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Valentine Brookies (Brownie + Sugar Cookie Swirls) Recipe

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.

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)

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