How to Make Irresistible Brookies: Brownie-Brownie Cookie Bars

Brookies are dessert bars that combine fudgy brownies and chocolate chip cookies in one irresistible treat. Why choose between the two when you can enjoy both? Step-by-step photos and clear instructions make these brookies easy to prepare at home.

Two Favorites in One!

When you can’t decide between brownies and cookies, brookies let you enjoy both textures and flavors in a single bar. The result is extra-rich, chewy dessert bars that rely on simple pantry ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Brookies Recipe

This version combines a simple 9×13 brownie batter with a classic chocolate chip cookie dough, and adds extra chocolate chips for indulgence. Because the two batters are combined in one pan, the recipe uses about half the usual quantity for each individual recipe so the final texture is balanced — fudgy brownie beneath tender cookie dough.

Ingredients for the Brownie Batter

The brownie batter is almost as quick as using a mix and requires no melting of chocolate. You will need:

• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Large egg
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Water
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)

Note: Exact measurements and the printable recipe card are included further below in the recipe section.

Making the Brownies

Making the brownie batter takes just a few simple steps:

1. Whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Stir in the egg, melted butter, water, and vanilla, then fold in the chocolate chips.

Set the brownie batter aside while you prepare the cookie dough.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

The cookie dough uses many of the same pantry staples. You will need:

• Unsalted butter, room temperature
• Light brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)

Note: Exact measurements and the printable recipe card are included below.

Making the Cookie Dough

1. Cream the room-temperature butter with both sugars using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, then scrape the bowl.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Assembling the Brookies

Once both batters are ready, assemble the bars in a prepared pan.

• Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease any exposed pan edges.
• Spread the brownie batter into a thin, even layer across the pan.
• Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough across the brownie layer. Gently flatten the dough slightly so the brownie batter can peek through; don’t completely cover the brownie layer. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.

Baking

• Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes.
• Allow the brookies to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then cut into squares to serve.

Tip: I initially baked these a bit longer and they browned more than intended. I’ve adjusted the times above to avoid excessive browning. Oven temperatures vary, and recipes with more brown sugar will brown faster, so keep an eye on them. They still taste great even if slightly darker.

Storage and Tips

• Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze layers separated by parchment paper and thaw completely before serving.
• To check doneness: the cookie dough should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion should come out slightly gooey but not wet. Because of the chocolate chips, this can be tricky; the bars will continue to set as they cool.
• Use quality ingredients. Good butter, cocoa, and chocolate chips noticeably improve flavor and texture.

More Dessert Bars

If you enjoy bar desserts, try other favorites like s’more cookie bars, cherry squares with shortbread base, cosmic brownies, peanut butter bars, or blueberry pie bars.