Indulge in the ultimate vegan dessert experience with these decadent Nutella-Stuffed Brownie Cookie Bars, also known as “brookies.” Featuring a rich, fudgy brownie base, a creamy homemade dairy-free Nutella layer, and a chewy chocolate chip cookie topping, these bars are a plant-based dream come true. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, they prove that vegan treats can be just as, if not more, satisfying than their traditional counterparts.
Irresistibly Decadent: Vegan Nutella-Stuffed Brownie Cookie Bars (Brookies)
Prepare to have your dessert cravings fully satisfied with these incredible Vegan Nutella-Stuffed Brownie Cookie Bars. If you’ve heard of the popular Nutella-stuffed brownies, get ready for an even more exquisite twist. We’re taking that beloved concept and elevating it with an extra layer of pure delight: a chewy chocolate chip cookie dough topping.
Here in The Banana Diaries kitchen, Nutella-stuffed brownie cookie bars, affectionately known as “brookies,” are the latest sensation, and for good reason! This recipe combines three universally adored desserts into one spectacular, secretly vegan treat that’s guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palate.
Imagine this: a thick, super fudgy vegan brownie layer, crowned with the absolute best vegan chocolate chip cookie dough, and all of it encasing a rich, creamy, homemade vegan and dairy-free Nutella. Yes, you read that correctly! This innovative take on the classic brookie isn’t just plant-based; it’s also entirely dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, and can even be adapted to be gluten-free, making it accessible for a wide range of dietary preferences without compromising on flavor or texture.
For those who might be new to vegan desserts or perhaps a bit skeptical, let us reassure you: there’s absolutely no need to hesitate! These brookie bars have received rave reviews from skeptics and dessert aficionados alike. My boyfriend’s 94-year-old grandmother, a true connoisseur who is famously honest about her culinary opinions, absolutely adored them! When you get Mimi’s stamp of approval, you know you’ve hit the jackpot. This recipe proves that indulgent, mouth-watering desserts don’t need animal products to be utterly delicious and satisfying.
Crafting the Perfect Vegan Nutella-Stuffed Brookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these sensational Nutella brownie cookie bars is a delightful culinary adventure, combining three of my most cherished recipes into one glorious dessert. We’re talking about combining my signature fudgy vegan brownies, my beloved vegan chocolate chip cookies, and an irresistible homemade vegan Nutella. The result is truly the pinnacle of decadence, yet surprisingly simple to achieve.
One of the best parts? The process is incredibly straightforward. You can even use the same bowl for both your brownie batter and cookie dough, minimizing cleanup and making this a perfect baking project for any day of the week. To ensure a smooth baking experience and perfectly layered bars, I recommend tackling the components in a specific order:
- First, whip up your batch of creamy vegan Nutella.
- Next, prepare the rich and fudgy brownie batter.
- Finally, create the luscious chocolate chip cookie dough.
Following this sequence ensures each layer is ready to be assembled into your ultimate brookie creation.
The Foundation: A Rich and Fudgy Vegan Brownie Layer
The base of these incredible brookies is built upon my absolute favorite fudgy vegan brownie recipe. This layer is wonderfully rich, intensely chocolatey, and completely dairy-free. For those with gluten sensitivities, it can also be effortlessly made gluten-free by simply substituting an equal amount of your preferred 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The key to its fudgy texture lies in the careful balance of ingredients, creating a dense yet moist crumb that perfectly complements the other layers.
When preparing the brownie batter, don’t be alarmed if it appears unusually thick—almost more like a dough than a traditional batter. This is entirely normal and actually works to our advantage! Its thick consistency makes it incredibly easy to spread evenly into the baking pan. Simply use a rubber spatula to gently press and smooth the batter, ensuring it touches all edges of the pan. This firm base provides the ideal canvas for our next delectable layer: the homemade vegan Nutella.
The Gooey Heart: Homemade Vegan Nutella
The star of these stuffed brownie cookie bars is undoubtedly the luscious, creamy vegan Nutella. Forget store-bought versions; this homemade chocolate hazelnut spread is superior in every way, boasting a depth of flavor and a silky texture that you’ll crave by the spoonful. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just 5 minutes and a mere 4 simple ingredients. A quick blend transforms roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, a sweetener, and a touch of plant milk into a spread that’s rich, decadent, and perfectly balanced.
While it will be tempting to grab a spoon and devour it immediately, resist the urge! This exquisite spread is destined to become the gooey, chocolatey core of our brookies. Once prepared, it will be generously spooned over the brownie layer, promising an eruption of chocolate-hazelnut goodness in every bite. This homemade Nutella not only elevates the flavor profile but also ensures that every ingredient is plant-based and wholesome, aligning perfectly with our vegan philosophy.
The Golden Crown: Irresistible Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Once the luscious Nutella layer has been carefully spread over the fudgy brownie base, it’s time to complete our masterpiece with the irresistible vegan chocolate chip cookie dough. This layer is crafted from my classic vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe, renowned for its soft, chewy texture and rich flavor that’s indistinguishable from traditional cookies. It’s truly a testament to how incredible plant-based baking can be, delivering all the comfort and joy without any dairy or eggs.
The beauty of this cookie dough is its simplicity and ease of preparation. Once you’ve mixed it together, there’s no need for chilling – a convenient shortcut that gets you to your delicious destination faster. We’ll simply dollop spoonfuls of this delightful dough over the Nutella layer, gently pressing it down to create an even, golden topping. Then, these magnificent brownie cookie bars are ready for their final transformation in the oven.
After a perfect bake, the magic continues. Allow the Nutella-stuffed brownie cookie bars to cool slightly in the pan for about 10 minutes. This crucial resting period helps them set just enough to be sliced, while still keeping that heavenly Nutella filling perfectly melty and gooey inside. Each slice promises a symphony of textures and flavors: the dense fudgy brownie, the warm, flowing Nutella, and the soft, chewy cookie. Prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable vegan dessert experience!
Once you try these secretly vegan brownie cookie bars, I trust you won’t be able to resist their charm. They embody the ultimate form of indulgence and offer a wonderfully rewarding baking activity for any weekend. The combination of fudgy, chewy, and gooey textures with rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors is truly a match made in dessert heaven. These aren’t just vegan desserts; they are simply phenomenal desserts.
I sincerely hope you fall in love with these vegan brookies as much as I have! Should you decide to bake them, please share your thoughts in the comments section below and consider giving them a rating. Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy this incredible recipe. As always, I absolutely adore seeing your beautiful creations on Instagram and Pinterest, so remember to tag me there! Happy Nutella-stuffed brownie cookie bar baking!
Visual Guide: Nutella-Stuffed Brownie Cookie Bars Video
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Vegan Nutella Brownie Cookie Bars
- Author: thebananadiaries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These easy vegan brownie cookie bars stuffed with dairy-free Nutella are the epitome of decadence! Full of super rich and creamy homemade Nutella, these brookies are a wonderful indulgent vegan dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 batch vegan chocolate chip cookie dough
- 1 batch vegan brownie batter
- 1 batch vegan Nutella
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the brownie batter first. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaxseed meal and water; let this “flax egg” sit for 5 minutes to thicken. After 5 minutes, add in the melted vegan butter or coconut oil, coconut sugar, and melted chocolate chips. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until all ingredients are completely combined and smooth. Sift in the flour, cacao powder, and baking powder. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies. Finally, fold in any additional chocolate chips you desire. Pour this thick brownie batter into the prepared pan and use the spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring it reaches all corners.
- Spoon the homemade vegan Nutella over the brownie batter. Carefully spread the Nutella with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula, ensuring it forms an even layer that extends to all the edges of the pan. Set the pan aside temporarily.
- Prepare the cookie dough. In a separate large bowl (or the same one after a quick rinse, if desired), add the softened coconut oil, applesauce, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat these wet ingredients together until they are light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix with a spoon until a dough begins to form. Add dairy-free milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches a sticky, pliable consistency that is firm enough to handle but not pourable. Fold in your favorite vegan chocolate chips.
- Spoon the cookie dough over the Nutella layer. Dollop spoonfuls of the cookie dough evenly over the Nutella. Then, use the back of a spoon or clean, lightly floured hands to gently press and flatten the cookie dough, ensuring it completely covers the Nutella layer from edge to edge. This creates a beautiful, continuous topping.
- Place the assembled bars into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cookie layer is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion (avoiding the Nutella layer) comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Remove the brownie cookie bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before carefully lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. This cooling time is crucial for the layers to set and for easier, cleaner slicing.
- Slice into desired bar sizes, serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the ultimate vegan indulgence!