The Ultimate Brookies Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bars
Soft gooey swirls combine with buttery dough for a mouthwatering treat.
The Ultimate Brookies Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Meets Brownie Bar
Craving something sweet but torn between making classic chewy chocolate chip cookies or rich fudgy brownies? There’s no need to choose—brookies combine two classic desserts into a single, over-the-top treat that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a party, a bake sale, or just to treat yourself, this brookies recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the dense, chocolatey goodness of brownies swirled with the gooey, buttery flavor of chocolate chip cookies.
What Are Brookies?
Brookies are dessert bars that feature two beloved favorites layered or swirled together: a thick, fudgy brownie base and a chewy chocolate chip cookie top (or vice versa). Each bite delivers the distinct flavors and textures of both desserts—brownie richness balanced with classic cookie chew and crunch. Brookies don’t just satisfy indecision, they raise the dessert bar altogether!
Why You’ll Love This Brookies Recipe
- Two desserts in every bite: Enjoy the best features of brownies and cookies at once.
- Perfect for sharing: These bars feed a crowd and slice up easily.
- Simple ingredients: No special tools or complicated techniques required.
- Customizable: Adapt with different chocolates, nuts, or extracts.
- Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for parties, holidays, and bake sales.
Ingredients
This brookies recipe consists of two separate batters—brownie and cookie—using mostly pantry staples. Below, quantities are listed for each component. Prepare both before assembly for smooth layering.
For the Brownie Batter:
- 3/4 cup salted butter, plus extra for greasing pan
- 5 oz. dark chocolate bars, chopped
- 3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. instant coffee (optional, for enhanced chocolate flavor)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (reserving 1/4 cup for topping)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with butter, then line the bottom and long sides with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the edges for easy lifting later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
- Melt 3/4 cup butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add chopped chocolate, whisking gently until smooth and completely melted.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder and instant coffee until combined.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes (to avoid scrambling the eggs).
- Stir in sugar, vanilla, egg, and egg yolk, mixing gently until incorporated.
- Fold in the flour and baking powder with a rubber spatula just until combined.
- Set aside while you prepare the cookie dough.
3. Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add in the egg and vanilla, beating until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined.
- Stir in most of the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, reserving a small handful (about 1/4 cup) for sprinkling on top.
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4. Assemble the Brookies
- Using two spoons or a cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of both brownie and cookie dough into the prepared pan, alternating to create a patchwork pattern.
- Once both batters are distributed, gently tap the pan on the counter to help settle the dough and eliminate large gaps between dollops.
- Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips evenly over the top.
5. Bake
- Bake for 20 minutes. Then, tent the pan loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not completely clean).
- Cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. Use the overhanging parchment to lift out the brookies; transfer to a cutting board and slice into bars.
Tips for Perfect Brookies
- Don’t overmix either batter; mix just until the flour disappears for tender results.
- Line your pan with parchment: This makes removal and slicing much easier.
- Use room temperature ingredients (especially butter and eggs) for smoother mixing.
- Let cool completely before slicing to achieve clean, even bars.
- Tenting with foil prevents the cookie top from getting too dark while the brownie finishes baking through.
Brookie Variations and Add-Ins
Brookies are wonderfully customizable. Here are some ideas to inspire your own twist on this indulgent dessert:
- Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
- Peanut butter: Swirl in peanut butter chips or drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter on top before baking.
- Mint chocolate: Add a few drops of mint extract to the brownie batter and top with chopped mint chocolates.
- Caramel drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for gooey richness.
- Holiday flair: Mix in red-and-green candies, pastel chocolate eggs, or colored sprinkles depending on the season.
How to Store Brookies
Cooled brookies keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. To enjoy from frozen, thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve brookies with a glass of cold milk or coffee for a classic treat.
- Top a warm brookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an over-the-top sundae.
- Cut brookies into mini squares for a beautiful dessert platter at parties.
Brookies in Baking Culture
The popularity of brookies has soared in recent years, largely due to their Instagram-worthy appeal and the genius idea of combining two universally loved desserts. You’ll find brookies at trendy bakeries, in boxed baking mixes, and all over food blogs. Their DIY versatility means you can always adjust the recipe to suit your cravings or dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are brookies made of?
Brookies are made from a chocolate brownie batter and a classic chocolate chip cookie dough, swirled or layered together in one pan and baked until set.
Can I make brookies gluten-free?
Yes—substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both batters for a gluten-free version. Bake times may vary slightly.
Can I use boxed brownie or cookie mix?
For convenience, you can use boxed mixes for either or both layers but the homemade recipe offers richer flavor and superior texture.
How do I know when brookies are done?
The edges should be golden and set, while the center should have just a few moist crumbs stuck to a toothpick. Be careful not to overbake—it’s better to err on the side of fudginess.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes; double the amounts and use two 9×13 pans or a larger sheet pan for a crowd. Adjust baking time as needed and check frequently toward the end.
Try More Cookie Bar Recipes
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
- Classic Blondies
- Nutella-Stuffed Cookies
- S’mores Cookie Bars
- Cowboy Cookie Bars
Baking Tips & Kitchen Essentials
- Silicone spatulas and stand mixers make prepping dough faster and easier.
- Glass or metal pans both work—just adjust baking time as darker pans may bake faster.
- For an even bake, rotate your pan halfway through baking.
- Let them rest completely in the pan—brookies set as they cool for the perfect slice.
Brookies Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Total Fat | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sugar | 18g |
Exact amounts will vary based on portion size and ingredient variations.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a devoted cookie fan, a brownie specialist, or someone who simply can’t decide, brookies offer a delicious compromise—no sacrificing, just satisfaction. This easy step-by-step recipe ensures success for home bakers of any skill level. Keep it classic or get creative with your favorite add-ins. Your next crowd-favorite dessert is just a pan of brookies away!
References
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