Name: Brookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g); 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g); 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g); 1/3 cup cocoa powder (35g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (65g); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g); 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (160g); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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If you’ve ever found yourself torn between craving brownies and cookies, then this brookies recipe is your new best friend. I remember the first time I made these—two beloved desserts in one, flawlessly layered and bursting with chocolatey goodness. It’s like your favorite brownie and classic chocolate chip cookie decided to team up for an unforgettable treat. Brookies are perfect any time you want a dessert that feels indulgent but a bit playful, whether it’s a casual weekend baking project or a sweet ending to a dinner party. Trust me, once you try this brookies recipe, you’ll be sneaking bites straight from the pan.

What I really love is how versatile this brookies recipe is. The rich, fudgy brownie base paired with a soft, chewy cookie topping is not only heavenly but also surprisingly easy to pull off. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques, just some simple pantry staples and a bit of love. Plus, the combined texture—the gooey bottom with a golden, slightly crisp top—makes every bite a little surprise. If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s both comforting and show-stopping, this brookies recipe is exactly what you need.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Combining two classic batter recipes means we get to enjoy the best of both worlds. Each ingredient plays a special role, from the richness of butter to the texture that flour and leavening agents provide. When shopping, opt for quality chocolate and fresh eggs for the best results.

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness better, plus it adds that lovely creamy richness to both batters.
Semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Go for good quality so the chocolate melts beautifully in the brownie base and cookies.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with that classic chewy texture in cookies.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that brightens both components.
Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened for a deep chocolate flavor in the brownies.
Vanilla extract: A must-have for warming up the flavor profile without overpowering the chocolate.
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to tenderness and lift.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to both the brownie and cookie layers—measuring carefully helps get the texture just right.
Baking powder and baking soda: Essential for helping the cookie dough rise and achieve that perfect soft-but-slightly-crisp edge.
Chocolate chips for cookie dough: Classic mix-ins that make the cookie layer irresistibly chocolate-studded.

Variations

I love switching things up with this brookies recipe, especially when I want to tailor it to different occasions or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment—you’ll find it’s pretty forgiving!

Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie or cookie layers adds a lovely crunch. I often toss in toasted pecans for a cozy, autumnal vibe.
White Chocolate Brookies: Swap out the semisweet chips for white chocolate chunks in the cookie dough. It gives a sweet contrast to the dark brownie base that’s delightful.
Vegan Adaptation: Use dairy-free butter and flax eggs to keep things plant-based. It wasn’t always perfect on my first try, but with a little trial, this brookies recipe translates beautifully.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne in the brownie batter livens up the flavor. It’s a little secret I use when I want to surprise friends at a bake sale.

How to Make Brookies Recipe

Step 1: Create the Fudgy Brownie Base

Start by melting the butter along with your semisweet chocolate—taking care not to overheat it—or use a double boiler for gentle melting. I usually stir frequently and remove it from heat once smooth but still warm. Next, whisk in both sugars, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Then, beat in the eggs carefully, one at a time; it helps keep the batter silky and prevents it from curdling. Finally, stir in the flour gently until just incorporated. This batter should be thick but spreadable; overmixing can lead to tougher brownies, so keep it light.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cookie Dough Layer

In another bowl, cream the room temperature butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy—this usually takes a few minutes with a hand mixer. Add the vanilla and the egg, mix again until smooth. Sift in the salt, baking powder, baking soda, and flour, then fold everything together carefully. Don’t worry if the dough looks a bit thick; that’s perfect. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips evenly so they’re spread throughout the cookie dough.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Grease or line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the pan. This is the fun part—take dollops of your cookie dough and gently flatten or drop them over the brownie layer, covering as much surface as possible without mixing the two. The layers will bake together and form that iconic swirl and texture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes; keep an eye on it starting around 28 minutes. You’re looking for set edges on the cookie layer but a slightly gooey center. Let it cool completely before slicing so everything holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Brookies Recipe

A white oval plate holds a stack of about eight square brownies with a marbled pattern of light golden cookie dough and darker chocolate, scattered with chocolate chips on top. Next to it is a small white round plate with a green border pattern, holding two square brownies with the same marbled cookie and chocolate look, also topped with chocolate chips. A few chocolate chips are scattered on the white marbled surface nearby, along with a pink cloth on the left side. To the right, a clear glass filled with white milk sits on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over my brookies once they’ve cooled—it perfects the sweet and chocolate balance. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look extra special, especially if I’m bringing them to a gathering. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of warm caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side really takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

Because brookies are quite rich, I like pairing them with something fresh like sliced strawberries or a tangy raspberry coulis to cut through the sweetness. A cup of good coffee or black tea also complements the chocolate flavors really well. For a more decadent dessert spread, add a few nut clusters or salted pretzels for friends who like that sweet-salty mix.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I like cutting brookies into small squares and stacking them on a pretty platter with decorative picks—it makes for a neat finger-food style dessert. Another fun idea is to serve warm brookies in little ramekins topped with ice cream and a sprig of mint for an elegant touch. I also once used cookie cutters on chilled brookies edges to create fun shapes for a kids’ party, which was a huge hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover brookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay perfectly chewy and moist for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate, I recommend refrigerating them to prevent the butter from getting too soft, but just bring them back to room temp before serving for best texture.

Freezing

Freezing brookies is a great way to have them on hand whenever the craving hits. I slice them into individual squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When I want one, I just thaw it at room temperature or pop it in a gently warm microwave for a few seconds to bring back that soft, gooey feel.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually use the microwave on low power for about 15 seconds—enough to warm it through without drying it out. If you want a crispier top, a quick blast in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes works wonders. Either way, reheated brookies taste like they just came out of the oven, especially paired with a little vanilla ice cream!

FAQs

Can I make brookies without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While chocolate chips add that classic melty texture to the cookie layer, you can skip them or replace them with nuts, white chocolate chunks, or even dried fruit bits if you prefer. The core brookies recipe still works beautifully.
How do I know when brookies are done baking?

Look for set edges on the cookie dough topping and a slightly firm center that still gives a little when you gently press it. A toothpick inserted near the center might come out with a few moist crumbs, which is perfect to keep the brookies fudgy and tender.
Can I use a different size pan for this brookies recipe?

Sure! An 8×8 inch pan is ideal for thickness and bake timing, but if you only have a 9×9 or 9×13, adjust baking time accordingly. A larger pan means thinner brookies, so start checking for doneness earlier to avoid overbaking.
Is it okay to mix the brownie and cookie batters together?

For the authentic brookies texture, it’s best to layer rather than fully mix the batters. This creates distinct layers with wonderful contrasting textures. Mixing them all together would make a uniform chocolate-flavored cookie or brownie instead.

Final Thoughts

This brookies recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings joy with every bite—whether I’m baking for friends, family, or just as a weekend treat. It’s straightforward enough to make any day feel a little more special without a lot of fuss. I hope when you try it, you find the same comfort and happiness I do every time I pull that warm pan from the oven. Seriously, once you discover this brookies recipe, it might just become your go-to dessert for celebrations and cozy nights alike.