This Brookie is the Best Potluck Dessert
This Brookie is the Best Potluck Dessert is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 135 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 19 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 21 min
Cost: $4.24 total, $0.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 0.25 cup Dutch‑Processed Cocoa Powder (about 0.75 oz, gives bright chocolate flavor)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 0.25 tsp Baking Soda
- 0.75 tsp Salt
- 10 oz Bittersweet Chocolate (70‑80% cacao, divided 4 oz for chunks, 6 oz for melting)
- 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- 2 Tbsp Whole Milk
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (provides the shiny crackly top; do not use powdered sugar)
- 2 large Large Eggs
- as needed Vegetable Oil Spray (for greasing scoop or spoon)
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, Dutch‑processed cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Chunk the Chocolate
Using a serrated knife, coarsely chop 4 oz of the bittersweet chocolate into roughly ½‑inch pieces; set aside for later folding.
Time: PT3M
Melt Chocolate with Fats
Combine the remaining 6 oz chocolate, 3 Tbsp vegetable oil, and 1 Tbsp butter in a microwave‑safe bowl. Microwave on 50 % power for 3 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until smooth.
Time: PT4M
Cool and Add Milk
Allow the melted chocolate to cool for about a minute, then stir in 2 Tbsp whole milk to thin slightly and prevent seizing when later combined with the eggs.
Time: PT1M
Create Egg‑Sugar Ribbon
In the stand mixer on medium‑high speed, beat 1 cup granulated sugar with the two large eggs for about 4 minutes, until the mixture becomes thick, pale yellow and ribbons form when the beaters are lifted.
Time: PT4M
Incorporate Melted Chocolate
With the mixer on low, slowly pour the cooled chocolate‑oil mixture into the egg‑sugar ribbon, whisking until fully combined and no white streaks remain.
Time: PT1M
Fold in Dry Mix
Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter in 2‑3 strokes, just until no flour pockets remain. Over‑mixing will develop gluten and make the brookies tough.
Time: PT2M
Add Chocolate Chunks
Fold the reserved chocolate chunks into the batter until evenly distributed.
Time: PT1M
Portion onto Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment. Lightly spray the measuring spoon or 30‑size scoop with vegetable‑oil spray. Scoop heaping tablespoons (or level the scoop) to place 20 portions total—10 per sheet—in a staggered pattern.
Time: PT5M
Bake Brookies
Place the sheets on the upper‑middle and lower‑middle racks of a pre‑heated oven at 300 °F. Bake for 16 minutes, rotating the sheets at the 8‑minute mark, until the tops are puffed and large cracks appear.
Time: PT16M
Temperature: 300°F
Cool on Sheet
Remove the sheets and let the brookies cool on the parchment for 30 minutes; they will firm up as they cool.
Time: PT30M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 135
- Protein
- 0.6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 4.3 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy, Contains Eggs
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Eggs, Soy (in chocolate)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑Free All‑Purpose Flour
- Instead of Dutch‑Processed Cocoa Powder: Natural Cocoa Powder (use slightly more)
- Instead of Bittersweet Chocolate: Semi‑sweet chocolate
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Whole Milk: Half‑and‑half
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Caster sugar
- Instead of Large Eggs: Egg substitute (for vegans, see notes)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil Spray: lightly buttered spoon
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment
- Microwave
- Serrated Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spatula (thin metal)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 30‑Size Ice‑Cream Scoop or Tablespoon Measuring Spoon
- Baking Sheet(s)
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Achieving the ribbon stage with eggs and sugar is essential for the shiny cracked top
- Do not over‑mix after adding the dry ingredients to avoid tough texture
- Bake at a low 300 °F to develop the crackly surface without drying out the interior
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra glossy finish, brush the tops lightly with a sugar‑water glaze before baking
- Use a kitchen scale for precise chocolate measurements; 10 oz equals 283 g
- If you prefer a sweeter brookie, substitute half of the granulated sugar with light brown sugar, but the crackly top will be less pronounced
Troubleshooting
Brookies are flat and lack a crackly top
Ensure the egg‑sugar mixture reaches the ribbon stage and bake at the low 300 °F temperature; higher heat causes spreading.
Cookies are dry and crumbly
Do not over‑mix the dry flour into the batter and keep the butter/oil ratio; consider adding an extra tablespoon of oil if the dough feels too stiff.
Chocolate chunks melt completely, leaving no pockets
Keep the chopped chocolate pieces relatively large and fold them in at the very end with a gentle hand.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container at 4 °C for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze individual cookies wrapped in plastic and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for 1‑2 days, but will lose crispness
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be portioned and frozen on the parchment sheet; bake from frozen adding 2‑3 extra minutes
- Baked brookies keep their texture best if cooled completely before storing
- Reheat gently in a 250 °F oven for 5 minutes to restore a fresh‑baked feel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the chocolate brookie in American dessert culture?
The brookie is a modern American hybrid that emerged in the early 2010s, blending the beloved brownie and cookie into a single treat. It reflects the U.S. trend of mash‑up desserts, appealing to both brownie lovers and cookie fans, and quickly became a staple at bake‑sales and coffee‑shop menus.
How did the brookie become popular, and what regional variations exist in the United States?
The brookie gained popularity through food blogs and social media, especially in the Pacific Northwest where chocolate‑heavy desserts are favored. Some regions add peanut butter swirls (Pacific Northwest), while Southern bakers sometimes incorporate pecans or a caramel drizzle.
What is the authentic traditional way to serve a chocolate brookie in American homes?
Traditionally, brookies are served at room temperature on a dessert platter, often accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. They are also enjoyed with a cup of coffee or milk as an afternoon snack.
During what occasions are chocolate brookies typically served in American culture?
Brookies are popular for casual gatherings such as birthday parties, potlucks, bake‑sales, and holiday cookie swaps. Their portable size also makes them a favorite for school lunches and office snack breaks.
How does the chocolate brookie fit into the broader American baked‑good tradition?
The brookie exemplifies the American love for indulgent, handheld sweets that combine textures—chewy, fudgy, and crisp. It sits alongside other hybrid treats like the cronut and the snickerdoodle‑brownie, showcasing creativity in home baking.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a chocolate brookie versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include all‑purpose flour, Dutch‑processed cocoa, bittersweet chocolate, granulated sugar, eggs, butter, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt. Acceptable substitutes are gluten‑free flour blends, natural cocoa powder, semi‑sweet chocolate, and canola oil in place of vegetable oil.
What other American desserts pair well with chocolate brookies?
Chocolate brookies pair beautifully with vanilla or caramel ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of fresh berries. They also complement a warm cup of coffee, chai latte, or a glass of cold milk.
What makes the chocolate brookie special or unique in American dessert cuisine?
Its unique combination of a brownie’s dense, fudgy interior and a cookie’s crisp, crackly top creates a textural contrast rarely found in single‑type desserts, making it a standout novelty in American bake‑shops.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chocolate brookies?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing the batter (which develops gluten and makes the brookie tough), not reaching the ribbon stage with the egg‑sugar mixture (resulting in a dull top), and baking at too high a temperature (which prevents the signature cracks).
Why does this chocolate brookie recipe use a low oven temperature of 300 °F instead of a higher temperature?
A low temperature allows the interior to stay moist and fudgy while the surface slowly expands, creating the large, shiny cracks. Higher heat would cause the edges to set too quickly, preventing the crackly top.
What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?
America's Test Kitchen specializes in rigorously tested, science‑based cooking recipes and techniques, producing reliable, step‑by‑step video tutorials that help home cooks achieve consistent results.
How does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen's approach to American dessert recipes differ from other cooking channels?
America's Test Kitchen emphasizes thorough testing, precise measurements, and detailed explanations of why each step matters, whereas many other channels focus more on visual appeal or shortcuts without the same depth of culinary science.
Last updated: August 18, 2026








