Easy Homemade Brookie Recipe: The Ultimate Brownie & Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar

Prepare to indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this incredibly easy Brookie Recipe! Imagine the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies perfectly blended with the soft, chewy delight of chocolate chip cookies, all in one spectacular bite. This dessert truly offers the best of both worlds, combining two beloved classics into a single, irresistible treat that will undoubtedly satisfy even the most intense sweet cravings. Whether you’re a devoted fan of decadent brownies or a connoisseur of classic chocolate chip cookies, these homemade brookie bars are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Once you experience the delightful combination of textures and flavors in these homemade brookies, you’ll find yourself eager to make them for every occasion. This recipe is not just amazing; the fusion of rich brownie and sweet cookie dough is absolutely fabulous. You’ll impress everyone with these decadent bars that look incredibly fancy and taste unbelievably delicious, yet are surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s the perfect dessert for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

We absolutely adore creating cookie recipes for a wide range of celebrations and everyday treats. If you appreciate straightforward and delightful cookie recipes, you might also enjoy our brownie recipes like the 7 Layer Cookie Bars Recipe or the indulgent Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe. But for now, let’s dive into making the best brookie bars you’ve ever tasted!

What is a Brookie?

A brookie is a portmanteau of “brownie” and “cookie,” perfectly describing this hybrid dessert that combines the best characteristics of both. Essentially, it’s a fudgy brownie layer topped with a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie layer, baked together into a single, cohesive bar. The result is a dessert bar that offers a symphony of textures and flavors: the dense, rich, and slightly chewy texture of a classic brownie beautifully complemented by the tender, sweet, and slightly crisp edges of a chocolate chip cookie. Every bite delivers that deeply satisfying fudgy chocolate goodness from the brownie and the comforting, buttery sweetness with melty chocolate chips from the cookie. It’s designed to give you the ultimate dessert experience, marrying two universally adored treats without making you choose between them.

Why You’ll Love These Brookie Bars

There are countless reasons why this brookie recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Firstly, it offers an unparalleled combination of flavors, eliminating the need to decide between a brownie and a cookie. You get to enjoy both! The contrast in textures—the moist, dense brownie and the soft, slightly chewy cookie—creates an exciting eating experience. Despite its gourmet appearance and rich taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, parties, or as a special treat for your family. Plus, these bars are incredibly versatile; you can easily customize them with various mix-ins and toppings to suit any preference. They truly represent comfort food at its finest, bringing joy with every delicious square.

Ingredients for the Perfect Brookies

Creating these sensational brookie bars starts with a selection of quality ingredients. While the full list can be found in the recipe card below, here’s a breakdown of the key components for both the brownie and cookie layers, along with a few tips to ensure your brookies turn out perfectly:

Brownie Layer Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Using real, unsalted butter is crucial for achieving that rich, deep flavor and fudgy texture in your brownies. Melting it helps create a smooth, consistent batter.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the moistness and chewiness of the brownies.
• Eggs: Essential for structure, richness, and binding the ingredients together. Using room temperature eggs allows them to incorporate more evenly into the batter, resulting in a smoother consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the chocolate flavors and adds a warm, inviting aroma to your brownies. Don’t skimp on quality here!
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where the rich chocolate flavor comes from. While any brand works, a high-quality cocoa powder (like Hershey’s or Dutch-processed for a darker color) will elevate the taste significantly.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure for the brownies. To avoid a dense, dry brownie, be careful not to overpack the flour. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of the chocolate flavor.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the brownies rise slightly, giving them a tender crumb without making them cakey.

Cookie Layer Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Softened at room temperature, real butter is key for a tender, flavorful cookie dough. It creams beautifully with sugar for that classic cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Contributes to the crispiness and spread of the cookie layer.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, chewiness, and a lovely molasses flavor that is characteristic of chocolate chip cookies. If you’re out, our Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe is incredibly easy to make!
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness, helping to create a chewy texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Essential for that beloved classic chocolate chip cookie flavor. Always opt for pure vanilla extract.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies spread and become tender.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookie.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure. Again, spoon and level to prevent a dense cookie.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The star of the cookie layer! Use a good quality brand that melts nicely and retains its shape for those gooey pockets of chocolate.

For the complete list of ingredients with precise measurements and detailed instructions for this delightful brookie recipe, please scroll down to the bottom of this page to view the comprehensive recipe card.

Delicious Brookie Variations

One of the best things about this brookie recipe is its versatility! You can easily customize these bars to suit your taste preferences or the occasion. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:

• Nuts: For an added crunch and nutty flavor, consider folding in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into either the brownie or cookie batter (or both!). Toasted nuts can add an even deeper flavor profile.
• Chocolate: Don’t limit yourself to just semi-sweet chocolate chips! Experiment with different types of morsels. Try dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor, white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier contrast, or peanut butter chips for a delightful nutty twist. You could even use a mix of several types! Caramel bits also make a wonderful addition.
• Frosting: If you’re feeling extra indulgent and want to make these brookies even more decadent, add a layer of frosting on top once they’ve cooled. A rich chocolate frosting would complement the flavors perfectly, or for something different, a creamy peanut butter frosting would be absolutely divine.
• Mini Marshmallows: For a s’mores-inspired twist, sprinkle a handful of mini marshmallows over the cookie layer during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. They’ll get delightfully toasty and gooey.
• Candy Mix-ins: Crush up your favorite candy bars (like Snickers, Reese’s, or M&M’s) and fold them into the cookie dough or sprinkle them on top before baking for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
• Espresso Powder: A teaspoon of instant espresso powder added to the brownie batter can deepen the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee. It’s a secret ingredient many bakers use!
• Serve with Ice Cream: For an ultimate dessert experience, serve a warm brookie square with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting over the warm brookie is pure bliss. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce on top takes it to another level!

How to Make Easy Homemade Brookies

Making these delicious brownie cookie bars is straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

• Step 1 – Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a consistent 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start.

• Step 2 – Prepare Your Baking Dish: Generously spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step will prevent the brookies from sticking and make removal and cutting much easier.

• Step 3 – Craft the Brownie Batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together by hand until they are well blended and smooth. Next, add the dry ingredients: unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Continue to stir by hand with a whisk or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the brownie batter; overmixing can lead to a tougher brownie texture.

• Step 4 – Prepare the Cookie Layer Base: In a separate, larger bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This can take about 2-3 minutes.

• Step 5 – Finish the Cookie Dough: Add the large egg to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and beat until just combined. Then, gradually add the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients by hand using a sturdy spoon or spatula. Again, mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

Step 6 – Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spoon or spatula. Avoid using the electric mixer for this step, as it can break up the chocolate chips and overmix the dough. Ensure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 7 – Layer the Brownie Batter: Pour the prepared brownie batter into your nonstick-sprayed 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter out evenly across the bottom of the pan, ensuring a consistent layer for your brookies.

Step 8 – Add the Cookie Layer: Take spoonfuls of the chocolate chip cookie dough and carefully drop them over the brownie batter. Aim to distribute the spoonfuls all over the pan. While it won’t cover the entire surface completely, try to spread it out as evenly as you can. This ensures you get that delicious brownie and cookie combination in every single bite. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rustic; it’s meant to be!

Step 9 – Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 to 28 minutes. You’ll know the brookies are done when the cookie dough on top has turned a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownie layer comes out clean or with just moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies fudgy!

• Step 10 – Cool, Cut, and Serve: Once baked, remove the brookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling period is essential for the bars to firm up, making them much easier to cut into neat squares. For the cleanest cuts, use a plastic knife and wipe it clean between each slice. Then, simply cut into squares and enjoy your homemade brookie masterpiece!

Pro Tips for the Best Brookies

Achieving bakery-quality brookies at home is easy with a few expert tips and tricks:

• The Right Baking Pan: For ideal thickness and even baking, a standard 9×13 inch metal baking pan is highly recommended. Glass pans can sometimes cause edges to overbake before the center is done. If using glass, you might need to adjust baking time slightly.
• Always Prepare Your Pan: Don’t skip the non-stick spray! A well-greased pan ensures your brookies lift out cleanly, preventing frustration when it’s time to cut them.
• Line with Parchment Paper: For extra insurance and super easy removal, line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Once cooled, you can simply lift the entire slab of brookies out of the pan before cutting.
• Cool Completely: Patience is key! It’s tempting to cut into warm brookies, but they need ample time to cool and firm up. Attempting to cut them too soon will result in messy, crumbly bars. For best results, let them cool to room temperature, and for even cleaner cuts, you can chill them slightly in the refrigerator before slicing.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: This applies particularly to butter and eggs. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and dough. This leads to a superior texture in both your brownie and cookie layers.
• Quality Chocolate Matters: The type of cocoa powder and chocolate chips you use will significantly impact the final flavor. Invest in good quality brands for a truly decadent taste.
• Don’t Overmix: Whether it’s the brownie batter or the cookie dough, overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense results. Mix until just combined.
• Serving Suggestions: While delicious on their own, brookies are fantastic warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds until the chocolate chips are gooey. Top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of sea salt for an elevated treat.
• Plastic Knife for Cutting: A plastic knife often makes cleaner cuts through gooey bars compared to a metal knife. Make sure to wipe the knife clean between each cut for perfectly defined squares.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brookies

More Easy Cookie Bar Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of bar cookies, here are some other fantastic recipes to try:

• Magic Cookie Bars
• Slutty Cheesecake Bars
• Pecan Pie Bars
• Oreo Magic Bars Recipe
• Easy Lemon Bars Recipe

More Easy Brownie Recipes to Indulge In

For those who can’t get enough of rich, chocolatey brownies, these recipes are sure to hit the spot:

• Brownie Cookies
• Mini Brownie Cupcakes Recipe
• Classic Homemade Brownie Recipe
• Easy Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
• S’mores Brownie Recipe

We hope you thoroughly enjoy making this yummy brookie recipe! It’s a truly special treat that brings smiles to every face. If you try it, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below to share your experience – we love hearing from you!