If you have a sweet tooth and love the best of both worlds, this Easy Brookie Bars Recipe is your new go-to dessert. Combining the fudgy richness of brownies with the chewy, buttery charm of chocolate chip cookies, these bars are irresistibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends and family, these layered dessert bars bring all the classic flavors together in one perfect bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward ingredients is all you need to create this stunning treat. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing to the texture, sweetness, and that inviting homemade aroma.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Provides the rich, velvety base for the brownie layer.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownie layer and balances the cocoa bitterness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while lending moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to both layers.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings that classic chocolate intensity to the brownies.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (brownie): Gives structure without weighing down.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (brownie): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Provides a gentle lift to keep the brownie layer soft.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, cookie): Essential for the cookie’s chewy, tender bite.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes to the cookie dough.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (cookie): Balances the sweetness in the cookie layer.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cookie dough and enriches its texture.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (cookie): Creates a tender, thick cookie topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cookie dough rises slightly and spreads just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (cookie): Cuts through the sweetness for perfect flavor balance.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient that melts into gooey pockets of chocolate bliss.
How to Make Easy Brookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this makes cleanup and removal a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla extract, mixing until completely combined. Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, folding gently just until the batter comes together. This fudgy base will be the foundation of your brookie bars, so aim for smooth yet dense batter.
Step 2: Spread Brownie Batter Into the Pan
With your brownie batter ready, spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just an even layer so that the cookie dough can layer beautifully on top. The rich chocolate aroma is already making the kitchen feel like the coziest place on earth!
Step 3: Create the Cookie Dough Layer
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key to that soft, chewy cookie texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended. Then stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. This cookie dough will be the perfect sweet and chunky counterpoint to the brownie base.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough over the brownie layer, spreading gently to cover most of the surface but leaving some spots textured and rustic. Bake your brookie bars for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs. This warm time in the oven will meld the layers into one glorious dessert.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Cooling is crucial—it helps everything set perfectly, so your bars hold together while boasting that fudgy-chewy contrast we all crave.
How to Serve Easy Brookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To instantly elevate your brookie bars, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle some warm caramel or chocolate sauce. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add interesting contrast, highlighting the layers of sweetness in each bite.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside fresh berries or a cup of hot coffee or milk—perfect to balance out the rich chocolate and cookie layers.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your brookie bars into stunning dessert bars by stacking them on a pretty platter with parchment paper doilies or cutting them into bite-sized squares for parties and gatherings. Wrapping individual bars with cellophane and tied with a ribbon makes for charming homemade gifts that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The bars stay moist and delicious, making it easy to grab one for a quick treat or share with someone special.
Freezing
You can freeze these brookie bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen bars will keep well for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your brookie bars warm, microwave a single piece for about 10-15 seconds or heat in a low oven for a few minutes. This softens the chocolate and enhances the gooey textures, almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought brownie mix instead of making the brownie layer from scratch?
Absolutely! Using a boxed brownie mix can save time, though making it from scratch offers a richer flavor and personalized control over ingredients. Either way, your brookie bars will still be a hit.
Is it okay to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to swap in milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate for a more intense, bittersweet flavor. Each variation offers a unique twist while keeping the snack delicious.
Can I make the cookie dough layer without chocolate chips?
Definitely! While chocolate chips provide that melty, gooey texture, you can omit them or replace them with nuts, toffee bits, or even dried fruit for added crunch or chewiness.
What if my brookie bars are too soft or too cakey?
If you prefer fudgier bars, be careful not to overbake them and consider chilling the bars before slicing. Also, slightly decreasing the flour in the brownie layer can help keep that dense texture you crave.
Can I double this recipe to make a larger batch?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger pan (such as 9×13 inches) adjusting baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the bars and test for doneness to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of brownies and cookies baked into one spectacular dessert. This Easy Brookie Bars Recipe brings effortless joy to your kitchen and guarantees smiles with every bite. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a beloved staple for family gatherings, celebrations, or even a cozy night snack. So, go ahead and make a batch—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Easy Brookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus cooling
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Brookie Bars combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the chewy, buttery goodness of chocolate chip cookies in one irresistible layered dessert. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat anytime, these bars are simple to make and guaranteed to please both brownie and cookie lovers alike.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Cookie Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined without overmixing.
- Spread Brownie Layer: Pour and evenly spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan to form the first layer of the brookie bars.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until incorporated. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined, then gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Assemble Layers: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough evenly over the brownie batter layer. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread and cover the brownie layer with the cookie dough, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, add 1/2 cup chocolate chunks to the brownie batter before spreading it in the pan.
- Chilling the bars after baking helps achieve cleaner, neater slices.
- Store leftover brookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
