Simple to Create Brookies: A Delightful Treat
Baking is a wonderful way to bring joy into your kitchen and create delicious treats for yourself and others. One exciting recipe that combines the best of both worlds is the fudgy chewy brookies, often called the “brookies.” These delightful creations blend brownies and cookies, resulting in a dessert that is crispy on the outside and wonderfully chewy on the inside. Every bite gives you the joy of both chocolatey richness and cookie happiness.
In this article, we will explore why you should make brookies at home and provide a straightforward guide on preparing them. From ingredients to baking methods, you will have the tools to create a batch of these delightful treats in no time.
Why Make This Recipe
Brookies are perfect for many occasions. Whether you want to impress guests at a dinner party, surprise your kids after school, or treat yourself after a long day, brookies fit the bill. These treats are incredibly easy to make, requiring ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen, making them a convenient choice.
One of the best things about brookies is their versatility. You can customize the recipe by adding nuts, different types of chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavor. Plus, the halved baking time of brookies makes them a quicker treat compared to some traditional cookies or brownies. By blending two beloved desserts, you ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy in a single bite.
Another reason to make brookies is the joy of baking with friends or family. It’s a great way to bring people together in the kitchen. From measuring the ingredients to enjoying the delicious smell while they bake, the entire process is enjoyable and rewarding. Once you make brookies, you might not want to make anything else!
How to Make Brookies
Creating brookies is straightforward and fun! Just follow these steps to whip up this delightful treat at home.
Ingredients
To make a batch of delicious brookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 95 g plain (all-purpose) flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 225 g dark chocolate (chopped)
- 56 g butter (salted or unsalted)
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 100 g caster or granulated sugar
- 90 g Demerara or raw sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 85 g dark or milk chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 160ºC (320ºF) if you are using a fan, or 170ºC (338ºF) for conventional heating. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. This step prevents the brookies from sticking and makes cleaning up easier.
Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Place this bowl over a pan of simmering water. It’s important that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and combined. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract.
Whip Eggs and Sugars
In a separate medium bowl, use an electric hand whisk on high speed to beat the caster sugar, demerara sugar, and eggs together. This helps to create volume. Keep whisking until the mixture becomes very light, thick, and fluffy. This process should take about 5 minutes.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Then, add the chocolate chips. Sifting helps ensure that there are no lumps and keeps the dry ingredients evenly mixed.
Integrate Chocolate Mixture
Gradually fold the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the whipped eggs and sugars. Stir gently to keep the airiness of the whipped mixture.
Fold in Dry Ingredients
Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be sure not to deflate the mixture. Mix only until just combined to keep the batter light.
Bake the Brookies
Scoop tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking tray. Space them well apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the brookies are set and crackly on top.
Cool and Finish
Once baked, remove them from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with sea salt immediately. This little extra step can elevate the flavor. Let them cool on the baking tray for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Brookies
Brookies are best served warm, fresh from the oven. The chocolate chips will be gooey, and the texture will be incredibly inviting. You can serve them as they are or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat. For a little gourmet touch, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over each brookie before serving.
These treats can also be enjoyed with a cup of coffee, tea, or a chilled glass of milk. They make a perfect after-school snack or a sweet finish to your dinner. Sharing them with friends or family will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
How to Store Brookies
Storing brookies is easy. If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can place them in an airtight container once they have cooled completely. Store them at room temperature, where they will remain fresh for up to a week. If you live in a hot climate, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator.
If you want to enjoy them later, brookies can also be frozen. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you crave a brookie, just take one out, let it thaw at room temperature, or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Brookies
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Bringing your eggs to room temperature helps create a creamier texture.
- Don’t Over-Mix: For the best texture, be careful not to over-mix the batter once you add the dry ingredients.
- Add Mix-Ins: You can get creative! Consider adding nuts, caramel morsels, or different types of chocolate chips to suit your taste.
- Check Your Oven: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your brookies as they bake. They should be set but still soft in the center when done.
Variation
While the classic brookie recipe is already a treat, you can experiment with a few variations:
- Nutty Brookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Mint Chocolate Brookies: Mix in some mint extract or use mint chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.
- Spiced Brookies: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to bring warmth to the flavors, especially around the holidays.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes! You can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just remember that this may alter the overall taste and texture.
Q2: How can I tell when my brookies are done baking?
The brookies should be set and have a crackly top. For best results, do not over-bake them; they should still feel soft in the middle.
Q3: Can I replace the flour with gluten-free options?
Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly.
Making brookies is an enjoyable experience. By following this guide, you will create delicious treats that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Brookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 160ºC (320ºF) for fan or 170ºC (338ºF) for conventional heating and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine chopped dark chocolate and butter over simmering water, stirring until fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Beat caster sugar, demerara sugar, and eggs together with an electric hand whisk until light, thick, and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
- Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into another bowl, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped eggs and sugars gently to maintain airiness.
- Carefully fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoons of the batter onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them well apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until brookies are set and have a crackly top.
- Sprinkle with sea salt immediately if desired and let cool for 10 minutes on the baking tray before transferring to a cooling rack.