Stacked brookie bars showing layers of brownie and cookie on a white plate with a glass of milk.

Brookie recipe

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Introduction

Brookies combine the best of both worlds: the rich, fudgy decadence of brownies and the chewy, sweet charm of cookies. Whether you’re craving chocolate, something chewy, or both, this brookie recipe will deliver pure satisfaction with every bite. This easy brookie dessert is perfect for any occasion—from casual afternoons to festive celebrations—and requires simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Follow this brownie cookie recipe to ensure your brookies come out perfect every time.

But that’s not all! We’ll also cover how to customize your brookies, store them for freshness, and avoid common mistakes. Plus, we’ve got answers to all your brookie-related questions and ideas for pairing these delicious bars with other treats.

Ready to bake the ultimate brookie dessert? Let’s get started!

What is a Brookie? The Perfect Fusion of Two Classics

A brookie recipe is the ultimate dessert mash-up, combining two beloved treats: brownies and cookies. The concept is simple, but the combination of flavors creates a brookie dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making this brookie bar for a bake sale or a family gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

This brownie cookie recipe blends fudgy, chocolaty brownie layers with chewy, golden cookie dough for a dessert experience like no other.

The concept might seem simple, but the combination of textures and flavors creates a next-level dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you love the decadent, chocolaty depth of a brownie or the classic comfort of a chocolate chip cookie, brookies have something for everyone.

Brookies have gained massive popularity in recent years, showing up at bake sales, potlucks, and dessert menus everywhere. Their visual appeal, with distinct brownie and cookie layers, makes them a showstopper, while their flavor ensures they’ll disappear quickly from any table.

Why You’ll Love This Brookie Recipe

This brookie recipe stands out for several reasons:

  1. Simple Ingredients: Everything you need for this brookie dessert is likely in your pantry.
  2. Quick Preparation: This brownie cookie recipe takes just 30 minutes to prep.
  3. Perfect Texture: The fudgy brownie and chewy cookie layers make for an irresistible brookie bar.
  4. Customizable: Add nuts, caramel, or even peanut butter to personalize your brookie recipe.

If you love brownies and cookies, this brookie dessert offers the best of both worlds.

Ingredients for the Best Brookie Recipe

"Ingredients for a brookie recipe laid out on a countertop, including flour, cocoa powder, butter, sugar, eggs, and chocolate chips.

To create the perfect brookie recipe, you’ll need ingredients for both the brownie and cookie layers. These simple components come together to form a delicious brookie bar.

For the Brownie Layer:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 and 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips

This combination of ingredients ensures your brookie dessert will have the perfect balance of flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brookies

Spoonfuls of cookie dough being added to a pan of brownie batter to make brookies.

Let’s break down the process to ensure your brookies come out perfectly layered and delicious every time.

Prepare the Brownie Layer: Mix the ingredients and spread the batter in the pan.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
  4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.
  5. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
  1. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  3. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
  4. Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough on top of the brownie batter. Gently spread and press the dough to create an even layer without disturbing the brownie layer too much.

Bake the Brookie Bars: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

  1. Place the pan in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The cookie layer should be golden brown.
  3. Let the brookies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter or Dough

Overmixing can result in a dense brownie layer and a tough cookie layer. Here’s how to avoid it:

  • Brownie Batter: Stir the ingredients until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour or cocoa powder.
  • Cookie Dough: Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy, then mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.

2. Balance the Layers

For that signature brookie look, make sure each layer is balanced in thickness. Ideally, your brownie layer and cookie layer should be roughly equal in depth.

  • If the brownie layer is too thick, it might overpower the cookie layer.
  • If the cookie layer is too thick, it may not bake fully, resulting in a gooey or raw texture.

Use a spatula to spread each layer evenly, ensuring an attractive and delicious result.

3. Check Baking Time Carefully

Baking time is crucial for brookies. Since you’re combining two different types of dough, make sure both layers bake properly.

  • Optimal Baking Time: Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  • Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

If the cookie layer is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.

4. Allow Proper Cooling Time

Patience is key! Let the brookies cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This step helps the layers set and makes cutting easier. If you cut them too early, the brownie layer might fall apart, and the cookie dough might smear.

5. Use Quality Ingredients

  • High-Quality Cocoa Powder: This ensures a rich, chocolaty brownie base.
  • Fresh Chocolate Chips: For the cookie layer, use good-quality chocolate chips for melty pockets of goodness.
  • Unsalted Butter: This gives you better control over the salt content, enhancing both layers’ flavor.

Brookie Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? There are plenty of ways to customize your brookie recipe to suit different tastes. Here are some creative variations to try:

1. Nutty Brookies

Add a crunchy twist to your brookies by mixing in nuts:

  • Brownie Layer: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
  • Cookie Layer: Mix in 1/4 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts.

2. Caramel Brookies

For a sweet, gooey surprise, add a layer of caramel:

  1. After spreading the brownie batter in the pan, drizzle 1/2 cup caramel sauce over it.
  2. Top with the cookie dough and bake as usual.

3. Peanut Butter Brookies

Peanut butter lovers, this one’s for you:

  1. Add 1/2 cup peanut butter to the brownie batter for a rich flavor.
  2. Swirl an extra tablespoon of peanut butter on top before adding the cookie dough.

4. Oreo Brookies

Combine three desserts in one by adding Oreo cookies:

  1. Place a layer of Oreo cookies over the brownie batter before adding the cookie dough.
  2. For extra flair, crush a few Oreos and sprinkle them on top before baking.

5. Gluten-Free Brookies

To make this recipe gluten-free:

  • Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in both the brownie and cookie layers.
  • Ensure your chocolate chips are labeled gluten-free.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Brookies

Brookies might seem straightforward, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Using the Wrong Pan Size

  • Correct Pan: A 9×9-inch pan works best.
  • If you use a larger pan, the layers may be too thin and overbake.
  • A smaller pan might result in undercooked brookies.

2. Skipping Parchment Paper

Using parchment paper helps you remove the brookies easily. Without it, they might stick to the pan and fall apart when you try to cut them.

3. Overbaking

Overbaking can lead to dry and crumbly brookies. Always check them at the 30-minute mark to avoid drying them out.

4. Cutting Them Too Soon

Allow the brookies to cool before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.

Brookie Recipe FAQs

1. Can I Make This Brookie Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This brookie recipe can be prepared a day or two in advance, and it will still taste amazing. In fact, brookies often taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to settle. Just make sure to store them properly to maintain freshness (more on that below).

2. Can I Use Boxed Brownie Mix for This Brookie Recipe?

Yes! If you’re short on time, using a boxed brownie mix works well with this brookie recipe. Just prepare the mix according to the package instructions, then follow the steps for making and adding the cookie dough layer. This shortcut will save you time without sacrificing taste.

3. How Do I Know When the Brookies Are Done Baking?

The best way to check if brookies are done is with the toothpick test:

  1. Insert a toothpick into the center.
  2. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  3. The cookie layer should be golden brown, and the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.

4. Can I Freeze Brookie Dough?

Yes, both the brownie batter and the cookie dough can be frozen for later use. Here’s how:

  • Brownie Batter: Pour it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Cookie Dough: Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.

When you’re ready to bake, thaw both components in the refrigerator overnight before layering and baking as usual.

5. Can I Make Vegan Brookies?

Yes, you can! To make brookies vegan-friendly, substitute the following ingredients:

  • Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
  • Butter: Use plant-based butter or coconut oil.
  • Chocolate Chips: Ensure they’re dairy-free.

To keep the layers distinct, follow these tips:

Drop Small Pieces of Cookie Dough: Instead of spreading all the cookie dough at once, drop small spoonfuls and gently press them down.

Chill the Brownie Layer: After spreading the brownie batter in the pan, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before adding the cookie dough.

How to Store and Freeze Brookies

Proper storage ensures your brookies stay fresh and delicious for days. Here are the best ways to store and freeze them:

1. Storing Brookies at Room Temperature

  • Duration: Up to 4-5 days.
  • Method: Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Tip: Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

2. Storing Brookies in the Refrigerator

  • Duration: Up to 1 week.
  • Method: Place brookies in an airtight container. Refrigerating them can make the brownie layer denser, so allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

3. Freezing Brookies

Brookies freeze exceptionally well! Here’s how to do it:

  1. Slice the Brookies: After they’ve completely cooled, cut them into bars.
  2. Wrap Individually: Wrap each brookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  3. Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  4. Thawing: When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Best Occasions for Serving Brookies

Brookies are versatile and fit almost any occasion. Here are some perfect times to serve these delightful bars:

  1. Birthday Parties: A fun twist on classic desserts that both kids and adults will love.
  2. Bake Sales: Unique and eye-catching—brookies are sure to be a top seller!
  3. Holiday Gatherings: Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter dessert platters.
  4. Potlucks: Easy to transport and serve, making them ideal for sharing.
  5. Movie Nights: The perfect treat to enjoy with friends or family while watching your favorite film.
  6. Afternoon Snack: Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a satisfying pick-me-up.

Conclusion:

This brookie recipe is a delightful combination of brownies and cookies, offering the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you follow the classic version or experiment with variations, this brookie dessert is sure to become a favorite. Share this brownie cookie recipe with friends and family, and enjoy the best of both worlds in every bite!

By following our expert tips, you’ll achieve the perfect texture every time. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out fun variations like nutty brookies, caramel brookies, or vegan brookies, the possibilities are endless! And with creative serving ideas like brookie ice cream sandwiches and brookie trifles, you can elevate this dessert into something truly unforgettable.