Giant Brookies
Indulging in the perfect marriage of a cookie and a brownie, our focus today is on the irresistible giant brookies that promise a delightful treat for any occasion. With their gooey brownie base topped by a chewy cookie crust, these brookies become an undisputed star in your dessert repertoire. Crafted with easy-to-find ingredients and a simple step-by-step process, this sweet indulgence is perfect for those who love to bake from home.
I vividly remember the first time my family and I experimented with what we fondly now call our ‘bake-off weekends’. Among the delicious array created by hands eager to bake, these brookies stood out instantly. The initial skepticism of mixing brownie and Cookie Dough quickly melted away as the smell wafted through the kitchen, sparking joy and unanimous approval around the table. They’ve since become a family tradition, often baked at every celebratory gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brookies bring together the comforting flavors of two beloved desserts: the cookie and the brownie. No need to choose between your favorites; with each bite, you get the best of both worlds. On top of that, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The ingredients are simple staples you likely already have in your pantry, and the recipe is designed for efficiency, cutting down on kitchen time while maximizing taste.
Ingredient Notes
To achieve the perfect balance in your brookies, pay attention to the quality of your ingredients. Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness, and high-quality vanilla extract can make a big difference in flavor. If you prefer a nutty touch, consider adding chopped walnuts to the brownie layer. Don’t have light Brown Sugar on hand? You can substitute an equal amount of regular brown sugar, but do note it might slightly alter the texture.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch Baking Pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting after baking.
Step 2
For the brownie layer, melt 1 cup of butter and 4 ounces of chopped chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of sugar and 4 large eggs until pale and fluffy. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, combining well.
Step 4
Stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and a generous pinch of salt until just incorporated. Pour the Brownie Batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Step 5
For the cookie layer, cream together 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup light brown sugar. Mix in an egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Fold in 1 cup of flour, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of the Cookie Dough evenly over the brownie batter, smoothing gently with a spatula.
Storage Options
Keep any leftover brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, cut the cooled brookies into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap to freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or lightly warm in the microwave, ensuring they stay soft and chewy.
Variations & Substitutions
For a richer chocolate experience, enhance your brookies with dark chocolate chips instead. Alternatively, add a couple of tablespoons of Peanut Butter into the brownie batter for a delightful twist. If seeking a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour in both the brownie and cookie layers for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Serving Suggestions
These giant brookies are a splendid treat at birthday parties, picnics, or as an indulgent dessert after dinner. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special touch. They also make thoughtful homemade gifts wrapped aesthetically for your friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pan size? Yes, although a 9×13 pan is recommended for optimal thickness, you can use a slightly smaller pan for thicker brookies. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
What if I don’t have parchment paper? No worries! Simply grease the pan well with butter or spray it thoroughly with a non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of your brookies post-bake.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free? Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well. The resulting texture might be slightly different but they’ll still taste delicious!
Giant Brookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1.25 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat well until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
