Valentine Brookies (Brownie + Sugar Cookie Swirls) Recipe

Introduction

Valentine Brookies are a delightful treat combining rich, fudgy brownies with sweet, colorful sugar cookie swirls. Perfect for sharing on special occasions, these marbled bars offer the best of both desserts in one bite.

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 by whisking melted butter and sugar in a medium bowl 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 just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Step 4: Pour brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Step 5: For the sugar cookie layer, cream softened butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
6. Step 6: Scrape the bowl sides, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Step 7: Mix in flour and baking powder on low speed until a soft dough forms.
8. Step 8: Add pink or red gel food coloring a drop at a time, mixing until the dough reaches a vibrant pink color.
9. Step 9: Drop spoonfuls of sugar cookie dough randomly over the brownie batter in the pan.
10. Step 10: Using a butter knife or offset spatula, swirl the two batters together with figure-eights and loops to create a marbled pattern, being careful not to overmix.
11. Step 11: If desired, sprinkle Valentine-themed sprinkles or heart confetti over the top.
12. Step 12: Bake for 25-30 minutes. Start checking at 25 minutes; edges should be set and the center slightly soft but without wet batter. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
13. Step 13: Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 2 hours.
14. Step 14: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the brookies for 30 minutes before cutting.
15. Step 15: Lift the brookies using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 even squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring to avoid thinning the sugar cookie dough and achieve vibrant color.
• For extra texture, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the brownie layer before baking.
• Swirl gently to keep distinct layers and a pretty marbled effect.
• Try different festive sprinkles for other holidays or occasions.

Storage

Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy chilled for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brookies ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated. Chilling before cutting helps with clean slices.

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it won’t affect the dough’s consistency, but you can use regular food coloring carefully, adding small amounts to avoid altering the texture.

Valentine Brookies (Brownie + Sugar Cookie Swirls) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

These Valentine Brookies are a delightful combination of rich, fudgy brownie and sweet, soft sugar cookie dough swirled together and baked to perfection. Featuring a vibrant pink sugar cookie layer dotted with festive sprinkles, these brookies make a perfect treat for celebrating Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 48 minutes
• Yield: 16 brookie 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
• Optional: Valentine sprinkles or heart confetti for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you 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 becomes smooth and shiny. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract to combine.
3. Add Dry Ingredients to Brownie Batter: Gently fold in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt until no dry bits remain, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
4. Pour Brownie Batter: Evenly spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth, uniform layer.
5. Cream Butter and Sugar for Sugar Cookie Layer: In a separate bowl, use a mixer at medium speed to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
6. Add Egg and Vanilla: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
7. Incorporate Dry Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms, avoiding overmixing.
8. Add Food Coloring: Gradually add the pink or red gel food coloring a drop at a time, mixing until the dough reaches your desired vibrant pink color.
9. Drop Sugar Cookie Dough: Use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the pink sugar cookie dough randomly over the brownie batter layer in the pan.
10. Swirl Batters: Using a butter knife or offset spatula, gently swirl the two batters together with figure-eight, loop, and zigzag motions to create a beautiful marbled pattern. Be careful not to overmix.
11. Add Decorations: If desired, sprinkle Valentine sprinkles or heart confetti over the top for an extra festive touch.
12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. At 25 minutes, check for doneness; the edges should be set and the center should still be slightly soft with no wet batter. Use a toothpick inserted in the center which should come out with a few moist crumbs.
13. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brookies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which will take about 2 hours.
14. Chill for Slicing: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the cooled brookies for 30 minutes before cutting.
15. Cut and Serve: Lift the brookies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 even squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts to maintain clean edges.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency and baking results.
• Do not overmix the brownie and sugar cookie batters to keep textures tender and fudgy.
• The swirled sugar cookie dough can be colored as light or vibrant as you desire with gel food coloring.
• Chilling before slicing helps achieve neat cuts and prevents crumbling.
• 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, valentine dessert, marbled brookies, holiday treats