Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream

Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream are a delightful dessert that combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the chewy, chocolatey goodness of cookies. This mouthwatering treat takes your classic brownie and elevates it with layers of cookie dough and creamy vanilla ice cream, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these brookies are the perfect way to satisfy your chocolate cravings.

The best part about this dessert is the combination of textures and flavors. The brownie base is dense and decadent, while the cookie dough topping adds a chewy contrast. The vanilla ice cream offers a refreshing touch, balancing the richness of the chocolate. Each bite is a heavenly mix of warmth from the brownies, chewiness from the cookies, and softness from the ice cream, creating a culinary experience that is hard to beat.

Not only are these Brownie Brookies a treat for your taste buds, but they are also easy to prepare. You don’t need any special skills or equipment, just simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. So, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy this fantastic dessert that is sure to impress everyone.

Ingredients about Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream

List of ingredients with measurements

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into large pieces plus more softened for the pan)
• 8 oz bittersweet chocolate chips
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup dark cocoa powder
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for cookies)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (for cookies)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature plus more for pan)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cookies)
• 1 large egg (room temperature for cookies)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (for cookies)
• 6 oz bittersweet chocolate chips (for cookies plus more for sprinkling)
• 1 1/2 qt vanilla ice cream

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you want to make some adjustments to this recipe, there are a few ingredient substitutions that can work well. Instead of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter; just adjust the amount of added salt accordingly. For a dairy-free option, you can opt for vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. If you’re not a fan of bittersweet chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate will also work nicely. Additionally, for those who prefer a nutty flavor, you can fold in some chopped nuts into the brownie batter or cookie dough.

How to Make Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare the brownie base

To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a 13-inch by 9-inch baking pan and grease it with some softened butter. Once the pan is greased, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. This overhang will help you lift the brookies out of the pan later. Grease the parchment paper with more butter to prevent sticking.

Next, melt the butter and bittersweet chocolate together in a medium heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over a medium pot of barely simmering water, stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth and melted, which should take about three minutes. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the brownie batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together four large eggs, 2 1/4 cups of granulated sugar, the dark cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until everything is smooth and well-combined. After that, pour in the slightly cooled chocolate mixture and whisk again until it’s fully incorporated. Carefully fold in 1 cup of all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Now, pour this brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula.

Step 3: Prepare the cookie dough

In another medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and the 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt specifically for the cookie layer. In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat together the room temperature butter, light brown sugar, and remaining granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about three minutes. Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Now, reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Finally, fold in the 6 oz of bittersweet chocolate chips.

Step 4: Assemble the brookies

Scoop the cookie dough into 12 mounds using a cookie scoop or spoon and arrange them evenly over the brownie batter. Once all the cookie dough mounds are on top, cover the pan with foil. Bake the brookies in the preheated oven for 55 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking until the tops are golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, which should take about another 5 minutes.

When done, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let it cool completely. Once cooled, carefully run a knife along the edges of the pan. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brookies from the pan and transfer them to a large cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut the brookies into 12 bars, and then slice each bar in half parallel to the cutting board.

Step 5: Add ice cream

Now it’s time to add the ice cream! Take the vanilla ice cream out of the freezer and allow it to soften for about 5 to 10 minutes. Scoop generous portions of ice cream over the cut sides of half of the brookies, making sure to spread the ice cream all the way to the edges. Place the remaining halves cut side down on top of the ice cream-covered halves, creating delicious sandwiches.

Lay these brookie ice cream sandwiches on a freezer-safe tray and wrap them with plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 30 minutes until the ice cream is firm. If you prefer, you can individually wrap each brookie ice cream sandwich and store them in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, just let the brookies sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly before indulging in this mouthwatering dessert.

How to Serve Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream

Best ways to serve Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream

When it comes to serving Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream, the presentation is just as important as the taste. You can serve the brookies on a large platter to allow everyone to help themselves. Consider displaying them with decorative serving dishes or bowls filled with additional chocolate chips or sprinkles for an extra touch. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce on the plates can also enhance the visual appeal while adding even more flavor.

Serving suggestions or pairings

These delicious treats can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various toppings. In addition to the recommended vanilla ice cream, you can try serving them with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast. You could also offer a selection of ice creams, such as mint chocolate chip or cookies and cream, to provide different flavor choices.

For a more festive occasion, consider topping the brookies with crushed nuts or festive sprinkles, depending on the theme of your gathering. Pair the brookies with coffee, milk, or a scoop of your favorite milkshake for a delightful dessert experience.

How to Store Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream

Proper storage methods

To store the leftover Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream, first allow them to cool completely before wrapping them. You can place them in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap. These brookie ice cream sandwiches can remain in the freezer for up to 1 month, ensuring that they stay fresh and delicious.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you want to enjoy your brookies warm, you can microwave them for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked taste. Just be careful not to heat them too long, or the ice cream will melt entirely. If you are freezing them before serving, make sure they are individually wrapped to prevent freezer burn and preserve their flavor and texture.

Tips to Make Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake to avoid when making these brookies is overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so mix only until the ingredients are combined. Additionally, be cautious with the timing of baking; it is better to check them a few minutes early to ensure they do not overbake, as this can dry out the brookies.

Another mistake is not allowing the ice cream to soften before scooping. If the ice cream is too hard, it will be challenging to spread over the brookies, and it may tear the cookie layer. Make sure to let it sit out for a few minutes before using.

Helpful tips for better results

For better results, use high-quality chocolate chips and cocoa powder, as they greatly enhance the flavor of the brownies and cookies. Ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature can also lead to a more uniformly cooked and textured dessert. Always taste your batter before baking; this allows you to adjust sweetness or flavor if desired.

If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, try adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter for a rich coffee undertone that complements chocolate beautifully. Remember to keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary, and your true done-ness could differ from the suggested time.

Variation of Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

If you’re looking to change things up, consider adding various mix-ins to the cookie dough. You could fold in nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or even throw in some chopped-up peanut butter cups or Oreos for a fun twist. For a salted caramel twist, you can add a drizzle of caramel sauce between the ice cream and brooking halves.

You could also incorporate flavors by using different ice cream, such as chocolate chip cookie dough or even a fruit-flavored ice cream for a unique taste. Alternatively, you can make the cookies using different types of flour, such as almond flour or coconut flour, for a gluten-free version.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For a vegan variation, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and replace the butter with a suitable vegan alternative. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut ice cream for a completely dairy-free treat.

If you wish to reduce sugar, consider using sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol. However, keep in mind that these substitutes may affect the texture and flavor, so some experimentation may be necessary to get it just right.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If you find that your brookies aren’t turning out as expected, evaluate your baking time and temperature. Make sure your oven is correctly calibrated, as baking at a higher or lower temperature can affect the final product. If they seem too dense or gummy, they may have been underbaked. If they are dry, they likely were overbaked. Remember to follow the recipe closely and adjust as needed based on your results.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, these Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream can easily be made ahead of time. They can be prepared a day in advance and kept in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. If you choose to serve them later, just follow the instructions for freezing and storing, allowing them time to soften a bit before serving.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

When it comes to ingredient substitutions, you can swap unsalted butter for salted butter while adjusting the salt content. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. If you don’t have eggs, you might use substitutes like applesauce or ground flaxseed mixed with water. Additionally, you could replace chocolate chips with carob chips for a different flavor profile. Just keep everything else about the recipe consistent to maintain the same delicious taste and texture.

In conclusion, Brownie Brookies with Vanilla Ice Cream are a wonderful treat that combines the best of both worlds. Perfect for any occasion, these desserts are sure to delight everyone at your table. Enjoy the process of making them as much as you will enjoy eating them!

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