Brookies (Brownie + Cookie Bars)

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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If you’ve ever had trouble choosing between a brownie and a cookie, Brookies are your dream come true. This dessert is the perfect hybrid — a layer of dense, fudgy brownie topped with (or swirled with) chewy chocolate chip cookie dough. Each bite offers the best of both worlds: the deep chocolate flavor of brownies and the comforting sweetness of homemade cookies.

Brookies were born from the genius idea of combining two beloved desserts, and they’ve since become a bakery staple and internet sensation. Whether you bake them for parties, holidays, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s indulgent, nostalgic, and fun. It brings together two of my favorite desserts into one — without forcing me to pick sides! The brownie layer is perfectly rich and slightly gooey, while the cookie layer adds a buttery crunch that complements it beautifully.

What makes these Brookies extra special is the texture contrast — the fudgy brownie base melts in your mouth while the cookie top stays soft and golden. Every bite feels like dessert harmony!

And best of all? They’re super easy to make. You don’t need fancy tools or special skills — just two bowls, simple pantry ingredients, and a craving for chocolatey bliss.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

  • Combines two classic desserts into one irresistible treat.
  • Perfect balance of rich, chewy, and gooey textures.
  • Great for parties, bake sales, or homemade gifts.
  • Freezes beautifully for future snacking.
  • Guaranteed to impress both kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 25 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

  • Servings: 16 bars
  • Calories: ~280 kcal per bar (approximate)

Course and Cuisine

  • Course: Dessert / Snack
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for extra fudginess)

For the Cookie Layer:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup chocolate chips

Cooking Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the brownie layer: Melt butter, whisk with sugars, add eggs and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients until smooth. Spread into the pan.
  3. Make the cookie layer: Cream together butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla, then add dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips.
  4. Assemble: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over brownie batter. Gently spread (or leave patchy for a marbled look).
  5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  6. Cool completely before slicing for clean, beautiful layers.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line your baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Make the Brownie Base
Melt butter and whisk it with granulated and brown sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips if desired. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough
In another bowl, cream softened butter with brown and white sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold in chocolate chips.

Step 4: Combine the Layers
Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the brownie batter. You can slightly flatten them or swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the cookie top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or bars.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Brookies:

  • Slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle.
  • As a grab-and-go treat with coffee, milk, or hot cocoa.
  • Topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert plate.
  • Cut into mini squares for party trays or dessert buffets.

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overbake — Brookies should be slightly gooey in the center for the best texture.
  • Chill before slicing for neat, clean edges.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder and real butter for rich flavor.
  • Add a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie layer to enhance the chocolate taste.
  • Press a few extra chocolate chips on top before baking for bakery-style looks.

Variations

  1. Peanut Butter Brookies:
    Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the cookie dough and swirl a bit into the brownie layer.
  2. Salted Caramel Brookies:
    Drizzle caramel sauce over the layers before baking, then sprinkle with sea salt.
  3. Nutty Brookies:
    Stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie or cookie layer for extra crunch.
  4. White Chocolate Brookies:
    Replace regular chocolate chips in the cookie dough with white chocolate chips.
  5. Double Chocolate Espresso Brookies:
    Add ½ teaspoon espresso powder and extra chocolate chunks for a deeper, more intense flavor.

Freezing and Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Refrigerator: Store for up to 1 week; reheat briefly before serving.
  • Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15–20 seconds before enjoying.

Special Equipment Needed

  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Brookies (Brownie + Cookie Bars) are the dessert of dreams — a perfect marriage of chewy cookie and fudgy brownie. They’re simple to make, visually impressive, and taste like pure chocolate heaven. Whether you bake them for a party, a cozy night in, or a treat-yourself moment, these bars never disappoint.

Rich, gooey, chewy, and utterly addictive — once you bake these Brookies, you’ll never look at brownies or cookies the same way again!

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Brookies (Brownie + Cookie Bars)

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Calories: 280 kcal per bar

Description

If you’ve ever had trouble choosing between a brownie and a cookie, Brookies are your dream come true. This dessert is the perfect hybrid — a layer of dense, fudgy brownie topped with (or swirled with) chewy chocolate chip cookie dough.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

For the Cookie Layer:

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Pan : Line your baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: Make the Brownie Base : Melt butter and whisk it with granulated and brown sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips if desired. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  3. Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough : In another bowl, cream softened butter with brown and white sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold in chocolate chips.
  4. Step 4: Combine the Layers : Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the brownie batter. You can slightly flatten them or swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
  5. Step 5: Bake : Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the cookie top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  6. Step 6: Cool and Slice : Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or bars.
Keywords: Brookies (Brownie + Cookie Bars)
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Q1: Can I use boxed brownie mix?

Yes! Prepare the brownie mix as directed, then add homemade cookie dough on top — easy and still delicious.

Q2: My cookie layer is browning too fast — what should I do?

Cover the pan loosely with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.

Q3: How can I make gluten-free Brookies?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both layers.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients and use a 9x13-inch pan.

Q5: Why are my Brookies dry?

They were likely overbaked. Check at 30 minutes — they should still look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them.

Samantha Doe Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.