These fudgy chewy brownies, also known as brookies, are the perfect mix of brownie and cookie goodness! They are rich, delicious, and oh-so-chocolatey!
Baking these is like a sweet hug for your taste buds. I love how easy they are to whip up, and they make a great treat for sharing—or not! 🍫
Trust me, once you taste the gooey chocolate and the soft cookie top, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk for the best experience!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. If you’re out, coconut oil or a vegetable oil can be good alternatives, adding a subtle flavor twist.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These give the brownies a rich flavor. Dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips can be used if you prefer something sweeter or more intense. Some people even enjoy using white chocolate for a different take!
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is standard here, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor. You could also try coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option.
Cocoa Powder: If you don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder, try Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother flavor. For a healthier option, raw cacao powder works well but may alter the final taste a bit.
Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding. If you’re looking for a vegan option, 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) can work nicely.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Brownies Don’t Overmix?
Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, which is not what we want! To avoid that, follow these steps:
- Mix the wet ingredients (butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla) just until blended.
- When adding the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, salt), fold gently with a spatula until you see no more dry flour.
- It’s okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy! The less you mix, the fudgier the brownies will be.
Remember, the key is to mix just until combined, that’ll help achieve that perfect chewy texture.
How to Make Fudgy Chewy Brownies (Brookies)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunks or additional chocolate chips (optional)
- Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. After baking, let the brownies cool down for a bit before serving. Overall, you can enjoy these delicious brownies in just under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Tray:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This will help prevent the brownies from sticking.
2. Melting the Butter and Chocolate:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and the chocolate is fully melted.
3. Mixing in the Sugar and Eggs:
Next, add the granulated sugar into the chocolate mixture and stir until it’s well combined. Then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely flavor.
4. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This helps ensure that everything is mixed evenly before adding it to the chocolate mixture.
5. Folding Everything Together:
Now, gradually fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! If you want to get a little extra chocolatey, gently fold in chocolate chunks or additional chocolate chips at this point.
6. Scooping the Batter:
Using a spoon or a scoop, place dollops of brownie batter onto the prepared baking tray. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread as they bake.
7. Baking the Brownies:
Pop the baking tray into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are shiny with a crackled appearance. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can dry them out!
8. Cooling Down:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven. Let them cool in the tray for a few minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Finishing Touches:
If you like, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the brownies before you serve them. Cut them into squares or serve them as cookies. Enjoy your fudgy, chewy brownies!
Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use dark chocolate chips. Just keep in mind that dark chocolate contains less sugar, so your brownies might taste a bit less sweet. You can adjust the granulated sugar slightly if you desire a sweeter outcome.
How Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best taste and texture!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add great texture and flavor. You can also include ingredients like dried fruit or swirls of peanut butter for a fun twist. Just make sure to adjust the proportions slightly if you add a significant amount of mix-ins.
Why Are My Brownies Not Chewy Enough?
If your brownies are not as chewy as you’d like, consider two things: make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can incorporate too much air, leading to a cakey texture. Also, check your baking time—baking them too long can dry them out. They should be slightly underbaked to stay fudgy and chewy!