If you’re anything like me and you can’t decide between a chewy chocolate chip cookie or a fudgy brownie, then you are absolutely going to adore this Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) Recipe. It combines the best of both worlds in a single bar that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. I love how you get that rich, chocolaty brownie on the bottom and the classic sweet cookie on top – it’s pure dessert harmony.
One of the things I find special about this Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) Recipe is how easy it is to make, even if you’re juggling a busy schedule. You don’t need fancy ingredients, and the baking process is straightforward with a few key tips that make all the difference. If you want to impress your friends or just treat yourself with minimal fuss, this is your go-to dessert idea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Double Dessert Delight: Combines fudgy brownies and chewy chocolate chip cookies for the ultimate treat.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have at home.
- Perfect Make-Ahead: Easy to store and serve later, great for busy days or parties.
- Great for Sharing: Satisfies both brownie lovers and cookie fans alike, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to the Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) Recipe, the ingredients are straightforward but powerful in delivering that perfect texture and flavor combo. Having quality butter and fresh eggs really makes a difference here.
- Butter: Using softened butter helps create a tender crumb and makes mixing easier.
- Sugar & Brown Sugar: The mix of white and brown sugar balances sweetness and adds moisture and chewiness.
- Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon adds beautiful aroma and depth to both layers.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the brownie layer its rich chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
- Flour: Provides structure; measuring properly is key to avoid dense bars.
- Baking Soda: Helps both layers rise and stay soft.
- Salt: Enhances the chocolate and sweetness, balancing the flavors.
- Chocolate Chips: Be sure to use good quality chips for melty pockets of chocolate; milk chocolate chunks on top add a lovely touch.
Variations
I love customizing my Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) Recipe to suit the occasion or what’s in my pantry. You can make it your own by swapping out chips, adding nuts, or even playing with flavors.
- Nutty Addition: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a satisfying crunch, which my family enjoys especially around the holidays.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make it allergy-friendly without losing flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Mixing in a swirl of peanut butter on top of the brownie layer before adding cookie dough creates a heavenly combo.
- Espresso Boost: A teaspoon of instant espresso powder in the brownie batter adds a subtle depth that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
How to Make Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always use an aluminum 9×13 pan for baking—this pan choice is a game-changer because the brookies bake evenly without drying out or getting hard edges. Cream together your softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy – this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes, and it’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, followed by the vanilla. Then stir in your cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Gently fold in those luscious chocolate chips and pour the batter into your pan, spreading it out evenly.
Step 2: Whip Up the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
In a new bowl, cream the softened butter together with brown sugar and white sugar for about 3-4 minutes, just like you did with the brownies. Adding the egg and vanilla next keeps the dough rich and easy to work with. Mix in your flour, baking soda, and salt until everything is incorporated, then fold in a full cup of chocolate chips.
Instead of spreading the cookie dough, drop spoonfuls evenly over the brownie batter – this gives that distinct layered look and lets both tastes shine through. Try to cover as much brownie surface as you can for balance.
Step 3: Bake and Finish with a Sweet Touch
Bake your brookie bars for about 28 to 32 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on the edges – once they start to set up, you’re nearly there. If you’re using milk chocolate chunks for an extra gooey topping, sprinkle them on during the last 5 minutes of baking. This little tip gives the top a melty, pretty finish that really elevates the look and flavor.
Once baked, resist the temptation to cut immediately! Let the bars cool completely, then pop them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to make slicing much easier and cleaner. Trust me, this trick prevents crumbly messes and ensures perfect squares every time.
Pro Tips for Making Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) Recipe
- Aluminum Pan Only: I learned the hard way that glass pans make brookies cook unevenly; an aluminum pan keeps the edges soft and centers perfectly baked.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing flour just until combined helps keep both layers tender instead of tough.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and eggs at room temperature blend more smoothly, giving you the ideal dough consistency.
- Freeze Before Cutting: Chilling in the freezer for 20-30 minutes makes slicing cleaner and way less crumbly, a total game changer!
How to Serve Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve these brookies, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce elevates their presentation instantly. Fresh berries on the side add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich layers. Sometimes, I’ll also toss on a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving for a flavor contrast that surprises and delights.
Side Dishes
These bars are dessert all on their own, but if you want to make a dessert platter, pairing brookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is perfection. Coffee or a rich milkshake on the side also pairs beautifully, especially if you’re enjoying these as an afternoon treat with friends.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or parties, I love cutting brookies into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a platter with colorful sprinkles or edible flowers for a festive, eye-catching dessert display. Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper and tying them with ribbon also makes adorable homemade gifts or party favors. It’s a dessert that looks just as good as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover brookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! If your kitchen is warm, keep them in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Freezing brookies works wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you want one, just thaw it at room temperature or gently warm it for that freshly baked vibe.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, pop a brookie bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat it in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives the soft texture and melts the chocolate beautifully without drying it out.
FAQs
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Can I make the Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend one-for-one. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a small amount to help with texture. The brookies will still come out fudgy and delicious.
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Why shouldn’t I use a glass pan for baking brookies?
Glass pans conduct heat differently and tend to cook unevenly for this recipe. The edges can get too hard, while the center remains underbaked. Using an aluminum pan helps the bars bake more evenly and faster, resulting in perfectly textured brookies.
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Can I prepare the brownie and cookie layers ahead of time?
You can prepare the brownie batter ahead and refrigerate it for up to a day. The cookie dough also keeps well in the fridge for about 24 hours. Just bring both to room temperature before assembling and baking to get the best results.
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How do I know when brookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are set and starting to pull away slightly from the pan while the center still looks slightly soft but not raw. They will firm up as they cool, so err on the side of slight underbaking for that ideal fudgy-chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) Recipe became an instant favorite in my kitchen because it satisfies all my dessert cravings in one go – moist, chocolatey, chewy, and gooey. I love sharing these bars with friends and family because everyone always asks for seconds and compliments it like it’s some fancy bakery treat. I can’t recommend this recipe enough if you want an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that truly delivers on flavor and fun. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A deliciously rich Brookie recipe combining a fudgy brownie base layered with classic chocolate chip cookie dough, baked together into a perfect chocolate bar treat. This dessert features a moist, chocolaty brownie layer topped with gooey chocolate chip cookie dough and optional milk chocolate chunks for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 3/4 cup Butter (softened)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 cup Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (optional)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Layer:
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 1/4 cups Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
- Milk chocolate chunks (for sprinkling on top, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 cup softened butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1/3 cup brown sugar for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the 2 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Mix Brownie Dry Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, then fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips if desired. Pour this batter evenly into a 9×13 aluminum pan, spreading it smoothly. Avoid using a glass pan to prevent uneven cooking and hard edges.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In another large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup sugar for about 3-4 minutes. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix for one additional minute.
- Mix Cookie Dry Ingredients: Stir in 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until combined. Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips.
- Layer Cookie Dough on Brownie Batter: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough evenly over the brownie batter layer, trying to cover most of the surface.
- Bake Brookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes, until the edges start to set. If using milk chocolate chunks, sprinkle them on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Cut: Remove from oven and allow the brookies to cool completely. To facilitate easier cutting, place the pan in the freezer for 20-30 minutes before slicing into bars. Enjoy!
Notes
- Do NOT use a glass pan as it causes brookies to take longer to cook and leads to hard edges and underbaked centers.
- Butter should be softened for easier mixing and better texture.
- Freezing the bars before cutting helps prevent crumbling and creates cleaner slices.
- Chocolate chips in brownie batter are optional but add richness.
- Milk chocolate chunks on top are optional but provide extra chocolatey bursts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 2×2 inch piece)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
