These Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies are the ultimate dessert fusion, combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the chewy, sweet goodness of chocolate chip cookies. The result is a decadent treat that satisfies both cookie and brownie cravings in one bite.
Perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or a sweet indulgence at home, these brownies are sure to impress. Their irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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Brownie Layer:
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1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, very soft
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3/4 cup white sugar
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2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
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1 egg
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup chocolate chips
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Cookie Dough Layer:
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18.9 oz brownie mix (e.g., Ghirardelli Double Chocolate)
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Ingredients called for on brownie mix package (typically water, vegetable oil, and eggs)
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Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish and set aside.
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In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Stir in the chocolate chips.
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Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions.
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Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough over the brownie batter, gently pressing them down to ensure they sink slightly into the batter.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
Servings: 16 squares
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between craving a rich, fudgy brownie or a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie, you’re not alone and you’re in luck. Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies, often called “brookies,” are the perfect hybrid dessert that solves the age-old dilemma by delivering the best of both worlds in a single, decadent bite. This indulgent treat features a layer of moist, chocolate-packed brownie batter topped with dollops of soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie dough, all baked together into an irresistible dessert bar.
Whether you’re hosting a party, baking for a holiday gathering, or simply treating yourself after a long week, cookie brownies bring a wow factor that delights every age group. In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of the brookie, the magic behind its contrasting textures, tips for getting the perfect bake, and creative variations that make this dessert incredibly versatile.
The Birth of a Hybrid Dessert
Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies are a relatively modern invention, though their components have long-standing reputations in the world of baking. Brownies trace back to the early 1900s in American cuisine, evolving from dense chocolate cakes to the chewy, fudgy squares we love today. Chocolate chip cookies, on the other hand, were introduced in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield, creator of the famous Toll House cookie.
The brookie became popular in the early 2010s as food bloggers and home bakers began to experiment with layering two iconic batters together. The result was a new dessert phenomenon that combined the chewiness of a cookie with the richness of a brownie in a single square. Its popularity skyrocketed, and brookies have since become a bakery and internet favorite, often featured in viral videos, Pinterest boards, and bake sale tables.
Why Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies Work
The beauty of this dessert lies in its texture and flavor contrast. The bottom layer is typically dense and fudgy, thanks to the brownie batter, while the top cookie dough layer provides a slightly crisp crust with a soft, chewy interior. When baked correctly, the two layers melt into one another just enough to bind together while maintaining their distinct identities.
The marriage of chocolate in the brownie base and chocolate chips in the cookie dough means every bite is rich, indulgent, and satisfying. There’s also a visual appeal golden cookie dough peaks scattered atop a dark, glossy brownie base making them as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious.
Tips for the Perfect Brookies
Achieving the perfect chocolate chip cookie brownies requires a bit of balance and baking awareness. Here are some essential tips:
1. Don’t Overmix
When combining ingredients for either layer, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cookie texture or a cakey brownie instead of the desired fudgy consistency.
2. Mind the Batter Consistency
The brownie batter is typically more liquid than the cookie dough. Spread the brownie layer evenly in your pan first, and then add spoonfuls of cookie dough on top. Don’t try to spread the cookie dough flat—it will naturally melt and spread during baking.
3. Watch the Bake Time
This is a thick dessert, so it can be tricky to judge doneness. You want the brownie portion to be set but not overbaked. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs but not raw batter. If the cookie layer starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the top with foil.
4. Cooling is Crucial
As tempting as it may be, allow the brookies to cool before cutting. This helps the layers set and gives cleaner, more defined slices. Plus, it prevents the soft cookie dough from crumbling apart.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. While the classic chocolate chip cookie on brownie is timeless, here are a few twists you can experiment with:
- Peanut Butter Brookies: Swirl some peanut butter into the brownie batter or use peanut butter chips in the cookie dough.
- Salted Caramel Brookies: Add a layer of caramel sauce between the brownie and cookie layers, and sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.
- Nutty Brookies: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie layer for added crunch and flavor.
- Triple Chocolate Brookies: Use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chunks, and white chocolate chips for a more decadent experience.
- S’mores Brookies: Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows to the cookie dough for a s’mores-inspired version.
These variations allow you to get creative and tailor the recipe to suit different flavor profiles or dietary preferences.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies are best served at room temperature or slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
For storage, brookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Simply warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring them back to that just-baked texture.
Why Everyone Loves Brookies
This dessert appeals to a wide range of tastes and ages. Kids love the recognizable cookie flavor, while adults appreciate the deep cocoa richness of the brownie layer. It’s a fun baking project that offers more reward than effort, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Brookies also make a thoughtful homemade gift. Wrap them in parchment and tie them with twine, and you’ve got a personal, delicious present for birthdays, holidays, or thank-you gestures.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or satisfying a late-night craving, cookie brownies hit the sweet spot literally and figuratively.
Conclusion: The Irresistible Charm of Cookie Brownies
Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies are more than just a clever mashup; they’re a celebration of everything we love about classic baked goods. They’re gooey, chocolatey, chewy, and crisp all in one bite. Their visual appeal and flavor complexity belie their simplicity, making them a frequent go-to for bakers of all levels.
What makes brookies truly special is their adaptability. From peanut butter swirls to caramel drizzles, the possibilities are endless. They are equally perfect for casual snacking, festive occasions, or even as a wow-worthy dessert to cap off a special meal.
In the world of desserts, where innovation meets comfort food, brookies reign supreme. If you haven’t tried them yet, it’s time to preheat that oven and discover the joy of a cookie-brownie lovechild that just might become your new favorite indulgence.