Brookies

Not too long ago, Ron and I watched a show on Food Network that highlighted a Pumpple Cake. The Flying Monkey, located in Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market, created this amazing dessert: pumpkin and apple pies baked in chocolate and vanilla cake.  Everything is fused together and surrounded by buttercream icing.  Now, there are some fusions that I don't have much desire to try (for instance, a turducken) but I would be more than willing to give any dessert fusion a try.  I love fusing desserts!  Honestly, what can make sugar even more appealing?  Add more sugar!

These, my friends, are Brookies.  Brookies consist of half chocolate chip cookie and half fudge brownie.  How fun!  I was on a search to find an enjoyable treat to bring in to the office to celebrate a birthday. When I saw these, I had to make them.  They seemed fun, festive and they were something I hadn't tried before.

The original recipe called for a rich buttercream frosting layer to top the brownies.  I struggled for a good while determining whether I should mix up the frosting.  And while I admit that the buttercream would have made these even more amazing, I was a bit concerned that the frosting would make the treat toooo sweet.  So, I opted to leave it off this time but I think they turned out just fabulous.  The recipe itself was incredibly easy to mix up.  The bottom layer is a classic chocolate chip cookie batter.  It bakes for 20 minutes or so.  In the meantime, you mix up the brownie layer and once the cookie layer is baked, you get to pour the brownie layer over top, an oddly satisfying step.  The end result? A delicious, buttery, chocolate filled birthday treat that is definitely worth sharing!

Brookies
from Bakingdom
Yield: One 8x8 inch pan
Ingredients

• Cookies
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Brownies
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup dark cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8-inch square baking dish with non-stick baking spray.
2. Make the Cookie Layer: In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together. Add the egg and vanilla; mix until well combined. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture until just mixed. Fold in the chocolate chips and spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.
3. While the cookie layer bakes in the oven, Make the Brownie Layer: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the sugar until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Whisk in the dry ingredients until combined. Once the cookie layer comes out of the oven, immediately pour the brownie batter on top and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with a few crumbs clinging to it. 
4. Allow to cool completely before serving.