If you’re looking for a dessert that brilliantly marries two classic favorites into one irresistible treat, then you have to try this Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie layered atop a soft, chewy cookie base, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that will satisfy every sweet craving. It’s the perfect bake for sharing with friends or indulging on your own, and once you make these bars, they’ll quickly become a cherished staple in your dessert lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly yet play a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and appearance of your brookie bars. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to balance sweetness, richness, and that perfect gooey-chewy combo.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a creamy richness essential for both cookie and brownie layers, ensuring tenderness and moisture.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes, deepening the cookie’s flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Gives a sweet kick and helps with the structure in each batter.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the moist texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the soft yet sturdy base necessary for both layers.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Provide lift and lightness to the cookie and brownie layers respectively.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Infuse pockets of melty chocolate joy throughout the cookie base.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Packs in rich chocolate flavor for the brownie layer.
How to Make Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie base. Next, beat in one large egg and the vanilla extract, incorporating them fully to add moisture and flavor. Gently mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt just until combined—you want to avoid overmixing so your cookies stay soft. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips with care, so each bite has that delightful melty chocolate surprise. Press this cookie dough evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan to set the foundation for your brookie bars.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a new bowl, whisk the melted butter together with granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring well to combine everything into a silky batter. Then sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, folding gently to avoid scooping too much air. This brownie batter will spread over the cookie dough easily, creating that dreamy two-layer effect when baked. Pour it evenly over the prepared cookie layer, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
Step 3: Bake
Slide your baking pan into a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it but no wet batter. Be sure not to overbake as the magic is in the fudgy, gooey texture! Once done, let the bars cool completely in the pan to ensure clean, defined layers when you slice.
How to Serve Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your brookie bars, consider sprinkling them with flaky sea salt right before baking or as a finishing touch once they’ve cooled—this contrast makes the chocolate flavors pop. Another fantastic touch is a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to enhance both layers’ decadence.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, making each bite creamy and indulgent. For a fresher contrast, serve them alongside fresh berries or slices of juicy fruit to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cutting the brookie bars into neat squares or fun shapes using cookie cutters can make them the center of attention at parties. For a playful twist, layer them in parfait glasses with layers of whipped cream and berries, or sandwich two brookie bars with marshmallow filling for a dessert sandwich. The options are endless and only limited by your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking and cooling, store your brookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them well-covered ensures they stay soft and moist without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep your easy brookie bars fresh for longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months and thaw quickly, maintaining their signature texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your brookie bars warm, simply microwave a single bar for about 15 seconds or warm a few bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes. This little heat-up revives their melty chocolate goodness and soft texture wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use a different size pan for this recipe?
Yes, an 8×8-inch pan is recommended for perfect thickness, but an alternative size like 9×9 inches will work; just expect thinner bars and slightly shorter baking time.
What type of chocolate chips works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal as they balance sweetness without overpowering the layers, but feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate based on your preference.
Is it necessary to line the pan with parchment paper?
Using parchment paper makes it much easier to lift out the brookie bars after baking, helping you achieve clean edges and hassle-free slicing.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans added to either layer provide a lovely crunch and elevate the flavor profile, just like in the pro tips.
How do I know when to take the brookie bars out of the oven?
Look for edges pulling away slightly and a toothpick inserted near the center coming out with a few moist crumbs—but no raw batter—which signals perfect doneness without overbaking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe truly brings the best of both worlds into one spectacular, delicious treat. Whether you are baking for a crowd or just craving a fun, comforting dessert at home, these bars deliver on flavor, texture, and pure indulgence every single time. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and make these brookie bars a new favorite tradition in your kitchen—you won’t regret it!
Print
Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Discover the perfect balance of cookie crunch and fudgy brownie richness with these Easy Brookie Bars. Combining a buttery chocolate chip cookie base with a luscious cocoa brownie topping, this ultimate recipe delivers a deliciously indulgent dessert that’s simple to make and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Cookie Layer
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
Brownie Layer
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- â…“ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, then press this cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until the batter is smooth and well combined. Pour this brownie batter evenly over the cookie layer in the pan.
- Bake the Brookie Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. This ensures a fudgy consistency.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brookie bars to cool completely in the pan to set the layers properly. For clean, sharp edges, optionally chill the bars in the refrigerator for 1 hour before slicing into 9 to 12 bars.
Notes
- Underbaking slightly will ensure a fudgier brownie texture.
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts into the brownie batter or cookie layer for extra crunch.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance flavor contrast.
- Chilling the bars before slicing helps achieve bakery-style sharp edges.
