Valentine Brookies (Brownie + Sugar Cookie Swirls) Recipe

Introduction

Valentine Brookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate brownies and vibrant pink sugar cookie swirls, perfect for sharing on special occasions. This easy-to-make treat combines fudgy and buttery textures with festive colors and sprinkles for a sweet celebration.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for brownie layer)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for brownie layer)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (for brownie layer)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for brownie layer)
• 1/3 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder (for brownie layer)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for brownie layer)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for brownie layer)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for sugar cookie layer)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sugar cookie layer)
• 1 large egg, room temperature (for sugar cookie layer)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sugar cookie layer)
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (for sugar cookie layer)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for sugar cookie layer)
• Pink or red gel food coloring (for sugar cookie layer, to desired hue)
• Optional: Valentine sprinkles or heart confetti (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal.
2. Step 2: Make the brownie layer: 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.
3. Step 3: Gently fold in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until no flour bits remain. Do not overmix.
4. Step 4: Pour brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Step 5: Make the sugar cookie layer: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar with a mixer at medium speed for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
6. Step 6: Scrape the sides of the bowl, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Step 7: Add flour and baking powder; mix on low speed just until soft dough forms.
8. Step 8: Add pink or red gel food coloring a drop at a time, mixing until desired vibrant pink color is achieved.
9. Step 9: Drop spoonfuls of the pink sugar cookie dough randomly over the brownie batter.
10. Step 10: Using a butter knife or offset spatula, gently swirl the two batters together with figure-eights, loops, and zigzags to create marbled patterns. Be careful not to overmix.
11. Step 11: If using, sprinkle Valentine sprinkles or heart confetti over the top.
12. Step 12: Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check at 25 minutes; edges should be set and center still slightly soft with no wet batter. Use a toothpick test: it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
13. Step 13: Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 2 hours).
14. Step 14: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the cooled brookies for 30 minutes before cutting.
15. Step 15: Lift brookies using parchment overhang and cut into 16 even squares with a sharp knife, wiping blade between cuts.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid altering the dough’s consistency and achieve vibrant colors.
• Try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Swap Valentine sprinkles for chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for different textures.

Storage

Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Warm refrigerated brookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use box brownie mix instead of making the brownie layer from scratch?

Yes, you can substitute a box brownie mix for the brownie layer. Prepare the mix according to package instructions, then swirl the sugar cookie dough on top as directed.

How do I prevent the sugar cookie layer from sinking into the brownie batter?

Make sure the brownie batter is spread evenly but not fully set before adding the sugar cookie dough. Dropping the dough in spoonfuls and swirling gently helps maintain the marbled effect without sinking.

Valentine Brookies (Brownie + Sugar Cookie Swirls) Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 97 reviews

Valentine Brookies combine rich, fudgy brownies with soft, vibrant pink sugar cookie swirls, creating a festive and delicious treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. This recipe features a marbled pattern with sweet, buttery sugar cookie dough atop a dense chocolate brownie base, finished with optional heart-shaped sprinkles for a charming touch.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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)

Decoration (Optional)

• Valentine sprinkles or heart confetti

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal of the brookies later.
2. Make Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and shiny. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract to combine evenly.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, mixing just until no flour bits remain, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
4. Pour Brownie Batter: Evenly pour the prepared brownie batter into the lined baking pan, spreading it gently if needed.
5. Prepare Sugar Cookie Dough: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer at medium speed to cream the softened butter and sugar together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
6. Add Wet Ingredients to Cookie Dough: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
7. Add Dry Ingredients to Cookie Dough: Mix in the flour and baking powder on low speed, just until a soft dough forms, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
8. Add Color: Add pink or red gel food coloring a drop at a time, mixing after each addition until the desired vibrant pink color is achieved.
9. Form Cookie Dough Dollops: Drop spoonfuls of the pink sugar cookie dough randomly over the brownie batter in the pan.
10. Create Marbled Effect: Using a butter knife or offset spatula, gently swirl the sugar cookie dough and brownie batter together with figure-eight, loop, and zigzag motions to create a beautiful marbled pattern without overmixing.
11. Add Decorations: If desired, sprinkle Valentine-themed sprinkles or heart confetti over the top of the batter for a festive look.
12. Bake the Brookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check at 25 minutes—the edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft with no wet batter. Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
13. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brookies to cool completely on a wire rack inside the pan, approximately 2 hours.
14. Chill for Slicing: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the cooled brookies for 30 minutes before cutting.
15. Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brookies out of the pan. Cut into 16 even squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

• Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure smooth batter and dough.
• Do not overmix the brownie batter or cookie dough to maintain the desired texture.
• Swirling the two batters too much will blend the layers, losing the marbled effect.
• Refrigerating before slicing helps achieve cleaner, neater edges when cutting the brookies.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without adding extra liquid to the dough.
• Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.

Keywords: Valentine brookies, brownie sugar cookie swirl, marbled brookies, Valentine dessert, chocolate and sugar cookie bars