Red velvet brookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts: the moist, chocolatey taste of red velvet brownies and the chewy sweetness of classic chocolate chip cookies. What makes these brookies special is not just their striking appearance, but also their rich, decadent flavor that captures the essence of both treats. I’ve made these a few times for family gatherings and they never fail to impress!
Why Make This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of silky cream cheese and rich chocolate in the brookie delivers a taste explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant red color and gooey chocolate chips create a stunning dessert that’s sure to wow your guests.
- Versatility: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat on a regular day, these brookies fit into any occasion.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can master this recipe.
- Personal Connection: I love making these for friends; they’re always delighted by the unique blend of flavors, and it brings a sense of joy to share something so visually stunning.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 brookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
This recipe involves mixing batters for both the red velvet brownies and chocolate chip cookies, then layering them for baking – an easy yet impressive technique that produces delightful results.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first tackled red velvet brookies, I was surprised by how seamlessly the two batters came together. Initially, I worried about the color distribution, but with some swirling and an eye for balance, the result was both beautiful and delicious. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!
How to Make Red Velvet Brookies
To create red velvet brookies, you’ll start by preparing both a red velvet brownie batter and a chocolate chip cookie dough. First, beat together your wet ingredients, including sugar, eggs, and vanilla, before adding in flour, cocoa powder, and red food coloring for the brownies. For the cookies, cream butter and sugars then mix in flour, baking soda, and chocolate chips. Lastly, layer them in a baking dish, swirling gently to create a marbled effect before popping them into the oven. Expect a soft, chewy texture with a rich, deep flavor!
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Gel Food Coloring: For a deeper red hue, use gel food coloring instead of liquid. It provides vibrant color without altering the batter’s consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: To preserve a lovely texture, mix your batters just until combined. Overmixing can make your brookies tough.
- Quality Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer taste that balances the sweetness of the red velvet.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter that mixes evenly.
- Check for Doneness: These brookies are done when the edges are set and a toothpick in the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
How to Serve Red Velvet Brookies
- Slice and Share: Cut into squares and serve warm à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Festive Platter: Arrange them on a beautiful platter alongside fresh berries for a touch of elegance.
- Coffee Companion: Serve with a strong cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Party Treat: Bring them to a potluck or party; their striking color is perfect for holiday gatherings.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store leftover brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and consider warming them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain their gooey center.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate dietary needs.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in nuts, like pecans or walnuts, in the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
- Different Flavors: Experiment with different flavored extracts, such as almond or mint, to create unique variations of this dessert.
Nutritional Highlights
These brookies contain chocolate, which can enhance your mood, and the addition of cocoa provides some antioxidants. However, keep portion sizes in mind to enjoy these as an occasional treat, especially given the sugar content. Allergy information: Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Brookies Are Too Dry: Ensure you measure the flour correctly; too much can lead to dryness. Spoon flour into a measuring cup rather than scooping directly.
- Color Not Vibrant: If your brookies aren’t brightly colored, try adding a few extra drops of gel food coloring to the batter.
- Uneven Baking: Make sure to rotate your baking pan halfway through to help them bake evenly, especially if your oven has hot spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make the batters in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batters a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to swirl and bake. -
What can I substitute if I don’t have food coloring?
You could use beet juice for a natural alternative, but it may affect the flavor slightly. -
Can these brookies be made without eggs?
Absolutely! Use a substitute like flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan version. -
Why are my brookies too cake-like?
If your brookies turn out cake-like, you might have overmixed the batters. Aim for a slightly thicker, fudgier consistency for a chewy texture.
Creating these red velvet brookies is a delightful blending of flavors and techniques that every home cook can master. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious treat!
Print
Red Velvet Brookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fusion of chocolatey red velvet brownies and chewy chocolate chip cookies, creating an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- For the brownies, beat together sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa powder, and red food coloring until combined.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and sugar for the cookie dough.
- Mix in flour and baking soda, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Layer the brownie and cookie batters in the baking dish, swirling gently to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until edges are set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for more vibrant color. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg