Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) Recipe

If you’ve ever stared indecisively at a cookie plate, torn between a fudgy brownie and a gooey chocolate chip cookie, get ready for happiness in bar form: the Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar)! This dessert delivers the best of both worlds in one glorious square, layering a darkly decadent brownie beneath a plush, golden cookie top. From birthday bashes to casual weeknights, these bars charm every chocolate lover and cookie fanatic around – trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) is surprisingly easy for such a show-stopper! Each ingredient plays a unique role, building the bars’ signature chewy, fudgy, and melty profile. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need – and why you shouldn’t skip a thing.

• Butter (1 1/4 cups, softened): Essential for richness and that classic cookie-brownie flavor; be sure it’s room temperature for easy creaming.
• Sugar (1 cup + 1/4 cup, granulated): Delivers sweetness and helps the bars brown beautifully.
• Brown Sugar (1/3 cup + 3/4 cup): Adds moisture and caramel notes for a tender crumb and chewy bite.
• Eggs (2 large for brownie, 1 large for cookie): Bind the batters together and give each layer structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the chocolate and adds warmth to both batters.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup): Provides deep, chocolatey flavor in the brownie base – use a good-quality cocoa for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups divided): Gives both batters their soft yet sturdy texture; don’t overmix for tenderness.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon divided): Helps the cookie and brownie layers rise just the right amount.
• Salt (3/4 teaspoon divided): Balances sweetness and makes the chocolate shine even more.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup in brownie, 1 cup in cookie): Melt into gooey pockets throughout the bars.
• Milk Chocolate Chunks (for topping, optional): Sprinkle on at the end for a swoon-worthy finish – totally irresistible!

How to Make Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar)

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees, and grab a trusty 9 x 13-inch aluminum pan (skip the glass – it can lead to uneven baking). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy – this is key for that crinkly brownie top. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then pour in the vanilla. Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt just until combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips gently so you don’t overmix. Spread the brownie batter evenly in your pan, making sure to reach all the corners.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Chip Cookie Layer

In another large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar for 3-4 minutes, until everything looks creamy and pale. Beat in the egg and vanilla for another minute. Now, add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until it forms a dough (no need to use a mixer here; a spatula works great). Fold in those chocolate chips – don’t skimp! Drop big spoonfuls of the cookie dough over the brownie batter, aiming to spread them across the pan for a marbled look.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide your loaded pan into the oven and bake for about 28 to 32 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is just firming up. If you love the extra milk chocolate chunk topping, sprinkle them on for the last five minutes of baking. The bars may look a touch underbaked in the middle – that’s what makes the Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) so wonderfully gooey! Let them cool completely before cutting. For clean, beautiful slices, place the cooled pan in the freezer for 20–30 minutes to firm up before slicing with a sharp knife.

How to Serve Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar)

Garnishes

Dress up your Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) with creative garnishes: a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated finish. For special occasions, add a scoop of homemade whipped cream or a handful of fresh berries to balance the richness.

Side Dishes

While these bars are showstopping on their own, they pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For parties, serve alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a medley of other cookies for a fun dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) into big bakery-style squares for a classic vibe, or try bite-sized cubes for easy sharing at potlucks. For a decadent sundae, layer sliced Brookie with ice cream and your favorite toppings in a parfait glass. You can even wrap individual bars in parchment for adorable party favors or lunchbox treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious – if anything, the flavors might get even better by day two!

Freezing

Want to save some for a rainy day? These bars freeze like a dream. Once cooled and sliced, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when your craving hits!

Reheating

Nothing beats a warm Brookie fresh from the oven, but you can recapture that magic! Pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds – the chocolate will get irresistibly melty, making every bite pure bliss.

FAQs

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just use two 9 x 13-inch aluminium pans for even baking, or reach for a larger jelly roll pan if you have one. Watch for doneness, as bake times may vary slightly for bigger batches.

What if I only have a glass baking dish?

While a glass pan will work in a pinch, be prepared for longer bake times and monitor closely – the edges may get crisp before the center sets. For the best Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) texture, stick to an aluminum pan if possible.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Check that your mix includes xanthan gum for stability, and keep an eye on baking times, as gluten-free batters sometimes bake a bit faster.

How do I know when the bars are done?

Look for the edges to turn golden and pull slightly from the pan, with the center set but still slightly soft – a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, slight underbaking is ideal for that signature Brookie gooeyness!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Go for it! Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of dried cherries to either layer for extra crunch and flavor. Just don’t overdo it – about 1/2 cup of your extras will keep the Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar) balanced and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, grab your mixing bowls and whip up a pan of Brookie (Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie Bar)! Every bite brings you the best of both classics, and your friends and family will be begging for the recipe. Dive in – you’re just minutes away from a new favorite treat!

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