Why You’ll Love These Brookies

This brookies recipe is the best of both worlds—rich, fudgy brownies and soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies baked together in one glorious bar. It’s the kind of recipe you make once and instantly know it’s a forever favorite. You don’t need a mixer, there’s no chill time, and it bakes in one pan. The texture contrast is absolute magic: gooey brownie base meets golden, slightly crisp cookie top.

Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just a late-night chocolate craving, these brownie cookie bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What Are Brookies?

Brookies are dessert bars made by layering brownie batter and cookie dough in the same pan and baking them together. The result? A decadent bar that combines the deep, chocolatey richness of brownies with the chewy, buttery comfort of classic chocolate chip cookies. It’s a hybrid that’s been trending for years—and for good reason.

This version uses a homemade brownie batter (no box mix here!) and a classic cookie dough with browned butter for extra flavor.

Key Ingredients

Here are a few ingredient notes to help you get perfect brookies every time:

Dark chocolate: Use good-quality chocolate bars, chopped—not chocolate chips. This gives the brownies a rich, melty texture.

Cocoa powder: Adds depth and intensifies the chocolate flavor.

Browned butter: Adds nutty, toasty flavor to the cookie dough. Let it cool slightly before mixing.

Brown sugar: Used in both layers for moisture and a chewy texture.

Chocolate chips: Use semisweet or dark for the cookie layer—or mix in some chunks for extra meltiness.

How to Make Brookies (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the brownie batter

Melt dark chocolate with butter until smooth. Let cool slightly. Whisk in the sugars, then eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and salt. Gently fold in the flour and cocoa powder. Pour into a parchment-lined 9x13-inch pan and spread evenly.

2. Make the cookie dough

Brown the butter, then mix with both sugars until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in the chocolate chips. Scoop spoonfuls of dough over the brownie layer—no need to fully cover the surface.

3. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the cookie top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the brownie layer comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let cool completely in the pan for clean slices.

Tips for Success

• Let the brownies cool fully before cutting to get those clean layers. A warm knife can help slice neatly.
• Use parchment paper with overhang for easy lifting and clean edges.
• Customize the chocolate: Add chopped dark chocolate to the cookie dough or swirl peanut butter into the brownie layer before baking.
• Don’t overbake: The brownies should still be soft and fudgy in the center—watch for that perfect middle ground between set and gooey.

Storage & Freezing

Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. They stay soft and chewy!

To freeze: Once cooled and sliced, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds for that freshly-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix?

You can—but the homemade version gives much better flavor and texture. If you’re in a rush, feel free to swap the brownie layer with your favorite boxed mix and keep the cookie layer from scratch.

Can I bake this in a smaller pan?

Yes, you can halve the recipe and use an 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan. Just adjust the baking time slightly (start checking at 25 minutes).

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your chocolate is gluten-free. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

Brookies are the kind of dessert that feels extra special but is secretly so easy to make. With just a few pantry staples, you get a rich, layered bar that satisfies every chocolate lover and cookie addict in one bite. Perfect for casual baking or showing off at your next gathering.

Ready to bake? Scroll down to the recipe card for the full details!