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Brookies Recipe: Fudgy Brownie Cookie Bars

By Sandi |
4.8 (223 ratings)
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Brookies combine the best of brownies and cookies in one irresistible bar. This easy recipe delivers fudgy chocolate with chewy cookie edges.

Close-up side view of a brookie bar showing layers of fudgy brownie base and chewy cookie top with melted chocolate chips

Why Choose When You Can Have Both?

Brookies are where my two favorite things collide—and honestly, I can’t believe it took me so long to figure this out. This isn’t some complicated hybrid; it’s actually surprisingly straightforward: a fudgy brownie base topped with a chewy cookie layer that bakes together into pure magic. One pan, two textures, infinite satisfaction.

Overhead flat lay of brookie bars on a cooling rack with one square pulled away to show the distinct brownie and cookie layers

A Few Things I Have Noticed

  • The brownie layer needs to be completely smooth and even, so spread it with a small spatula before adding the cookie dough. This creates a stable foundation and ensures better layering.
  • Don’t stress about perfectly covering the brownie layer with cookie dough. Gaps are your friend—they let the brownie shine through and create crispy-edged pockets of brownie flavor.
  • The key to perfect brookies is underbaking slightly. They should look barely set in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool but stay wonderfully fudgy.
  • Chilling before slicing makes a huge difference. A cold brookie cuts cleanly without crumbling. Use a warm, dry knife and wipe between cuts for the cleanest edges.

Variations

  • Salted Caramel Brookies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the brownie layer before adding cookie dough, then sprinkle fleur de sel on top before baking.
  • Peanut Butter Brookies: Mix 1/2 cup peanut butter into the cookie dough and use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips.
  • Mint Chocolate Brookies: Add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract to the brownie batter and use mint chocolate chips in the cookie layer.

If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my classic fudgy brownies or chewy chocolate chip cookies baked individually.

Brookies Recipe: Fudgy Brownie Cookie Bars

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Prep: 15 min
Cook: 22 min
Total: 37 min
24 servings
Easy

Ingredients

Brownie Layer

Cookie Layer


Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat and Prepare

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides for easy removal.

  2. 2

    Make the Brownie Layer

    Whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined. Spread evenly in prepared pan.

  3. 3

    Prepare Cookie Dough

    In another bowl, cream together softened butter and both sugars until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, beating well. Fold in flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in chocolate chips.

  4. 4

    Layer the Dough

    Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the brownie layer. Gently spread or pat it into an even layer, covering the brownie base as much as possible.

  5. 5

    Bake

    Bake for 20-22 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. The top should look just barely underdone.

  6. 6

    Cool Completely

    Let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Chill for 1-2 hours before cutting into squares for cleaner slices.


Nutrition Information

Per serving (serves 24). Values are approximate.

Calories 210 calories
Total Fat 11g
Saturated Fat 7g
Carbohydrates 27g
Sugar 18g
Protein 2g
Sodium 145mg
Fiber 1g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Close-up side view of a brookie bar showing layers of fudgy brownie base and chewy cookie top with melted chocolate chips

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make brookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Brookies actually taste better the next day when flavors meld. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. They thaw beautifully.

What if my cookie layer isn't spreading evenly?

This is totally normal with cookie dough. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently press and smooth it. You don't need perfect coverage—some brownie peeking through is actually charming and keeps the texture interesting.

How do I know when brookies are done baking?

The edges should feel firm when you gently press them, but the very center might jiggle slightly when you shake the pan. This slight underbaking keeps them fudgy. They continue cooking as they cool, so resist overbaking.

Sandi

Hi, I'm Sandi!

I create simple, tested dessert recipes that anyone can make at home.

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4.8 (223 ratings)

Based on 223 reviews

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