If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the best of both worlds—the fudgy richness of brownies and the chewy, buttery delight of cookies—you have to try this Red Velvet Brookies Recipe. It perfectly marries a vibrant red velvet brownie layer with a classic chocolate chip cookie dough topping, creating a treat that’s utterly irresistible. Whether for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little sweet indulgence, these brookies bring a burst of flavor, texture, and color that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in shaping the delicious layers and textures in the Red Velvet Brookies Recipe. From creamy butter to vibrant red food coloring, every component contributes to that picture-perfect bite.
- Butter (1⅓ cups, room temp): The foundation for a tender, rich dough and helps create that perfect brookie texture.
- Brown sugar (3 cups): Adds moisture and caramel undertones that balance the sweetness in both brownie and cookie layers.
- White sugar (2 cups): Provides crispness and sweetness, essential for the cookie dough’s delightful chew.
- Vanilla (4 tsp): Enhances the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch throughout the dessert.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): Just enough to heighten the sweetness and balance flavors.
- Eggs (10 total): Bind the ingredients together and contribute to moistness in each layer.
- Flour (6 cups): The backbone that gives structure to both the cookie and brownie layers.
- Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps the cookie dough rise just right for that tender crumb.
- Chocolate chips (2 cups): Add bursts of melty chocolate bliss in the cookie layer.
- Dark chocolate chunks (1 cup): Larger chocolate pockets that melt to create added richness.
- Melted butter (1 cup): Used in the red velvet brownie layer for that fudgy, luscious texture.
- Cocoa powder (½ cup): Brings the classic chocolate essence and deep color to the red velvet layer.
- Red food coloring (2 tbsp): Gives that iconic and stunning red velvet hue.
- Vinegar (1 tsp): Reacts with baking ingredients to keep the red velvet layer tender with a hint of tang.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, optional): For a luscious swirl that adds a tangy, creamy contrast.
- Sugar (¼ cup for swirl): Sweetens the cream cheese swirl to perfection.
- Egg yolk (1, for swirl): Enhances the richness and creaminess of the swirl.
How to Make Red Velvet Brookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking pans, or one large pan, with parchment paper or grease them well. This ensures your brookies will come out cleanly and makes for easy cleanup. A little prep at this stage goes a long way toward baking success.
Step 2: Mix the Red Velvet Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, white sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, red food coloring, vinegar, eggs, salt, and flour. This mixture forms your red velvet brownie base. The red food coloring and cocoa are what give it that signature color and flavor, while the vinegar helps achieve that soft, velvety crumb. Mix until all ingredients come together smoothly, creating a luscious batter that’s ready to layer.
Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough
Next, cream the softened butter with both brown and white sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla, and salt, mixing well. Stir in the flour and baking powder, then fold in the chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks for those delightful pockets of chocolate. This cookie dough is thick and rich, promising that chewy texture we all love in a classic cookie.
Step 4: Optional Cream Cheese Swirl
If you want to elevate your brookies, blend the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth for a creamy swirl. This extra step adds a luxurious tang that pairs wonderfully with the sweet, chocolatey layers underneath.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Spread the red velvet brownie batter evenly in your prepared pan. Spoon the cookie dough on top in an even layer. If you’re using the cream cheese swirl, dollop it over the cookie dough and gently swirl it with a knife or skewer to create beautiful, marbled patterns. This layering is the heart of the Red Velvet Brookies Recipe, capturing all the different flavors in one bite.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake your creation for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the brookies are set but still soft to the touch. Once baked, let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top to intensify the flavors and add a subtle crunch. Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy the perfect fusion of brownie and cookie.
How to Serve Red Velvet Brookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can take your Red Velvet Brookies Recipe to the next level. Consider topping with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries for a fresh contrast that balances the richness of the brookies.
Side Dishes
While Red Velvet Brookies are delicious on their own, serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream can create a sensational dessert experience. Fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, also pairs beautifully, offering a light and refreshing bite between the rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, cut these brookies into small bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter with decorative toothpicks. You can even drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for an elegant finish. Layered in a dessert parfait with whipped cream and berries, they make an unforgettable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Red Velvet Brookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain that fresh-baked softness. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge can prolong their freshness without sacrificing texture too much.
Freezing
You can freeze these brookies for longer storage by wrapping individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature for a ready-to-eat, decadent treat anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy your brookies warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and melts the chocolate to perfection.
FAQs
Can I make these brookies without cream cheese swirl?
Absolutely! The cream cheese swirl is completely optional but adds a lovely tang and visual interest. Your brookies will still be delicious without it.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can still make this recipe without red food coloring, though the vibrant color is part of the charm. Using natural alternatives like beet juice works, but the shade may be subtler.
Can I use regular cocoa powder?
Yes, regular unsweetened cocoa powder is perfect for the red velvet layer. It contributes to the chocolate flavor and deepens the red velvet profile.
How do I know when the brookies are done baking?
They are ready when the edges look set, and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. The center should be just firm to the touch.
Can I make the cookie dough or brownie batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare either batter a day in advance, storing it covered in the fridge. Just bring to room temperature before assembling and baking for best results.
Final Thoughts
The Red Velvet Brookies Recipe is a true celebration of flavors, textures, and vibrant color that you’ll want to share with everyone you know. It’s a delightful way to treat yourself or impress your loved ones with something a little different. Once you give it a try, I’m confident it will become one of your favorites to bake and enjoy again and again.
Print
Red Velvet Brookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 brookie bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Red Velvet Brookies combine the rich, fudgy texture of red velvet brownies with the classic chewy goodness of chocolate chip cookies, all swirled together with an optional luscious cream cheese swirl. This decadent dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for any sweet tooth craving a visually stunning and delicious treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1⅓ cups butter, room temperature
- 3 cups brown sugar
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 6 eggs
- 6 cups all-purpose 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 all-purpose flour
Optional Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking pans or use one large pan by lining them with parchment paper or greasing them well to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Red Velvet Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, white sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, vinegar, eggs, salt, and flour. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and smooth.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a separate large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, mixing thoroughly. Gradually stir in flour and baking powder until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks evenly.
- Make Cream Cheese Swirl (Optional): Beat softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Assemble the Brookies: Pour the red velvet brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan(s). Carefully layer the cookie dough on top of the brownie batter. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top and use a knife or skewer to lightly swirl it through the top layer for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the brookies are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, sprinkle with sea salt if desired, slice into bars, and enjoy your decadent red velvet brookies.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
- The cream cheese swirl is optional but adds a lovely tangy contrast to the sweet brookies.
- Allow brookies to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Store leftover brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
