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Valentine Brookies (Brownie + Sugar Cookie Swirls) Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 114 reviews
  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including cooling time)
  • Yield: 16 squares 1x

Description

Valentine Brookies are a delightful combination of rich, fudgy brownie and sweet, vibrant pink sugar cookie swirls, perfect for celebrating love and special occasions. This dessert blends the intense chocolate flavor of brownies with the buttery sweetness of sugar cookies, topped with festive Valentine sprinkles for a charming finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Layer

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Sugar Cookie Layer

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pink or red gel food coloring, to desired hue

Optional Decoration

  • Valentine sprinkles or heart confetti

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides to help lift the brookies out easily after baking.
  2. Make Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth and shiny. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract thoroughly for a well-mixed base.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients to Brownie: Gently fold in cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt until no flour streaks remain, being careful to avoid overmixing for tender brownies.
  4. Pour Brownie Batter: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan as the base layer of your brookies.
  5. Cream Butter and Sugar for Cookie Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy, creating a light texture for the cookie layer.
  6. Add Egg and Vanilla to Cookie Dough: Scrape down the bowl sides, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined for smooth dough.
  7. Incorporate Flour and Baking Powder: Mix in the all-purpose flour and baking powder on low speed just until a soft dough forms, preventing overdevelopment of gluten.
  8. Add Food Coloring: Gradually add pink or red gel food coloring drop by drop, mixing until you achieve a vibrant, even hue in the cookie dough.
  9. Drop Cookie Dough onto Brownie Layer: Spoon dollops of the colored sugar cookie dough randomly over the brownie batter in the pan.
  10. Swirl Batters: Using a butter knife or offset spatula, gently swirl the two batters together with figure-eights, loops, and zigzags to create an attractive marbled pattern; avoid overmixing to keep distinct layers.
  11. Add Decoration: If desired, sprinkle Valentine-themed sprinkles or heart confetti over the top to add festive colors and textures.
  12. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake 25-30 minutes. Check at 25 minutes; edges should be set and the center slightly soft but not wet. Use a toothpick test—a few moist crumbs should cling to the toothpick.
  13. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the brookies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 2 hours, which helps set the structure.
  14. Chill for Clean Slices: For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the cooled brookies for 30 minutes before slicing.
  15. Slice and Serve: Lift brookies out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 16 even squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for neat pieces.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature to help batter mix evenly.
  • Don’t overmix the brownie and cookie batters to maintain a tender texture.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for best chocolate flavor.
  • Gel food coloring gives a vibrant color without altering dough consistency.
  • Refrigerating before slicing helps produce clean, even squares.
  • Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: brownies, sugar cookies, valentine brookies, marbled dessert, chocolate sugar cookie swirl, valentine dessert recipe

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Find it online: https://delishwithella.com/valentine-brookies-brownie-sugar-cookie-swirls-recipe/