Valentine Brookies (Brownie + Sugar Cookie Swirls) Recipe
Valentine Brookies are an irresistible dessert combining fudgy brownie layers with buttery, vibrant pink sugar cookie swirls. Perfectly marbled and baked to a luscious finish, this treat offers a festive, charming twist on classic brookies with a beautiful Valentine’s Day theme.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brookie squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Fudgy 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
Buttery 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 shade
- Optional: Valentine sprinkles or heart confetti
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your 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 later.
- Conquer the Brownie Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar together until smooth and shiny. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Gently fold in cocoa powder, flour, and salt with a spatula until just combined. Pour this batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Create the Pink Cookie Dough: In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined. Add flour and baking powder, mixing on low until a soft dough forms. Stir in gel food coloring drop by drop until you reach a vibrant pink color.
- The Art of the Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of pink cookie dough randomly over the brownie batter. Use a butter knife or small offset spatula to gently swirl in figure-eight and zig-zag patterns to marble without mixing completely. Sprinkle Valentine confetti or sprinkles if using.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly soft but not wet. Test with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no batter.
- The Most Important Step: Patience! Let the brookies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to set properly. For easier slicing, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes after cooling to room temperature.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control salt level; if using salted, omit extra salt.
- Room temperature eggs help create smoother batter and dough.
- Gel food coloring is preferred to avoid watering down the dough.
- Don’t overmix brownie batter to keep fudgy texture.
- Cooling completely is key to cutting neat slices and preserving fudginess.
- Feel free to add festive sprinkles or heart confetti for a Valentine’s touch.
Keywords: Valentine brookies, brownie sugar cookie swirl, fudgy brookies, pink sugar cookie, baked dessert, Valentine dessert, marbled brookies
