What do you get when you combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with the soft, chewy delight of cookies? Brookies! These fudgy, chewy brookies are the ultimate dessert mashup, perfect for anyone who can’t decide between their two favorite treats. With a decadent layer of fudgy brownie topped by gooey, golden cookie dough, brookies are a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re baking for a party, family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe will have everyone hooked. Let’s bake some unforgettable brookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two Treats in One: Combines the best of brownies and cookies for a decadent, layered dessert.
• Irresistibly Fudgy: The brownie layer is rich, dense, and chocolate-packed.
• Soft and Chewy: The cookie layer adds texture and sweetness with every bite.
• Customizable: Easily adjust flavors with mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for any occasion, these brookies are always a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure you can whip these up in under an hour.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Cooling time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 brookies
• Serving Size: 1 square

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 270
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 24g

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cookie Layer:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Grease the parchment lightly with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Layer

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
3. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir gently with a spatula until no dry streaks remain, but don’t overmix.
4. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Layer

1. In another mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.

Step 4: Assemble the Brookies

1. Using a spoon or your hands, drop chunks of cookie dough evenly over the brownie layer. Gently press the dough down to create an even layer. It’s okay if some brownie batter peeks through.

Step 5: Bake the Brookies

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
2. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brookies to cool in the pan for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Once cooled, lift the brookies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Slice into 16 squares and serve. Enjoy the perfect combination of fudgy brownies and chewy cookies in every bite!

Ingredient Background

Butter: Provides richness and a moist texture to both the brownie and cookie layers. Use unsalted butter to control the salt levels.

Sugar: Granulated sugar in the brownie layer adds structure and sweetness, while brown sugar in the cookie layer contributes to the chewy texture and caramel-like flavor.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients and create a tender, fudgy texture in the brownie layer.

Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers a deep chocolate flavor in the brownie base.

Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure to both layers, ensuring the perfect balance between soft and chewy.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips add pockets of melted chocolate to the cookie layer.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of both layers, adding warmth and sweetness.

Technique Tips

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the brownie batter and cookie dough until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can make the brookies tough.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Even Layers: Spread the brownie batter evenly before adding the cookie dough to ensure consistent layers in each bite.
• Cooling is Key: Allow the brookies to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Brookie Bars: Bake the recipe in a loaf pan for smaller, thicker bars perfect for gifting.
2. Brookie Sundae: Serve warm brookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
3. Mini Brookies: Use a muffin tin to bake individual portions—perfect for parties or picnics.
4. Layered Trifle: Cut brookies into chunks and layer them in a glass with whipped cream and chocolate mousse for a stunning dessert.

Additional Tips for Success

• Test for Doneness: Check the brookies a few minutes before the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking. Look for moist crumbs on the toothpick.
• Chill the Dough: If the cookie dough feels too soft, chill it for 10 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Upgrade the Chocolate: Use chopped dark chocolate or chunks for a more decadent cookie layer.
• Line the Pan Well: Parchment paper ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.

Recipe Variations

1. Nutty Brookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie or cookie layer for crunch.
2. Peanut Butter Brookies: Swirl peanut butter into the brownie batter or add peanut butter chips to the cookie layer.
3. Gluten-Free Brookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
4. Triple Chocolate Brookies: Use dark cocoa powder in the brownie layer and white chocolate chips in the cookie layer.
5. Salted Caramel Brookies: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the brownie batter before adding the cookie dough.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Keep brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing:

• To freeze baked brookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• To freeze unbaked brookies, assemble the layers in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the sugar by 25% without sacrificing sweetness.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate chips with 70% cocoa for less sugar and more antioxidants.
• Plant-Based Option: Swap the butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Birthday Parties: Stack brookie squares in a pyramid and top with sparklers for a show-stopping centerpiece.
• Holidays: Add red and green sprinkles to the cookie layer for a festive touch.
• Movie Nights: Serve brookies with popcorn and milkshakes for a fun dessert spread.
• Bake Sales: Wrap individual brookies in clear plastic bags tied with ribbon for an attractive presentation.

Special Equipment

• 8×8-inch Baking Pan: Ensures the perfect thickness for layered brookies.
• Parchment Paper: Makes lifting and cutting the brookies easier.
• Mixing Bowls: Separate bowls are needed for the brownie and cookie batters.
• Spatula: For spreading batter evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought brownie mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a boxed brownie mix as a shortcut. Just prepare it according to package instructions and proceed with the cookie layer.

2. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.

3. How do I prevent brookies from overbaking?
Check them a few minutes before the suggested time and look for moist crumbs on a toothpick. Overbaking can make them dry.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter is recommended for its rich flavor and better texture.

5. What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal, but milk, dark, or white chocolate chips can be used based on preference.

6. Do I need to chill the cookie dough?
Not necessarily, but if the dough feels too sticky, chilling it for 10-15 minutes can make it easier to handle.

7. Are brookies supposed to be gooey?
Yes, the brownie layer should be fudgy and moist, while the cookie layer should be soft and chewy.

8. How can I make the brookies extra fudgy?
Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the brownie batter for an even richer texture.

Conclusion

Fudgy, chewy brookies are the ultimate hybrid dessert, combining the best elements of brownies and cookies into one indulgent treat. With their rich chocolate brownie base and gooey cookie top, these layered bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping a batch for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Try it today and experience the magic of brookies!