Are you ready to experience a dessert so decadent, so rich, so utterly irresistible that it'll redefine your idea of the perfect treat? Then prepare yourself for the Ghirardelli Cookie Brownie – a heavenly fusion of chewy brownie and gooey cookie dough, all swirled together into a symphony of chocolatey goodness. This recipe is perfect for satisfying any sweet craving, whether it's a cozy night in or a special occasion. It's surprisingly easy to make, proving that delicious homemade desserts don't have to be complicated. This easy recipe will quickly become one of your go-to quick dinner ideas, a perfect ending to any meal.
Ingredients:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cookie Dough Swirl:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Ghirardelli chocolate chips (or your favorite)
Instructions:
Making the Brownie Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This is a crucial step for easy removal and prevents sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugars until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
Creating the Cookie Dough Swirl:
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step is key to a light and airy cookie dough.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the Ghirardelli chocolate chips.
Combining and Baking:
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough batter over the brownie batter.
- Swirl the cookie dough into the brownie batter using a knife or toothpick. Don't over-mix; you want visible swirls.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cookie dough swirls.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving.
Tips for Brownie Perfection:
- Use good quality chocolate for the best flavor. Ghirardelli is a delicious choice, but feel free to experiment!
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in tough brownies.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
- For a richer brownie, use dark chocolate chips in the cookie dough.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Add nuts to the cookie dough, such as pecans or walnuts.
- Use different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brownie batter for a warm spice flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (This will vary based on specific ingredients used)
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Ghirardelli Cookie Brownie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. It's the perfect recipe to showcase your homemade cooking skills, whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey. Enjoy!