk chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
- 225 g (1 1/4 cups) dark chocolate, chopped
- 56 g (1/4 cups) butter, salted or unsalted
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 100 g (3/4 cups) caster or granulated sugar
- 90 g (1/2 cups) Demerara or raw sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 160ºC (320ºF) with a fan or 170ºC (338ºF) for conventional heating. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl’s bottom does not touch the water. Stir occasionally until fully melted and combined, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Whip Eggs and Sugars: In a medium bowl, use an electric hand whisk on high speed to beat the caster sugar, Demerara sugar, and eggs together. Whisk for about 5 minutes until the mixture is very light, thick, and fluffy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into a bowl, then add the chocolate chips. Mix gently to distribute evenly and remove lumps.
- Integrate Chocolate Mixture: Gradually fold the melted chocolate and butter into the whipped eggs and sugar mixture, stirring gently to keep the batter airy.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix only until just combined to preserve the light texture.
- Bake the Brookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place dollops of batter spaced well apart on the prepared tray. Bake in the oven for 14 minutes or until the brookies are set and have a crackly top.
- Cool and Finish: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Let them cool on the baking tray for 10 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chocolate Melting: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate; stir frequently to prevent burning and adjust microwave times if used.
- Whisking Technique: Whip eggs and sugars until thick enough that the whisk leaves a ribbon trail in the mixture for best texture.
- Consistent Sizes: Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized brookies for uniform baking.
- Cooling Importance: Cooling on the tray helps the brookies firm up without crumbling or falling apart.
- Demerara Sugar Substitute: If Demerara sugar is unavailable, raw sugar like turbinado can be used as an effective substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
