The Ultimate brookie recipe (2025)

Soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor, these brookies are the ultimate indulgence! This recipe combines fudgy brownies and chewy chocolate chip cookies into one irresistible dessert.

If you’re looking for the ultimate dessert, this brookie recipe is a must-try!

The Best of Both Worlds

Why choose between brownies and cookies when you can have both? This easy brookie recipe gives you the perfect balance—dense, fudgy brownie on the bottom and a golden, chewy cookie layer on top. The result? A dessert that’s rich, gooey, and totally addictive. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these brookies are guaranteed to impress!

This easy brookie recipe combines the best of brownies and cookies.

A stack of thick, fudgy brookies with a golden cookie layer on top and a rich, chocolatey brownie base. This delicious brookie recipe is filled with melted chocolate chips and placed on a wooden surface with extra chocolate chips scattered around.

Why You’ll Love This Brookie Recipe

  • Perfectly balanced flavors and textures. I’ve crafted this recipe to give you the ultimate brookie experience—rich and fudgy like a brownie, but with the chewy, buttery goodness of a cookie. Neither layer overpowers the other, making every bite pure bliss.
  • No complicated techniques required. You don’t need to be a professional baker to make these brookies! With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a bakery-quality treat right at home.
  • Customizable to your taste. Want extra chocolate chips? A sprinkle of sea salt on top? Maybe some nuts for added crunch? This recipe is super versatile, so you can tweak it to your liking.
  • Great for any occasion. Whether it’s a weekend treat, a party dessert, or a gift for a chocolate lover, brookies always impress. They’re rich and indulgent but still easy to grab and enjoy without a plate or fork.
  • Make-ahead and freezer-friendly. These brookies store beautifully, meaning you can make them in advance and enjoy a delicious homemade treat anytime.

What is a Brookie?

A brookie is the ultimate dessert mashup—a combination of a rich, fudgy brownie and a soft, chewy cookie. Instead of choosing between the two, you get both in every bite! While some people make brookies in cookie form, I prefer them as bars because they’re easier to bake, slice, and serve.

The best part? You can switch up the cookie layer to create endless variations! I’ve seen brookies made with everything from peanut butter cookies to snickerdoodles. Some fun twists include:

  • Double Chocolate Brookies – Extra cocoa powder and chocolate chips for an ultra-rich treat.
  • Peanut Butter Brookies – A peanut butter cookie layer on top of the brownie base.
  • S’mores Brookies – A graham cracker-infused cookie dough with melted marshmallows.
  • Salted Caramel Brookies – A gooey caramel drizzle and sea salt topping for extra indulgence.

This classic version features a chewy chocolate chip cookie layer over my best-ever fudgy brownie base, making it the perfect balance of crispy, gooey, and delicious. One bite, and you’ll understand why brookies are a must-try dessert!

A brookie is the perfect blend of brownies and cookies. If you’re wondering exactly what a brookie is made of, check out this guide here.

What You Need

There are two key components to this homemade brookie recipe: the brownie layer and the cookie dough layer. Each plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of fudgy and chewy textures.

Flat lay of brookie ingredients on a marble countertop, including butter, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. A glass bowl with butter and a cracked egg is in the center, surrounded by neatly arranged ingredients.

Ingredients for Brookies

  • Butter. Melted butter is the base for both layers, giving the brownies richness and the cookies a soft, chewy texture. Using real butter ensures the best flavor!
  • Brown sugar & granulated sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness to the cookie dough, while granulated sugar gives the brownies that classic crackly top.
  • Eggs. Room temperature eggs help create a smooth batter and a properly structured brookie. Be sure to whisk them well to incorporate air, which adds a slight lift.
  • Cocoa powder & chocolate chips. For a deep chocolate flavor, I use unsweetened cocoa powder in the brownie layer and plenty of chocolate chips in the cookie dough.
  • Flour. A balanced ratio of flour ensures the brownies stay dense and fudgy while keeping the cookies soft but sturdy.
  • Baking soda & baking powder. These leavening agents help the cookie layer rise just enough without making it cakey.
  • Vanilla extract. A must-have for enhancing the flavor of both the brownie and cookie layers.
  • Salt. Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.

💡 PRO TIP: Want to take your brookies to the next level? Try adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking—it enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a gourmet touch!

📌 This is just a quick ingredient breakdown. For the full recipe with measurements, scroll down to the recipe card!

How to Make the Best Brookie Recipe

Making brookies is simple and fun! You’ll start by preparing the brownie layer, followed by the cookie dough, then bake everything together for the ultimate treat.

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Layer

A two-image collage showing brownie batter preparation in a glass bowl. The left image features glossy melted chocolate being stirred with a wooden spatula. The right image shows thick, creamy brownie batter ready for baking.
  1. Melt the butter and mix with sugar. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.
  3. Incorporate the dry ingredients. Sift together cocoa powder, flour, and salt, then gradually fold it into the wet ingredients.
  4. Stir in chocolate chips. This adds an extra fudgy texture.
  5. Pour into the pan. Spread the brownie batter evenly into a parchment-lined baking pan and set aside.
A collage of six images showing the process of making cookie dough. Steps include mixing butter and flour in a bowl, kneading the dough by hand, and shaping it on a wire rack with chocolate chips. The scene has a rustic kitchen setting with natural lighting.
  1. Cream butter and sugars. In a separate bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Stir well until fully incorporated.
  3. Combine dry ingredients. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, then slowly mix them into the wet ingredients.
  4. Fold in chocolate chips. Stir until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  5. Drop spoonfuls over brownie batter. Gently place chunks of cookie dough on top of the brownie layer, slightly pressing them in without fully mixing.

Step 3: Bake the Brookies

Close-up of brookie dough in a baking pan, topped with chocolate chips. A spoon spreads chocolate batter on one section. The second image shows the smooth, unbaked brookie dough divided into sections.
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cookie layer is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Cool completely. Let the brookies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing to get clean, even squares.

To ensure your layers bake perfectly, follow this step-by-step guide on how to assemble a brookie here.

Expert Tips for the Best Brookie Recipe

  • Use quality chocolate for the best flavor. A rich brookie recipe depends on high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a deep, indulgent taste.
  • Chill the cookie dough before layering. If your cookie dough is too soft, it can spread too much while baking. Chilling it for 10-15 minutes before adding it on top of the brownie layer helps maintain a perfect balance between the two textures.
  • Don’t overmix the brownie batter. Overmixing can add too much air, making the brownies cakey instead of fudgy. Stir just until combined for that signature gooey texture in this brookie recipe.
  • Cover with foil if the cookie layer browns too quickly. Since brownies take longer to bake than cookies, the top may start browning before the center is fully cooked. If this happens, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • Let the brookies cool completely before cutting. Warm brookies are delicious, but for clean, even slices, allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting. For extra sharp edges, chill them in the fridge for 15 minutes before slicing.
A stack of freshly baked brookies with a golden cookie top and fudgy brownie bottom, filled with melted chocolate chips. Placed on parchment paper with a blurred background featuring a glass of milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can, but I highly recommend making both layers from scratch! Store-bought mixes often contain preservatives and artificial flavors that don’t taste as rich or homemade. Plus, pre-made cookie dough might spread too much and not layer as well over the brownies. If you’re short on time, though, a high-quality brownie mix and refrigerated cookie dough can work in a pinch!

If you’re wondering about the difference between a blondie and a brookie, we break it down in this article here

Why did my brookies turn out dry or too hard?

If your brookies are dry, they may have been overbaked. Since the brownie and cookie layers have different baking times, the key is to remove them from the oven when the center is still slightly soft. Also, be sure to measure your flour correctly—too much can make the dough dense and dry. I recommend using a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.

The trick is in the layering! Spread the brownie batter evenly in the pan, then gently place spoonfuls of cookie dough on top rather than pressing them in. This allows both layers to bake properly without blending into each other too much. If the cookie dough starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Can I freeze brookies?

Yes! Brookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Simply let them cool completely, then cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

Can I make a gluten-free or vegan version?

Absolutely! For a gluten-free brookie, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), and dairy-free chocolate chips. Keep in mind that textures may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

Freshly baked brookies cooling on a black wire rack, showcasing a golden cookie top and rich, fudgy brownie bottom with melted chocolate chunks. A few crumbs are scattered on the light-colored surface.

This easy brookie recipe is the perfect treat for any occasion. on their own, but if you really want to take them to the next level, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. 🤤

Enjoy! 🍪🍫

Print
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A stack of three freshly baked brookies with a golden, crispy cookie layer on top and a rich, fudgy brownie bottom, filled with melted chocolate chips. Placed on a white parchment paper with a blurred background featuring a glass of milk.

The Ultimate brookie recipe


  • Author: What a recipes
  • Total Time: 31 minute
  • Yield: 12 brookie bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

 

This brookie recipe combines rich, fudgy brownies with soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies in one irresistible dessert! Easy to make from scratch, these brookie bars are perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Layer:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cookie Layer:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Prepare the brownie layer: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and pour batter into the prepared pan.
  • Prepare the cookie layer: In a separate bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
  • Assemble: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the brownie batter and gently spread without fully mixing.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool completely before slicing into squares and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra gooey brookies, slightly underbake and let them set as they cool.
  • Customize it! Try adding nuts, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 mi n
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Category: breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brookie bar
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: brookie recipe