Cookie Brownie Bars

Featured in Sweet Treats Worth the Calories.

These bars mix fudgy brownies and brown butter cookie dough into marbled layers. They’re the ultimate combo of two classic sweet treats, in one bite.
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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:54:11 GMT
A pile of chewy chocolate brownie bars with chocolate chips on top, surrounded by extra chocolate pieces. Pin it
A pile of chewy chocolate brownie bars with chocolate chips on top, surrounded by extra chocolate pieces. | cookwithtaste.com

I've gotta tell you about my top dessert combo - these amazing Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies (we just call them Brookies for short). I've tweaked this recipe tons of times and finally nailed the perfect mix that combines two worlds: super fudgy brownies and soft, gooey chocolate chip cookies all wrapped up in one awesome treat. It's basically having two desserts at once - even better than that cake saying!

Why These Stand Out From The Crowd

What gets me every time is how these brookies perfectly blend two classic sweets. The way the fudgy middle meets those chewy edges with multiple chocolate layers just can't be beat. Whenever I need something impressive - doesn't matter if it's for friends coming over or just our family wanting something extra tasty - these are my automatic go-to.

Your Ingredient List

  • All-Purpose Flour: This works as your base - make sure you measure it right.
  • Unsalted Butter: We'll brown part of this to create real flavor magic.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These upgrade everything they touch.
  • Dark Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Together they create the ultimate texture.
  • Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: Worth getting the good stuff, you'll taste why.
  • Eggs: These help create that gorgeous crackly surface.
  • Baking Powder and Soda: For just the right lift.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds that crucial flavor dimension.
  • Salt: This tiny addition makes all other flavors shine.

Step By Step Baking Guide

Get That Butter Golden
This transforms everything, so watch for those tiny amber bits and smell that nutty scent.
Create Brownie Base
There's something so rewarding about mixing melted chocolate and butter, then we'll get that perfect top by whipping sugar with eggs.
Mix Cookie Dough
The browned butter takes these cookies to another level, mix everything just enough without overdoing it.
Create Your Layers
Now comes the fun part, making those gorgeous swirls and stacks, and don't stress about perfection.
Watch While Baking
Look for that slight wobble in the middle, it means they're done just right.

Pro Tricks I've Learned

Get yourself a good kitchen scale, it changes everything. I've noticed gentle mixing makes such a big difference. My oven runs hot so I always use a thermometer, and letting that cocoa wake up in warm butter really amps up the chocolate kick. And always pick metal pans, they spread heat way better.

Storage Suggestions

They'll stay good in a sealed container for a few days. When I want to fancy them up, I pop them in the microwave for a few seconds and top with cold vanilla ice cream. And between us, they taste amazing with your morning coffee too.

Custom Variations

I like throwing in crushed pecans sometimes or swapping different chocolate chip types. During Christmas I add festive candy pieces on top. And try adding a swirl of peanut butter sometime, it'll blow your mind. You can really play around with this recipe.

Common Questions

You can use boxed mixes in a pinch, but making them from scratch tastes so much better. Pay attention to how you stack your layers, and yes, they work great with gluten free flour mixes too, I've done it many times.

The Perfect Brownie Technique

Finding that ideal fudgy texture with the crackly crust took lots of testing. The secret is in how you beat the eggs and sugar together, plus letting the cocoa sit in the hot butter for a bit. These small steps really add up to make something special.

A close-up image of two stacked chocolate brownies topped with chocolate chips, surrounded by scattered chocolate chips on a dark surface. Pin it
A close-up image of two stacked chocolate brownies topped with chocolate chips, surrounded by scattered chocolate chips on a dark surface. | cookwithtaste.com

Homemade Satisfaction

Making these from scratch just makes me happy inside. I love being able to adjust how sweet they are, use my favorite chocolate brands, and watching everyone's reaction when they bite into them. The ones from the store just can't match what you can make with your own hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I tell these brownies are ready?
Once the edges set, and the middle barely jiggles, the brownies are done. If 45 minutes isn’t enough, bake longer while checking. Use an oven thermometer for best results.
→ What does brown butter do for the cookie dough?
It adds an amazing, nutty taste to the dough, taking the flavor to another level. Make sure you have at least 90g of brown butter after cooking, adding water if needed.
→ Can I prepare these bars in advance?
Totally! Once they’re completely cooled at room temperature, keep them in a tightly sealed container. They’ll stay good for several days.
→ Why add a marbled effect?
Swirls of cookie dough give a gorgeous look and guarantee you get both brownie and cookie in every slice, keeping the texture just right.
→ How can I cut them nicely?
After they’re fully cooled, use a sharp knife to slice them up. Clean your knife in between cuts for smooth edges.

Cookie Brownie Bars

Soft, chocolatey brownies blended with nutty brown butter cookie dough for the perfect dessert mashup.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Milly

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 113g unsalted butter (8 tbsp), for the cookies.
02 200g white sugar (1 cup).
03 24g cocoa powder, Dutch-processed (1/4 cup).
04 50g white sugar (1/4 cup).
05 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
06 2 eggs, large.
07 80g plain all-purpose flour (2/3 cup).
08 130g semi-sweet chocolate (3/4 cup).
09 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
10 1/2 teaspoon salt.
11 113g unsalted butter (8 tbsp).
12 180g chocolate chips, semi-sweet (1 cup).
13 1 egg, at room temperature.
14 160g plain flour (1 1/3 cup).
15 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
16 100g dark brown sugar (1/2 cup).

Instructions

Step 01

Melt butter in a saucepan on medium heat until you see amber with browned dots. Pour into a container, saving 90g.

Step 02

Set the oven to 350°F/175°C. Take an 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper, greasing it lightly.

Step 03

Mix the chocolate with the butter until smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder. Whisk together beaten eggs and sugar in a separate bowl till it starts to foam, then blend into the chocolate mixture. Finally, fold in salt and flour gently.

Step 04

Blend the sugars with the browned butter. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gently fold in the dry ingredients and chocolate pieces just until it holds together.

Step 05

Spread half the brownie batter in the pan, press in 2/3 of the cookie dough in flattened pieces, layer on the rest of the brownie, and sprinkle over the leftover cookie dough. Let it bake for 40-45 minutes until edges firm up.

Notes

  1. Center should jiggle a little when ready.
  2. Cool fully before you cut or eat.
  3. Using an oven thermometer can help accuracy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Digital kitchen scale.
  • Square pan, 8-inch.
  • Non-stick parchment sheet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Includes dairy.
  • Made with wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 368
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 44 g
  • Protein: 4 g