There is something undeniably magical about combining the rich, tender crumb of red velvet brownies with the chewy, chocolate-studded goodness of cookies. This Red Velvet Brookies Recipe is exactly that kind of showstopper dessert—a luscious, irresistible hybrid that feels like two indulgences in one bite. The vibrant red brownie layer plays perfectly against the buttery cookie dough, and together they create a mouthwatering treat that never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these brookies will steal the show and have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Combining just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe strikes a perfect balance between ease and flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, sweetness, structure, or that gorgeous red hue that makes these brookies so visually irresistible.
- Butter (1â…“ cups, room temp): Adds richness and helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown sugar (3 cups): Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the cookie dough.
- White sugar (2 cups): Provides balanced sweetness and helps with spreading the cookies just right.
- Vanilla (4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, tying the ingredients together wonderfully.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): A pinch of salt amplifies the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Eggs (6 total): Bind everything while keeping the layers soft and tender.
- Flour (6 cups): The backbone of your dough, giving structure without heaviness.
- Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps the cookie dough rise and become delightfully airy.
- Chocolate chips (2 cups): Classic mix-ins that add bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Dark chocolate chunks (1 cup): Larger chocolate pieces for extra texture and indulgence.
- Red velvet brownie layer ingredients: Includes melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, food coloring, vinegar, and a bit of flour to create that iconic red velvet base.
- Optional cream cheese swirl: Cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla add a tangy and creamy layer that perfectly complements the chocolate and red velvet flavors.
How to Make Red Velvet Brookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by heating your oven to a steady 350°F. Line two 9×13-inch pans or one larger pan with parchment paper or lightly grease them to make sure your brookies come out perfectly and don’t stick. This prep sets the stage for a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together your melted butter, white sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth. Then add in vanilla, red food coloring, vinegar, eggs, salt, and finally the flour. Mix just until combined—you want to see a vibrant, luscious red batter that will bake up moist and rich.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cookie Dough
In your stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream the room temperature butter with brown and white sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla, then stir in salt and baking powder. Fold in the flour, chocolate chips, and dark chocolate chunks carefully. This dough should be thick and studded with chocolatey goodness.
Step 4: Create the Cream Cheese Swirl (Optional)
If you love that tangy swirl in your brookies, whip together the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until perfectly smooth. This creamy concoction will add an extra layer of texture and flavor on top of your brookies.
Step 5: Layer the Batter and Dough
Spread the red velvet brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan(s). Then dollop and gently spread the cookie dough over the top so it covers the surface. If using, spoon the cream cheese mixture over and use a knife or skewer to swirl it lightly, creating beautiful marbled patterns.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your brookies for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely before sprinkling with a touch of flaky sea salt and slicing into generous squares. The cooling step is key to letting all those flavors and textures settle beautifully.
How to Serve Red Velvet Brookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar makes a pretty presentation, but if you want to elevate it further, try sprinkling with flaky sea salt right after baking for a sweet-and-salty contrast. Fresh berries or a drizzle of white chocolate can add an elegant touch too.
Side Dishes
Red Velvet Brookies are divine on their own, but paired with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, they become an unforgettable dessert experience. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk also perfectly complements the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the brookies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh raspberries or edible flowers. You can also stack individual layers, alternating brookie squares with layers of frosting or cream cheese filling to turn them into mini layered cakes that wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Red Velvet Brookies Recipe treats have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep the cookie layer chewy and the brownie layer moist, perfect for snacking anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep these brookies fresh for longer, freeze the cooled squares in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy brookies warm, simply microwave a piece for 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven wrapped in foil. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate feeling that’s hard to beat.
FAQs
Can I make Red Velvet Brookies Recipe without food coloring?
The red food coloring provides that classic vibrant red hue, but you can omit it if you prefer a more subtle color. The brownies will still taste delicious, just less visually striking.
What if I don’t have dark chocolate chunks?
No worries! You can substitute with extra chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars—either milk or semi-sweet will work fine and still provide those melty chocolate pockets you love.
Is the cream cheese swirl necessary?
It’s totally optional, but the cream cheese swirl adds a lovely contrast with its tangy sweetness and creamy texture. If you’re not a fan or want to keep things simpler, you can skip it without sacrificing much.
How thick should I spread each layer?
Try to spread the red velvet brownie layer evenly and about half an inch thick, and then spread the cookie dough on top in a similar layer. This balance ensures both layers bake evenly and you get that perfect bite.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Red Velvet Brookies recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or add some for structure, and keep an eye on the bake time as it might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Red Velvet Brookies Recipe feels like treating yourself to two desserts in one bite, and honestly, it’s pure joy from start to finish. Once you try these brookies, you’ll find yourself dreaming up every excuse to bake them again. They are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a loved one. Give it a go—you won’t regret bringing this delicious twist into your baking repertoire!
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Red Velvet Brookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 24 brookies (approximately, depending on pan size and slice size)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent dessert combining the rich flavors of red velvet brownies and classic chocolate chip cookies into one irresistible treat, known as Red Velvet Brookies. These brookies feature a moist red velvet brownie base topped with a buttery chocolate chip cookie layer, finished with an optional creamy swirl of sweetened cream cheese. Perfect for indulgent snack time or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1â…“ cups butter, room temperature
- 3 cups brown sugar
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 6 eggs
- 6 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks
Red Velvet Brownie Layer
- 1 cup melted butter
- 2 cups white sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 4 eggs
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ cups flour
Optional Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two pans or one large pan with parchment paper or grease them to prevent sticking.
- Make Red Velvet Batter: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, white sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, vinegar, eggs, salt, and flour. Mix until smooth and uniform to form the red velvet brownie batter.
- Make Cookie Dough: In another bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well. Stir in flour and baking powder until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl (Optional): In a separate small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Assemble Brookies: Spread the red velvet brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan(s). Carefully layer the cookie dough over the brownie layer. If desired, dollop the cream cheese mixture on top and use a knife to lightly swirl it through the top layer for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the brookies are set but still moist and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain moist texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired to enhance flavor, then slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- You can use two 9×13-inch pans or one larger pan depending on preference.
- The cream cheese swirl is optional but adds a tangy richness that complements the brookies.
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients where indicated to ensure smooth batter and dough.
- Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
- Sprinkling sea salt on top before baking or after adds a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavor.
