Ultimate Brookie Recipe: Easy Brownie and Cookie Combo Bars

If you’re looking for a sweet treat and can’t decide between brownies and cookies, this brookie recipe is the perfect solution.

Brookies, or brownie cookie bars, are the perfect solution, combining the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the soft, chewy texture of chocolate chip cookies.

This irresistible dessert hybrid gives you the best of both worlds in each bite, making it an ideal treat for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering or a well-deserved indulgence after a long day.

Brookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can stick to the classic recipe or personalize it with extras like caramel, nuts, or sea salt. With basic ingredients and simple steps, this easy dessert recipe is perfect for beginner bakers looking to impress.

Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing brookie recipe that will impress everyone!

A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion

You know the feeling—craving something sweet but torn between brownies and cookies. That’s where brookies save the day. They combine the finest elements of both desserts, with a fudgy brownie base and a chocolate chip cookie layer on top.

It’s perfect for those moments when you’re in the mood for a little bit of everything. Whether you’re whipping these up for a casual gathering, bringing a treat to a family dinner, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, brookies are the way to go.

Plus, these brownie cookie bars make an excellent addition to any after-dinner dessert table.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in and learn how to make this mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing treat in your kitchen!

Ultimate Brookie Recipe: Brownie and Cookie Combo Bars

Ultimate Brookie Recipe: Brownie and Cookie Combo Bars

Recipe by Chef PaulaCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

bars

Prep time

20

minutes

Cook time

25

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

This brookie recipe combines chewy brownies and soft cookies to create a perfect dessert for any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• For the Brownie Layer:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp salt

• For the Cookie Layer:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions

• Prepare the Brownie Layer:
  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together until smooth. Add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined. Pour the brownie batter into a greased or lined 9×9-inch baking pan.
• Prepare the Cookie Layer:
  In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Spread the cookie dough evenly over the brownie layer in the pan.
• Bake:
  Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the brookies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting them into bars.
• Serve:
  Once cooled, cut into 12 bars and enjoy! Brookies are delicious on their own but even better with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Notes

• Use a toothpick to check doneness.
  Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Nutrition Information:
  Per serving: 250 kcal, 12g fat, 35g carbs, 3g protein

Why You’ll Love This Brookie Recipe

This brookie recipe offers so much to love. Here’s why it’ll become a staple in your dessert lineup:

• The Best of Both Worlds: If you’re stuck between choosing a brownie or a cookie, this recipe means you no longer have to pick! You don’t have to! Brookies offer the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the crispy, chewy texture of a cookie.

• Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are common pantry staples, so you likely already have everything you need to whip this up at home. No need for fancy, hard-to-find items.

• Quick to Make: With just 20 minutes of prep time and about 25 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a freshly baked dessert in under an hour.

• Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste, whether you’re adding nuts, extra chocolate, or even a swirl of caramel.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Let’s take a deeper look at the key ingredients that make this brookie recipe special, and explore a few alternatives if you’d like to customize the recipe to your taste.

Essential Ingredients:

• Butter: This provides the necessary moisture and richness for both the brownie and cookie layers. For a dairy-free option, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative.

• Sugar: The combination of white sugar and brown sugar creates the ideal texture. Brown sugar provides moisture and richness, while white sugar adds a nice crisp texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while white sugar gives a crispier finish.

• Cocoa Powder: This gives the brownie layer its signature chocolatey taste. Choose unsweetened cocoa powder to strike the perfect balance between rich, chocolatey flavor and sweetness.

• Chocolate Chips: The chocolate chip cookie layer melts beautifully over the brownie base, creating bursts of gooey chocolate in each bite. For cookie inspiration, you might also want to explore our Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe, a classic favorite that complements any dessert. You can easily swap them out for other mix-ins like chopped nuts, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate for a fun twist.

Ultimate Brookie Recipe: How to Make Brownie and Cookie Bars (Step-by-Step)

Let’s break down this easy dessert recipe step by step, so you can go from raw ingredients to a delicious batch of brookies with ease.

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Layer

In a bowl, blend your melted butter with sugar until smooth. Then, whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract for an extra burst of flavor, and then gently mix in the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, and salt—until you have a thick but smooth batter. Pour this mixture into your greased pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Layer

In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This texture is essential for a perfectly soft chocolate chip cookie layer. Add the egg and vanilla, then slowly fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the chocolate chips as the final touch. Gently layer this dough over the brownie batter, doing your best to spread it evenly.

Step 3: Baking Your Brookies

Preheat your oven and bake the brookies for approximately 25 minutes. The cookie layer should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. If the cookie layer begins to brown too quickly, cover the pan with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Once baked, let the brookies rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps the layers set, making cutting and serving much easier.

Expert Tips for Success

These tips will help you master this brookie recipe and ensure it turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: When making the chocolate chip cookie layer, it’s important to have your butter and eggs at room temperature. This helps the dough mix more evenly and results in a fluffier texture.

• Avoid Overmixing: When combining ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing the brownie or cookie layers can lead to dense, tough brookies.

• Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on the brookies as they bake. Ovens vary, so check them around the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the layers.

• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center to check if the brookies are done. You want it to come out with a few moist crumbs for that gooey brownie texture.

• Allow Time to Cool: Letting the brookies cool before cutting them is essential. This ensures the layers set properly, making it easier to cut clean slices.

Variations and Customizations

This brookie recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized with countless variations based on your tastes:

• Add-ins: Enhance the flavor by adding chopped nuts, caramel bits, or even mini marshmallows to the cookie or brownie layers. Each will add a unique texture and taste.

• Flavor Swirls: You can swirl in peanut butter, Nutella, or salted caramel between the layers for an extra burst of flavor. For a luxurious twist, incorporate elements from our Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe, featuring rich, exotic flavors perfect for enhancing your brookies. Simply drop spoonfuls into the brownie batter and gently swirl before adding the cookie layer.

• Make it Healthier: For a slightly healthier version, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer, less sweet version.

• Seasonal Variations: Customize your brookies for the season by adding festive ingredients. For example, add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes during the holidays or fresh berries in the summer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Homemade brookies store and reheat well, making them a great make-ahead dessert:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store your brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them from drying out, ensure they’re completely cooled before sealing them in the container.

• Refrigerating: If you prefer to store them longer, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about a week this way. However, refrigerating them may make the cookie layer slightly firmer, so reheating is recommended.

• Freezing: Brookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy.

• Reheating: For that just-baked softness, reheat brookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh their texture.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade brookies are indulgent on their own, but you can elevate them by pairing them with a variety of accompaniments:

• With Ice Cream: Serve brookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a classic pairing. The hot and cold contrast creates a delightful dessert experience.

• Drizzle with Sauce: Add a drizzle of chocolate, caramel, or peanut butter sauce over your brookies for extra richness. A dash of sea salt on top complements the sweetness perfectly.

• Fresh Berries: If you want to add a fresh element, serve your brookies with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. The tartness from the berries balances the sweetness of the brookies beautifully.

• Hot Drinks: Enjoy your brookies alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The richness of the brookies pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage, especially in colder months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Brookies Gluten-Free?

Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour. It won’t change the taste or texture.

2. How Do I Store Brookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days, or refrigerate for a week. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

3. How Do I Reheat Brookies?

Microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back their fresh-baked texture.

4. Can I Prepare the Dough Ahead?

Yes, you can refrigerate the brownie batter and cookie dough for up to 24 hours. Let them sit at room temperature before baking.

5. Can I Add Extra Ingredients Like Nuts or Caramel?

Yes! Add nuts, caramel, or peanut butter for extra flavor. Just don’t overfill the batter.

6. How Do I Know When Brookies Are Done?

Insert a toothpick. If it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready.

7. Why Are My Brookies Dry?

Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness. Check for doneness at 20-25 minutes and measure flour accurately.

8. Can I Make Vegan Brookies?

Yes, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

9. Can I Double the Recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan and increase the baking time slightly. Check with a toothpick for doneness.

10. Can I Use a Muffin Tin?

Yes! Divide batter into muffin cups. Begin checking for doneness around the 15-20 minute mark.

Related Recipes

If you’re a fan of brookies, chances are you’ll enjoy these other delicious dessert recipes:

• Chewy Brownie Recipe: If you love the rich, fudgy goodness of the brownie layer in brookies, you’ll adore this recipe for classic chewy brownies. Made with simple ingredients, it’s the ultimate go-to for chocolate lovers.

• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies: A timeless favorite, these soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are a perfect treat anytime. This easy recipe delivers perfect cookies every time—crispy on the outside, and chewy on the inside.

• Peanut Butter Blondies: For a nutty twist on traditional blondies, try these peanut butter-infused blondies. For more chocolate inspiration, check out our Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe or try a unique twist with the Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe for decadent, globally inspired flavors.

Try This Ultimate Brookie Recipe Tonight!

Now that you know how to make homemade brookies, it’s time to try this fantastic recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re making these for a special gathering, treating your family to a weekend dessert, or simply indulging yourself after a long day, brookies are always a hit. The combination of a fudgy brownie base and a chewy cookie top makes every bite satisfying and decadent.

One of the best things about this easy dessert recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you add nuts, extra chocolate, or a swirl of caramel, you can easily customize these brookies to suit your taste. And because they store well, you can even make a batch ahead of time and have them ready to enjoy throughout the week.

As you follow the steps in this guide, keep in mind that baking is an art, and every small detail—from the temperature of your ingredients to the timing in the oven—contributes to the perfect result. But don’t stress too much—this recipe is forgiving, and with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time.

Once your brookies are out of the oven, the hardest part will be waiting for them to cool before slicing. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ll have a dessert that’s bound to impress everyone. So what are you waiting for? Give this brookie recipe a try tonight and experience the perfect brownie-cookie combination for yourself!

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