Brookies (Chocolate Chip Cookie + Brownie Bars) Recipe

If you are craving the ultimate dessert mashup, look no further than Brookies (Chocolate Chip Cookie + Brownie Bars). These glorious bars combine the fudgy richness of brownies with the buttery, chewy goodness of chocolate chip cookies into one irresistible treat. Every bite offers a perfect balance of gooey chocolate, tender crumb, and that familiar cookie crunch, making Brookies a sure-fire crowd pleaser that’s just as fun to bake as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to create these stunning Brookies (Chocolate Chip Cookie + Brownie Bars). Each component plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that classic chocolate indulgence you want.

• Salted butter (¾ cup, melted for brownie, room temp for cookie): Provides richness and helps achieve the perfect fudgy and tender textures.
• Granulated sugar (1½ cups for brownie, ½ cup for cookie): Adds sweetness and contributes to the chewy bite of the cookie top.
• Dark brown sugar (½ cup for cookie): Brings moisture and depth of flavor with subtle caramel notes.
• Extra large eggs (3 for brownie, 1 for cookie): Bind ingredients and add moisture, creating that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp for brownie, 1 tsp for cookie): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (⅔ cup for brownie): Delivers intense chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup for brownie, 1¼ cups for cookie): Provides structure for both layers without overpowering the soft texture.
• Sea salt (½ tsp for brownie, ½ tsp for cookie): Offsets sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor.
• Baking powder (½ tsp each for brownie and cookie): Helps the cookie layer rise slightly for the ideal chew.
• Semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips (1 cup each for cookie): Creates pockets of melty chocolate, making every bite extra decadent.

How to Make Brookies (Chocolate Chip Cookie + Brownie Bars)

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, a perfect temperature to bake both layers evenly without drying them out. Then, prepare a 9×13 inch pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your Brookies come out cleanly and look picture-perfect when sliced.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Layer

Mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and glossy. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, sea salt, and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined — be careful not to overmix or you’ll lose that fudgy texture! Pour this rich chocolate batter evenly into the prepared pan, creating a dense, flavorful base that will anchor your Brookies.

Step 3: Craft the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature butter, both sugars, and vanilla with a hand mixer until fluffy and creamy. Add the egg and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the baking powder, salt, and flour by hand, mixing just until the dough comes together to keep it tender. Finally, gently fold in the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, ensuring every spoonful will deliver a melty chocolate surprise.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cookie dough evenly on top of the brownie batter layer. Spread the dough gently to cover as much surface as possible, though it’s okay if some brownie peeks through. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25–28 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean and the cookie topping is beautifully golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Allow your Brookies to cool completely in the pan. This cooling period lets the fudgy brownie base set up perfectly and the cookie layer firm just enough to slice cleanly. Once cool, cut into bars and prepare for an irresistible chocolate treat that’s bursting with double-layered delight.

How to Serve Brookies (Chocolate Chip Cookie + Brownie Bars)

Garnishes

Keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar to highlight those golden cookie edges. Or, for extra indulgence, drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the bars right before serving. A sprinkle of crushed nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt adds a wonderful textural contrast.

Side Dishes

Brookies are a star on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings a refreshingly cool element to balance the rich chocolate flavors. Fresh berries on the side brighten up the plate, adding freshness and a pop of color that’s just as pleasing to the eye as the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Brookies in mini dessert cups layered with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a shareable treat. Or, sandwich softened Brookies with a spread of peanut butter or marshmallow fluff, turning this dessert into a playful snack you won’t forget. They also make wonderful portable treats for picnics or lunchboxes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Brookies (Chocolate Chip Cookie + Brownie Bars) keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for preparing ahead of parties or cozy nights in. Just be sure to keep them covered to avoid drying out.

Freezing

To extend their shelf life, freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored inside a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a homemade treat anytime you need a rich chocolate pick-me-up.

Reheating

Rewarm frozen or refrigerated Brookies in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or until just warmed through. This revives the softness and melts the chocolate chips slightly, creating an experience close to freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely! If you substitute unsalted butter, just add a pinch more salt to each layer to maintain the perfect balance of sweet and savory in your Brookies.

Are Brookies better served warm or cold?

Both ways are delicious! Warm Brookies offer gooey, melty chocolate goodness, while chilled ones hold together nicely and have a fudgier texture. It’s a matter of personal preference.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to mix semi-sweet, dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor variations.

How do I know when the Brookies are done baking?

Look for a golden brown cookie layer on top and a toothpick inserted near the center coming out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. This indicates both layers are perfectly baked without overdoing it.

Can I make Brookies in a smaller pan?

You can, but keep in mind the baking time will vary. A smaller pan will result in thicker layers that might need added baking time. Check doneness with a toothpick frequently to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Brookies (Chocolate Chip Cookie + Brownie Bars) that makes every bite feel like a celebration of chocolate. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these bars deliver that warm, comforting sweetness everyone loves. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover how quickly they become your new go-to dessert for any occasion!

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