Sourdough Discard Brown Butter Brookies are the ultimate dessert mashup, combining rich fudgy brownie layers with chewy brown butter cookie dough and melty chocolate. The nutty depth of browned butter and subtle tang of sourdough discard create incredible flavor and texture. These indulgent bars are perfect for chocolate lovers, bake sales, or anytime you want a bakery-style treat with irresistible gooey layers.
Ingredients
For the Brown Butter Cookie Layer
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sourdough discard
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
For the Brownie Layer
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips
For Topping
- Melted chocolate for drizzle
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until golden brown and nutty. Cool slightly before using.
Step 2: Make Cookie Dough
In a bowl, mix browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add sourdough discard, egg, and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips to form thick dough.
Step 3: Prepare Brownie Batter
In another bowl, melt butter and mix with sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and chocolate chips until smooth.
Step 4: Layer in Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment. Press cookie dough evenly into pan. Spread brownie batter over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 28–32 minutes until edges set and center slightly fudgy.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Cool fully in pan before lifting and slicing for clean layers.
Step 7: Drizzle
Drizzle melted chocolate over cut brookies before serving.
Variations
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans
- Use dark chocolate chips
- Add peanut butter swirl
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes
- Add white chocolate chips
Cooking Notes
- Browning butter adds deep flavor
- Do not overbake to keep fudgy center
- Brownie layer stays slightly soft
- Cool fully before cutting
- Use parchment for easy removal
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slightly warm
- Pair with milk or coffee
- Top with ice cream
- Drizzle extra chocolate
- Cut into small squares
Tips
- Watch butter carefully while browning
- Use room-temperature eggs
- Underbake slightly for gooey texture
- Store airtight up to 4 days
- Freeze bars up to 2 months
Prep Time / Bake Time / Chill Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
Calories: 360 per bar
Protein: 4g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 40g
FAQs
Can I make brookies ahead of time?
Yes, bake and store covered at room temperature.
Can I freeze brookies?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Why are my brookies cakey?
Overbaking or too much flour can reduce fudginess.
Conclusion
Sourdough Discard Brown Butter Brookies are rich, fudgy, and chewy with nutty brown butter flavor and gooey chocolate layers. These decadent dessert bars are a perfect combination of brownie and cookie, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.