If you are craving a delightful treat that perfectly blends the rich fudginess of brownies with the comforting chewiness of chocolate chip cookies, look no further than this Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe. This recipe combines the best of both worlds in a single pan, creating a heavenly dessert that’s guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re new to baking or just want a foolproof crowd-pleaser, these bars come together effortlessly and deliver layers of flavor and texture that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe lies in its simple list of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of softness, moistness, and rich chocolate goodness, ensuring every bite is pure bliss.
- Unsalted butter: Provides creamy richness and helps achieve the perfect tender texture in both layers.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that complements the cookie layer beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to slight crispness in the cookie crust.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure while keeping the bars moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of both cookie and brownie layers, creating structure without heaviness.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Give the cookie and brownie layers a gentle lift for perfect texture.
- Cocoa powder: Delivers that rich, chocolate flavor essential for the brownie component.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavors.
- Chocolate chips: Add pockets of melty chocolate delight within the cookie base.
How to Make Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together softened unsalted butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy — this step is where the dream of tender, chewy cookie texture begins. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring the ingredients come together smoothly without overmixing. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips for those irresistible melty bites and press this dough evenly into your prepared pan to form the cookie base.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
For the brownie layer, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter turns silky smooth. Then, sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring gently to keep the texture tender. Once your brownie batter is ready, carefully pour it over the cookie dough layer, spreading it evenly so both layers bake harmoniously together.
Step 3: Bake
Pop your pan into the oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan — this step is vital to achieve those clean, distinct layers when you slice into these sumptuous brookie bars.
How to Serve Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe even more irresistible, consider dusting the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or flaky sea salt to enhance contrast and flavor. A drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce can elevate the indulgence factor, turning simple bars into decadent delights perfect for sharing or solo enjoyment.
Side Dishes
These brookie bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, delivering a cool counterpoint to the warm, fudgy texture. For a cozy touch, brew a cup of strong coffee or a rich hot chocolate to complement the chocolate and vanilla notes of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bars cut into small, bite-size squares on a bright platter surrounded by fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. For a fun twist, layer crumbled brookie bars with layers of pudding and whipped cream in clear glasses to create a simple yet stunning dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bars soft and delicious, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack or quick dessert during busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy your brookie bars any time the craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds or warm them briefly in an oven preheated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This revives their fudgy texture and melty chocolate chips, making every bite freshly baked tasting.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought brownie mix or cookie dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! For a quicker option, you can use store-bought mixes, layering cookie dough and brownie mix as directed. Just keep in mind that homemade versions offer fresher flavors and better control over sweetness and texture.
How can I make these bars fudgier?
For fudgier Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe, try slightly underbaking them by a few minutes and allow them to cool fully. Adding a bit of extra butter or an egg yolk can also help increase moisture and richness.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even almonds add a wonderful crunch and complement the chocolate beautifully. Just fold them into either the cookie or brownie layer before baking.
Is it possible to use chocolate chunks instead of chips?
Yes, chocolate chunks work wonderfully. They offer larger pockets of melted chocolate and give a gourmet feel to your brookie bars, creating a more intense chocolate experience.
How should I cut the bars for the best presentation?
To achieve clean, sharp edges, chill the bars for about an hour before slicing. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to make neat slices showcasing the distinct cookie and brownie layers.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into Easy Brookie Bars (Ultimate Cookie and Brownie Combo) Recipe — those perfectly balanced layers bring instant comfort and happiness. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a truly delightful dessert that combines the best of cookies and brownies in one unforgettable bar.
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
Delight in the perfect marriage of cookie and brownie layers with these Easy Brookie Bars. Featuring a rich, chewy cookie base topped with fudgy, chocolatey brownie, this recipe guarantees an irresistible treat with clear, simple steps ideal for bakers of all levels.
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 Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Cream together the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the cookie base.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until smooth. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until fully incorporated. Pour this batter evenly over the cookie layer in the pan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. To achieve a fudgier texture, slightly underbake.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brookie bars to cool completely in the pan. For clean, sharp edges, chill them in the refrigerator for about 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Slightly underbaking yields a fudgier brownie layer.
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts to either layer for added crunch.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance flavor complexity.
- Chill the bars for 1 hour prior to cutting for neater slices like a bakery.
