Valentine Brookies Recipe

Introduction

Valentine Brookies combine the best of fudgy brownies and buttery sugar cookies in one irresistible treat. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, these marbled delights are both festive and delicious. Let’s make a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!

Ingredients

• Fudgy 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 cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Buttery 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, as needed
• Optional: Valentine sprinkles or heart confetti

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal later.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar together for about a minute until smooth and shiny. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Gently fold in cocoa powder, flour, and salt with a spatula until just combined. Pour brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides, then beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Add flour and baking powder, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Add gel food coloring a drop at a time until you reach your desired pink shade.
4. Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of the pink sugar cookie dough randomly over the brownie layer. Use a butter knife or offset spatula to gently swirl the two batters together, creating a marbled effect but not mixing fully. If using sprinkles, scatter them on top now.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is just slightly soft with moist crumbs on a toothpick. Avoid overbaking to keep the brookies fudgy.
6. Step 6: Allow brookies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, at least 2 hours. For cleaner slicing, chill the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring to avoid watering down the cookie dough; add a little at a time for vibrant pink or red hues.
• Room temperature eggs create smoother batter and dough for better texture.
• For an extra festive touch, mix in Valentine-themed sprinkles or heart confetti before baking.
• Line your pan with parchment paper with overhang for easy removal and neat slices.
• If you only have salted butter, omit the added salt in the brownie batter to balance flavors.

Storage

Store the brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving chilled brookies, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or warm them briefly in the microwave for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in both layers with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup and contains xanthan gum for best results.

Can I freeze Valentine Brookies?

Absolutely. Wrap cooled brookies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

Valentine Brookies Recipe

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Valentine Brookies combine the rich, fudgy indulgence of brownies with the buttery sweetness of sugar cookies, swirled together with festive pink hues and optional Valentine’s sprinkles. These delightful layered treats bake into a luscious marble of flavors and textures perfect for sharing with your special someone on Valentine’s Day or any celebration.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including cooling time)
• Yield: 16 brookie squares 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fudgy 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

Buttery 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 shade
• Optional: Valentine sprinkles or heart confetti

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on two opposite sides for easy lifting.
2. Conquer the Brownie Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar vigorously for about a minute until smooth and shiny. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Using a spatula, gently fold in cocoa powder, flour, and salt just until the flour disappears. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly.
3. Create the Pink Cookie Dough: In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Scrape down sides, then add egg and vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Add flour and baking powder; mix on low until soft dough forms. Add gel food coloring a drop at a time, mixing to reach vibrant pink shade.
4. The Art of the Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of pink cookie dough randomly onto the brownie batter. Use a butter knife or offset spatula to gently swirl the two batters together, creating marbled figure-eight and zig-zag patterns. Sprinkle Valentine sprinkles over the top if desired.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the brookies for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness when edges are set and center is slightly soft without jiggling. A toothpick inserted should bring out moist crumbs but no wet batter.
6. The Most Important Step: Patience! Allow the brookies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to set properly. For clean slicing, optionally chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after cooling to room temperature.

Notes

• Use unsalted butter to control salt levels precisely; omit added salt if using salted butter.
• Room temperature eggs ensure better batter texture and incorporation.
• Gel food coloring prevents dough from becoming watery and ensures vibrant color.
• Do not overmix brownie batter to maintain fudgy texture.
• Cooling brookies fully is crucial for clean slicing and fudgy consistency.
• You can line the pan with parchment with overhang edges for easy removal of the entire slab.
• Sprinkles are optional but add festive appeal perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Keywords: Valentine brookies, fudgy brownies, sugar cookie layer, marbled brookies, Valentine desserts, chocolate and cookie bars