Easy Brookies Recipe: The Best Brownie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Quick & Simple)
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate dessert fusion! This incredibly simple and delicious brookies recipe brings together the best of two beloved treats: rich, fudgy brownies and soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these homemade brownie cookie hybrid bars are quick to prepare using convenient store-bought ingredients, making them an ideal choice for busy bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Forget choosing between a brownie or a cookie – with brookies, you get to enjoy both in every delightful bite!
Why settle for one when you can have the perfect combination? This recipe delivers the incredible taste and texture of a freshly baked brownie merged with a classic chocolate chip cookie, resulting in a treat that’s truly out of this world. Just like our popular Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars (No Corn Syrup) and Cake Mix Cookie Bars, these brookies are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Key Ingredients for Easy Brookies
The beauty of this brookies recipe lies in its simplicity, thanks to a few essential, readily available ingredients:
- Brownie Mix: You’ll need one entire standard-sized box of your favorite fudgy brownie mix. This forms the rich, decadent base of our brookies. Using a mix saves significant time and ensures consistent results, perfect for a quick and easy dessert.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: For the ultimate convenience, we’re using a pre-made, store-bought package of chocolate chip cookie dough. This eliminates the need for measuring and mixing, allowing you to get these hybrid bars into the oven in no time.
While this recipe emphasizes ease with boxed and pre-made ingredients, feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie batter and chocolate chip cookie dough if you prefer a from-scratch approach. The key is to have both components ready for layering.
Delicious Variations and Toppings to Try
One of the best things about brookies is how versatile they are! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can customize them with a variety of additions and serving suggestions to suit any taste. Get creative with these ideas:
- Make into Individual Cookies: For a bite-sized treat, use a circular cookie cutter to create individual “brookie cookies” before baking, or spoon dollops of both batters onto a cookie sheet. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- Add Nuts or Dried Fruits: Enhance the texture and flavor by mixing in ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts like almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, or pistachios into either the brownie or cookie layer. Dried cranberries, apricots, or mangoes also add a delightful chewiness and fruity tang.
- Extra Chocolate Chips: Who can say no to more chocolate? Sprinkle an additional ½ cup of white, semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips over the cookie dough layer before baking for an extra chocolatey punch.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Once the brookies have cooled, melt some chocolate (dark, milk, or white) and drizzle it artfully over the top. This not only adds visual appeal but also an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. You can even use this Easy Chocolate Ganache (2 Ingredients) for a luxurious finish.
- Serve with Ice Cream: For an irresistible warm dessert, serve a warm slice of brookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey bar and cold, creamy ice cream is simply heavenly. Chocolate ice cream also works wonderfully!
- Mix in Shredded Coconut: For a tropical twist, fold in ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut into the brownie batter. Adjust the amount based on your personal preference for coconut flavor and texture.
- Bake in a Skillet: Instead of a traditional baking pan, use a large cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation. Cut into triangular slices for a unique look.
- Air Fryer Option: For smaller batches or individual portions, form the dough into small, disposable tins and air fry. Start with 8 minutes at 320 degrees F, checking for doneness as cook times may vary.
- Muffin or Cupcake Pan Brookies: Turn these into perfect bite-sized treats by baking them in cupcake or muffin pans. This creates adorable, portion-controlled brookies that are great for parties or lunchboxes.
- Pour on Caramel Sauce: Elevate your brookies with a generous drizzle of caramel. A homemade sauce like this delicious and easy Homemade Caramel Sauce would be a fantastic addition.
- Dip in Milk: Embrace the classic cookie experience! These bars are wonderfully dunkable in a tall glass of cold milk.
- Frost Them: Take these bars to the next level of indulgence by adding a layer of frosting. Options include Chocolate Ganache Frosting, Caramel Frosting, or even German Chocolate Frosting for a truly decadent treat.
How to Make Easy Brookies with Brownie Mix and Pre-Made Cookie Dough
Creating these delightful brownie cookie hybrid bars is straightforward, especially when utilizing a box brownie mix and pre-made cookie dough. Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked brookies every time:
1. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients required for your brownie mix – typically eggs, oil, and water.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk or mix the wet ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth, creating a uniform base for the brownie batter.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Pour the entire dry brownie mix powder into the bowl with the wet ingredients.
4. Combine Brownie Batter: Mix until the dry and wet ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to dry brownies.
5. Pour Brownie Batter: Pour the prepared brownie batter into a baking pan that has been lined with aluminum foil and lightly greased.
6. Spread Evenly: Use a rubber spatula to gently spread the brownie batter into an even layer across the bottom of the pan.
7. Add Cookie Dough Layer: Now for the cookie layer! You have two options: either roll out the pre-made cookie dough between two sheets of wax paper to the size of your pan and gently place it on top of the brownie batter, or simply drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the brownie layer and gently flatten them to cover the surface.
8. Bake and Cool: Bake according to the recipe instructions until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, loosen the edges with an offset spatula. Allow the brookies to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
Expert Tips for Perfect Brookies
Achieving perfectly soft, chewy, and fudgy brookies is simple with these helpful tips and techniques:
- Serve Them Warm or Cold? This is entirely up to personal preference! Many people enjoy brookies warm, especially when they are wonderfully ooey-gooey. A quick 5-10 second reheat in the microwave can bring back that fresh-baked warmth. However, they are also delicious at room temperature or chilled.
- How to Tell if They’re Done: To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not dripping with raw batter. Avoid over-baking, as this can lead to dry and crumbly brookies.
- Line Your Pan with Aluminum Foil: This simple step is crucial for easy removal. Lining the pan with foil (with an overhang) prevents the brookies from sticking and allows you to lift the entire slab out of the pan effortlessly for cooling and cutting. Remember to lightly grease the foil too.
- Do Not Over-Bake: Over-baking is the enemy of fudgy brownies and chewy cookies. Keep a close eye on your oven and remove the brookies as soon as the toothpick test indicates they are ready.
- Always Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before you place the baking pan inside. An oven that hasn’t reached the right temperature can lead to uneven baking and undesirable textures.
- Use a Sharp, Clean Knife for Slicing: For neat, even squares or rectangles, use a sharp knife. For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife blade clean between each slice.
- Spread Cookie Dough Evenly: Whether you’re rolling out the dough or pressing down spoonfuls, aim for an even layer of cookie dough across the brownie batter. This ensures that every bite has a balanced ratio of brownie to cookie.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: Patience is key! While it’s tempting to dig in immediately, allowing the brookies to cool completely (preferably for several hours or even in the fridge) before slicing will result in much cleaner cuts and prevent them from falling apart. This also makes them easier to frost or decorate.
Recipe FAQs
The terms “brookies” and “crownies” are often used interchangeably, and indeed, there’s not a significant difference in their core concept. Both refer to a dessert that combines a brownie layer with a cookie layer. Each recipe might have its own unique spin or specific type of brownie/cookie used, but the hybrid idea remains the same. The term “crownies” is sometimes heard, particularly in regions like England, to describe this delightful two-in-one treat.
If your brookies are raw in the middle, there are a few common culprits. The most likely reason is that the baking temperature was not correct, or they weren’t baked long enough. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the pan inside, and use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy. Also, always follow the recommended baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick test, even if it means baking for a few extra minutes.
For this easy brookies recipe, several popular brands of brownie mix and pre-made cookie dough work wonderfully. I’ve personally had great success using Pillsbury, Duncan Hines, and Betty Crocker for both components. Feel free to choose your favorite brand, as long as it’s a standard-sized box of fudgy brownie mix and a ready-to-bake package of chocolate chip cookie dough.
Storage Instructions for Brookies
Proper storage ensures your brookies stay fresh and delicious for longer. Here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: You can store these brookies at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
- Refrigerate: For extended freshness, store the brookies in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you prefer them warm and soft again, simply pop a bar into the microwave for about 15 seconds.
- Freeze: Brookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, cut them into individual slices and arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container. You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or two before digging in.
- Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for making in advance! Prepare and bake the brookies, then store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. This makes them ideal for parties, bake sales, or simply having a delicious treat on hand.
More Delicious Brownies and Bar Recipes
If you love these easy brookies, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic brownie and bar recipes:
- Chocolate Mint Brownies
- Chocolate Oatmeal Bars (Crumb Bars)
- Snickerdoodle Bars (Soft and Chewy)
- Rice Krispie Treats
- Fudgy Brownies with Crackly Tops
Recipe Card
Easy Brookies: Brownie & Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Abeer Rizvi
Pin Recipe
10
minutes
30
minutes
40
minutes
Dessert
American
16
Slices
225
kcal
Ingredients
-
1
box
Brownie mix
(standard size, including any required eggs, oil, water as per box instructions) -
1
package
Chocolate chip cookie dough
(pre-made, refrigerated)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare brownie batter according to the specific box instructions, mixing any required wet ingredients first, then adding the dry mix until just combined.
-
Line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the prepared brownie batter evenly in the bottom of the lined pan.
-
For the cookie layer, you have 2 convenient options:
Option 1 (Rolled Dough): Roll out the pre-made chocolate chip cookie dough between two sheets of wax paper. Aim for a thickness similar to the brownie layer and a size that approximately matches your 9-inch pan. Gently peel one side of wax paper and carefully invert the cookie dough onto the brownie layer, then peel off the second sheet. Do not press it down too firmly.
Option 2 (Flattened Scoops): Instead of rolling, scoop out spoonfuls of the cookie dough and flatten each scoop slightly with your hands. Arrange these flattened pieces over the top of the brownie batter, gently pressing them together to form a relatively even layer.
-
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bar comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should look set.
-
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brookies to cool down completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for clean slicing.
-
Once fully cooled, use the foil overhangs to lift the entire brookie slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into 16 even slices. Serve and enjoy your homemade easy brookies!
Notes
- Doneness Check: You’ll know the brookies are perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with some moist, fudgy crumbs. Avoid a wet, raw batter, but don’t wait for a completely clean toothpick, as that indicates over-baking.
- Creative Add-ins: Feel free to experiment by folding in additional ingredients into the brownie batter before spreading it in the pan. Great ideas include chopped nuts, roughly chopped Oreos, pieces of your favorite candy bars, or extra chocolate chips.
- Cooling is Essential: For clean, intact slices, it is absolutely vital to allow this dessert to cool completely before attempting to cut it. Cutting while warm will result in a crumbly, messy outcome. For best results, chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing.
- Indulgent Toppings: If you’re looking to make this treat even more indulgent, consider topping it off with a rich frosting, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce once cooled.
- Further Guidance: For more detailed tips, techniques, and variation ideas, refer to the sections above in this post.
- Leftover Storage: Leftovers can be stored in a sealed airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For a soft and chewy texture reminiscent of freshly baked, warm them gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
Nutrition
Calories:
225
kcal
Carbohydrates:
36
g
Protein:
2
g
Fat:
7
g
Saturated Fat:
1
g
Cholesterol:
2
mg
Sodium:
149
mg
Potassium:
28
mg
Sugar:
22
g
Vitamin A:
5
IU
Calcium:
2
mg
Iron:
1.3
mg
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
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These easy brookies are a testament to the fact that you don’t need to choose between your favorite desserts when you can have the best of both worlds. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these brownie and chocolate chip cookie bars are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual get-together, or just satisfying a sweet craving, these fudgy, chewy, and utterly delicious brookies are always a hit. Enjoy the pure bliss of this simple, irresistible dessert!