If you’re a fan of cookies and brownies, it’s time to meet your new favorite treat: Brown Butter Brookies. This recipe combines the best of both worlds—chewy, gooey cookies layered with rich, fudgy brownies. The magic ingredient here? Brown butter. Its nutty, caramelized flavor adds depth and sophistication to these beloved desserts. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this decadent dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, spooned and leveled
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Method
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of your baked brookies.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
Step 3: Make the Brownie Layer
- To prepare the browned butter, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. After about 6-8 minutes, the butter will begin to foam. Continue stirring until the milk solids turn a golden brown and the butter smells nutty. Remove from heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl to cool slightly.
- To the cooled browned butter, whisk in the cocoa powder, olive oil, vanilla extract, and chopped chocolate until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and light brown sugar for 5-6 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Add the powdered sugar to the egg mixture and beat for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour in the cooled browned butter mixture and continue to mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the flour and chocolate chips, mixing just until the batter is smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Brookies
- Spread the cookie dough evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Next, pour the brownie batter over the cookie layer, spreading it out gently to cover the entire surface.
Step 5: Baking
Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is still slightly fudgy. You can test the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—the toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the brookies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. The layers will set, allowing you to enjoy the perfect combination of chewy cookies and rich brownies.
Pro Tips for Perfect Brookies:
- Brown the Butter: The key to that rich, nutty flavor lies in browning the butter. This step adds a depth of flavor that elevates your brookies from good to irresistible.
- Dissolve the Sugar in Eggs: For a signature crackly top on your brownies, whisk the eggs and sugar for a few minutes before adding other ingredients. This creates the signature glossy, crackled top that makes brownies so appealing.
- Marble the Layers: If you want to create a marbled effect instead of distinct cookie and brownie layers, gently swirl the two batters together with a spoon or knife before baking. This adds a beautiful visual twist and merges the flavors.
Why Brown Butter Brookies?
The combination of chewy cookie dough and rich, fudgy brownies is always a hit. But the addition of brown butter in this recipe gives these brookies a complex, nutty flavor that takes them to the next level. The slightly crispy edges and gooey center, with chocolate chips melting in every bite, make these brookies a showstopper at any gathering.
Next time you want to indulge in the best of both worlds—cookies and brownies—give this Brown Butter Brookies recipe a try. It’s sure to become your new favorite treat.