Crownies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the rich, fudgy texture of brownies combined with the gooey, melty goodness of chocolate chip cookies. This irresistible dessert originated as a clever mashup that brings the best of both worlds into one bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, crownies deliver a perfect balance of chewy cookie edges and dense brownie centers.
Ingredients
To create the perfect crownies—our irresistible fusion of brownies and chocolate chip cookies—we need to gather fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in balancing the gooey texture and rich flavor that define this treat.
Dry Ingredients
Our dry ingredients build the foundation for that dense, fudgy center and chewy cookie edges. Here’s what we use:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for structure)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (to amplify chocolate richness)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for slight lift)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor balance)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (adds moisture and chewiness)
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (to mix within and melt beautifully)
| Dry Ingredients | Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Base structure |
| Unsweetened cocoa | 1/2 cup | Chocolate flavor |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Slight rise |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Flavor enhancer |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetness |
| Brown sugar, packed | 1/2 cup | Moisture and chewiness |
| Semi-sweet chips | 3/4 cup | Chocolate pockets |
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients bring the moist, fudgy texture and richness that make crownies so decadent. We rely on:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for deep, buttery flavor)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature, for binding)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for aromatic depth)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (adds tenderness and softness)
Optional Toppings and Mix-Ins
For those who want to elevate their crownies further, consider these flavor boosters and texture enhancers:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (adds crunch)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (extra sweetness contrast)
- Flaky sea salt, a sprinkle on top before baking (intensifies chocolate flavor)
- Mini marshmallows, scattered on top for gooey pockets
Pro tip: We recommend gently folding in optional mix-ins to avoid overworking the batter, preserving the perfect chewy and fudgy texture.
| Optional Additions | Quantity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped walnuts/pecans | 1/2 cup | Crunch and nutty flavor |
| White chocolate chips | 1/4 cup | Sweet chocolate contrast |
| Flaky sea salt | A pinch | Salty-sweet flavor balance |
| Mini marshmallows | As desired | Gooey, soft pockets |
Equipment Needed
To bake perfect Crownies consistently, having the right equipment streamlines the process and guarantees optimal results. Here’s what we recommend for this delicious mashup:
- Mixing Bowls
Use medium and large bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients separately. Glass or stainless steel work best to monitor mixing thoroughly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measuring tools ensure proper balance of flour, cocoa powder, sugars, and wet ingredients. Precision here is key to consistent fudgy texture.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
An electric hand mixer speeds up blending eggs, butter, and sugars until creamy. A whisk can work but requires more elbow grease to reach the right consistency.
- Rubber Spatula
Perfect for gently folding in chocolate chips and other mix-ins without deflating the batter.
- 9×9 Inch Baking Pan
A square pan helps give crownies their iconic shape with chewy edges and a moist center. We recommend greasing or lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cooling Rack
Vital for letting crownies cool evenly and develop their chewy-crisp crust.
- Oven Thermometer (optional but recommended)
Ensures your oven temperature is accurate, which is crucial for baking crownies to perfection.
| Equipment Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Separate dry and wet ingredients | Glass or stainless steel recommended |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Accurate measurement | Essential for baking precision |
| Electric Mixer / Whisk | Blend wet ingredients smoothly | Mixer preferred for ease |
| Rubber Spatula | Fold in mix-ins gently | Prevents batter deflation |
| 9×9 Inch Baking Pan | Shape and bake crownies | Grease or line for easy removal |
| Cooling Rack | Cool crownies evenly | Maintains texture |
| Oven Thermometer | Verify baking temperature | Optional but improves results |
Make-Ahead Instructions
To enjoy crownies anytime with minimal effort, follow these simple make-ahead instructions to preserve their fresh, fudgy, and chewy textures.
Preparing the Batter in Advance
- Mix the dry and wet ingredients as described, then combine them to form the crownies batter.
- Transfer the batter to an airtight container or cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and can improve texture.
Baking From Refrigerated Batter
- When ready to bake, remove the batter from the refrigerator.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Storing Baked Crownies
| Storage Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 days | Store in an airtight container. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrap individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving. |
Freezing Batter or Baked Crownies
- Freezing batter: Portion the raw batter in a freezer-safe container or pan, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Freezing baked crownies: Slice into portions, wrap each piece tightly, and store in a sealed freezer bag. For best results, warm them slightly in the oven or microwave before serving to restore the gooey texture.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to master the art of baking crownies that are perfectly fudgy, chewy, and irresistibly delicious every time.
Prep Work
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Use an oven thermometer if possible to ensure accurate temperature.
- Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Measure all ingredients precisely using accurate measuring cups and spoons to maintain the ideal texture.
- Prepare optional mix-ins (like nuts or chocolate chips) by chopping or measuring, keeping them ready to fold in gently.
Mixing the Batter
- In a medium bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk or beat together the wet ingredients: melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and whole milk until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously to combine without overmixing.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and any optional mix-ins using a rubber spatula. Remember, folding gently preserves the chewy and fudgy texture that defines crownies.
Baking the Crownies
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out with a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes or until the edges are set and beginning to pull away from the pan, but the center remains slightly gooey.
- Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain the signature fudgy interior.
| Step | Detail | Time / Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Preheat | 350°F (177°C) | – |
| Batter Baking | Spread batter evenly | – |
| Bake Duration | Until edges set, center gooey | 28-32 minutes |
| Doneness Check | Toothpick moist crumbs | – |
Cooling and Setting
- Remove the crownies from the oven and set the pan on a wire cooling rack.
- Let the crownies cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour to firm up while retaining gooey centers.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to gently lift the entire block out of the pan.
- Slice into squares or desired shapes using a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate crownies for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed to enhance the chocolatey gooeyness.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate our Crownies experience and complement their rich, fudgy texture alongside chewy edges, here are several creative and delicious serving ideas.
Classic Presentation
- Serve crownies warm at room temperature.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful contrast of hot and cold.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce to enhance the gooey chocolate flavor.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance sweetness and intensify chocolate notes.
Festive Garnishes
- Top with mini marshmallows and use a kitchen torch to lightly toast them, creating a s’mores-inspired treat.
- Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
Beverage Pairings
| Beverage | Flavor Profile | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|---|
| Freshly brewed coffee | Bold, slightly bitter | Cuts through the sweetness of crownies |
| Hot chocolate | Creamy, rich | Enhances the chocolate flavors |
| Cold milk | Mild, refreshing | Balances the rich and dense texture |
| Red wine (Merlot) | Fruity, smooth | Adds depth and sophistication |
Creative Serving Ideas
- Cut crownies into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter for parties or gatherings.
- Layer pieces between whipped cream and strawberries to create a quick crownies parfait.
- Use as a base for an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop between two smaller crownie squares.
- Incorporate into a dessert board featuring fresh fruit, nuts, and other sweet treats.
By using these serving techniques, we can transform simple crownies into an impressive, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to maintaining the fudgy texture and chewy edges that make our crownies irresistible. Follow these tips to keep your crownies fresh and delicious for days or even weeks.
Storing at Room Temperature
- Place fully cooled crownies in an airtight container.
- Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight or heat.
- Consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and gooeyness.
Refrigeration
- Wrap crownies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in an airtight container or resealable bag.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Before serving, bring the crownies to room temperature or warm slightly to restore their fudgy texture.
Freezing Crownies
- Wrap individual crownies tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Place wrapped pieces into a freezer-safe airtight container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months without loss of texture or flavor.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain gooeyness.
| Storage Method | Container Type | Storage Duration | Serving Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Airtight container | 3-4 days | Serve as is or warm slightly |
| Refrigerator | Wrapped + airtight | Up to 7 days | Bring to room temp or warm briefly |
| Freezer | Wrapped + freezer bag | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight; warm before serving |
Additional Tips
- Avoid stacking crownies directly on top of each other without separation to prevent sticking.
- Use parchment paper or wax paper between layers if needed.
- For serving, gently warming crownies enhances their melty, chocolatey appeal and revives that perfect gooey texture.
Conclusion
Crownies bring together the best of brownies and cookies in one irresistible treat. With their perfect balance of fudgy centers and chewy edges, they’re sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, crownies offer a versatile and delicious dessert option.
By following the right techniques and storage tips, we can enjoy their gooey goodness anytime. Let’s keep experimenting with mix-ins and serving ideas to make crownies our new favorite indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are crownies?
Crownies are a dessert that combines the fudgy texture of brownies with the chewy edges of chocolate chip cookies, offering the best of both treats in one bite.
What ingredients do I need to make crownies?
You need all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Optional mix-ins include nuts, white chocolate chips, or mini marshmallows.
What equipment is required for baking crownies?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer or whisk, a rubber spatula, a 9×9 inch baking pan, and a cooling rack. An oven thermometer is optional but helpful.
Can I prepare crownies batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before baking for best results.
How should I store baked crownies?
Store crownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.
What’s the ideal baking time and temperature for crownies?
Bake crownies at 350°F (177°C) for 28-32 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains gooey.
How can I serve crownies creatively?
Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce, add flaky sea salt, or use them for ice cream sandwiches and parfaits.
How do I maintain crownies’ fudgy texture after storage?
Gently warm crownies before serving to revive their melty chocolate texture, and avoid stacking them directly to preserve their chewy edges.