If you are ready to indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, the Irish Cream & Guinness Brookies Recipe is here to win your heart and taste buds. Imagine the rich, fudgy depth of Guinness-infused brownies layered perfectly with cheerful, chewy chocolate chip and green M&M-studded cookies, all laced with the creamy, dreamy essence of Irish cream. This treat strikes the ideal balance between decadence and fun, making it perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or just a cozy night in where you want to treat yourself to something spectacular. Once you dive into this recipe, it will surely become one of your favorites to share over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Irish Cream & Guinness Brookies Recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create the star of the show. Each element adds a unique note, from the velvety texture of the brownie mix to the satisfying crunch and sweetness of the cookies, making every bite wonderfully complex.
- 2 cups flour: The base that provides structure to both the cookie and brownie layers.
- ½ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweet elements.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Gives a slight lift to the cookies for a soft but lightly airy texture.
- ¾ cup butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture to the cookie dough.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies with a crisp finish.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brings caramel undertones and chewiness to the cookies.
- 1 egg and 1 egg yolk: Binds ingredients while boosting softness in the cookies.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to sweet and chocolatey layers.
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips: Melts slowly to create gooey pockets of chocolate joy.
- ¼ cup green M&Ms: Adds a fun, festive crunch and pop of color.
- ½ cup Irish cream liqueur (or non-alcoholic Irish cream): Imparts a luxurious, creamy flair unique to this recipe.
- ½ cup butter (room temperature): Essential for the brownie batter’s creamy base.
- 1 cup Guinness: Provides deep, malty richness that enhances the cocoa flavor.
- 2 cups sugar: Sweetens the brownie with balance and shine.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Blends perfectly with Guinness and cocoa for a harmonious flavor.
- 2 eggs: Creates a moist, tender crumb in the brownies.
- 1 ½ cup flour: Supports the brownie’s soft but sturdy texture.
- 1 ½ cup cocoa: The heart of the brownies, bringing intense chocolate loveliness.
- ½ tsp salt: Cuts through sweetness, enhancing chocolate complexity.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the brownie rise slightly without losing its dense charm.
How to Make Irish Cream & Guinness Brookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 325°F, the perfect temperature to bake both the cookie and brownie layers evenly. This ensures a beautifully set brookie with just the right chew and fudginess.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, kosher salt, and baking powder to create a balanced base. Meanwhile, in another bowl, blend melted butter with both granulated and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and the magical Irish cream liqueur. Combine the wet and dry mixtures gently, then fold in chocolate chips and green M&Ms. Chill this dough in the refrigerator while you move to the brownie batter to help the flavors meld and dough firm up slightly.
Step 3: Make the Brownie Batter
Cream the room temperature butter, Guinness, and sugar together until fluffy and well-blended in a large bowl. Add vanilla extract and eggs, mixing to incorporate fully. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt before adding this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir until everything is smooth and rich.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy removal and clean-up. Pour the brownie batter into the dish and spread evenly. Remove the cookie dough from the fridge and dollop or spread it carefully over the brownie layer, creating two deliciously distinct layers. Pop this into the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes.
How to Serve Irish Cream & Guinness Brookies Recipe
Garnishes
These brookies look just as impressive as they taste when garnished. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted Irish cream glaze can add a pretty, festive touch. Fresh mint leaves or a few extra green M&Ms sprinkled on top create that charming, celebratory vibe.
Side Dishes
Serve your brookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. For adults, a small glass of Irish cream liqueur or even a cup of strong dark coffee pairs perfectly to accentuate the deep flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brookies into bite-sized squares for a party platter or layer chunks in parfait glasses with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a stunning dessert presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Irish Cream & Guinness Brookies covered at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and chewy while maintaining their luscious flavors.
Freezing
Wrap brookies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to one month, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for any occasion.
Reheating
For a freshly baked taste, warm your brookies in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back that just-out-of-the-oven magic with gooey chocolate and tender crumb.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Irish cream liqueur?
Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can use a non-alcoholic Irish cream syrup or even a splash of vanilla or almond extract for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
What type of Guinness works best?
Use the classic Guinness Draught for the richest, creamiest flavor in your brookies. The stout’s deep maltiness really complements the chocolate wonderfully.
Can I make smaller batches?
Yes, you can halve the recipe if you want to make fewer brookies. Just make sure to adjust your baking time slightly and keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Why are there green M&Ms in this recipe?
The green M&Ms add a festive pop of color and a fun crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft textures. They also evoke a subtle nod to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Can I use other types of chocolate instead of chips?
Definitely! You can substitute with chunks of your favorite chocolate bar or even mini white chocolate chips. Each variation will bring a unique twist but keep the indulgence intact.
Final Thoughts
If you want a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of chocolate, Irish cream, and Guinness, this Irish Cream & Guinness Brookies Recipe is a total winner. It’s approachable enough for home cooks but impressive enough to serve when you want to truly impress. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to for celebrations or whenever your sweet tooth calls for something extraordinary.
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Irish Cream & Guinness Brookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
Description
Delight in the decadent fusion of Irish cream-infused cookie dough layered atop rich Guinness brownies in this indulgent Irish Cream & Guinness Brookies recipe. Perfectly balanced with chocolate chips, green M&Ms, and a moist, fudgy brownie base, this dessert is a festive treat for St. Patrick’s Day or any celebration where you want a boozy twist on a classic sweet.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups flour
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
- ¼ cup green M&Ms
- ½ cup Irish cream liqueur (or non-alcoholic Irish cream)
Brownie Batter
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 ½ cups cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups flour, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon baking powder thoroughly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients for Cookie Dough: In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings to Cookie Dough: Beat in the whole egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and Irish cream liqueur to the wet sugar mixture until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Mix in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and green M&Ms by hand to distribute evenly.
- Chill Cookie Dough: Place the cookie dough in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the brownie batter, which helps the dough firm up for easier spreading later.
- Cream Butter and Guinness: In a large bowl, cream together the ½ cup room temperature butter, 1 cup Guinness stout, and 2 cups sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla to Brownie Batter: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until fully incorporated.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients for Brownie Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, 1 ½ cups cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Combine Dry and Wet Brownie Ingredients: Gradually add the cocoa-flour mixture into the wet butter mixture, blending well to form a smooth brownie batter.
- Spread Brownie Batter in Pan: Pour and spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Top with Cookie Dough: Remove the chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator and carefully spread it evenly over the brownie batter layer.
- Bake Brookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes until the cookie layer is set and a toothpick inserted in the brownie portion comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brookies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 15 servings. Enjoy the delicious combination of fudgy Guinness brownies topped with a boozy Irish cream cookie layer.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the Irish cream liqueur with non-alcoholic Irish cream or milk with a few drops of vanilla extract.
- Chilling the cookie dough before spreading helps prevent it from melting into the brownie layer during baking.
- Use a toothpick test around the edges for doneness since baking times can vary based on oven.
- Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.
- Let brookies reach room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
