Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-484696H20M7S
Total time: PT-484696H20M7S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Brownie Batter; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

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These irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies, sometimes called "brookies," combine two beloved desserts into one magnificent treat. With a fudgy brownie base topped with golden chocolate chip cookie dough, this hybrid dessert delivers the perfect balance of chewy, gooey textures and rich chocolate flavors in every bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect for indecisive dessert lovers who can't choose between cookies and brownies
Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry
Impressive dessert that looks like it took more effort than it actually did
Customizable with different mix-ins to suit your preferences
Guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings
Makes a generously-sized batch that's perfect for sharing
Satisfies intense chocolate cravings with double the chocolate goodness

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter serves double duty in this recipe, creating richness in both the brownie base and cookie topping. It provides that melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes these treats so indulgent. You can use salted butter if needed, just reduce the added salt accordingly.

Granulated sugar sweetens both components while helping to create that perfect crinkly top on the brownies. It also contributes to the cookie dough's structure and golden edges.

Brown sugar is used exclusively in the cookie portion, bringing moisture, a deeper caramel flavor, and that classic chewy texture we all love in chocolate chip cookies.

Eggs bind the ingredients together while adding richness and structure. They help create that fudgy interior in the brownies and give the cookies their soft, tender quality.

Vanilla extract enhances all the flavors in both the brownie base and cookie topping. It adds depth and warmth that complements the chocolate perfectly.

Cocoa powder delivers that intense chocolate flavor in the brownie layer. Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor development.

All-purpose flour provides structure to both components. The different ratios in the brownie versus cookie portions create their distinctive textures.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavors. Don't skip it—it's essential for a well-rounded taste profile.

Baking soda in the cookie dough creates the perfect rise and texture. It helps achieve those slightly crisp edges with a soft center.

Chocolate chips bring pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cookie layer. You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for the brownie batter. Stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for the chocolate chip cookie dough.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until light and fluffy.
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft cookie dough forms.
Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Pour the brownie batter into the lined baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Take spoonfuls of the chocolate chip cookie dough and drop them onto the brownie batter.
Gently press the dough into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey.
Remove from the oven and allow the brookies to cool completely in the baking dish.
Once cooled, cut into squares or desired shapes and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 16 generous servings, depending on how you cut them. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, while baking requires 30-35 minutes. Allow at least 1 hour for cooling before cutting. The total time from start to finish is approximately 2 hours.

Variations

Double Chocolate Cookie Brownies: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a double chocolate experience.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies: Substitute ¼ cup of the butter in the cookie dough with ¼ cup of peanut butter for a delightful peanut butter twist.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies: Add ½ teaspoon of mint extract to the brownie batter and use mint chocolate chips in the cookie dough.

White Chocolate Macadamia Cookie Brownies: Replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add ½ cup of chopped macadamia nuts to the cookie dough.

S'mores Cookie Brownies: Add ½ cup mini marshmallows and ¼ cup crushed graham crackers to the cookie dough for a s'mores-inspired treat.

Storage/Reheating

Counter Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. The texture will become firmer, which some people prefer.

Freezer Storage: These brookies freeze extremely well. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave a room-temperature piece for 10-15 seconds. If frozen, thaw at room temperature for an hour before warming, or microwave directly from frozen for 20-30 seconds.

Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent dessert, warm a brownie slightly and top with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.

FAQs

How do I know when my cookie brownies are done baking?

The edges should be set and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan, while the center should still be slightly soft but not raw. A toothpick inserted into the brownie layer should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. The cookie top should be golden brown. Remember that they will continue to set as they cool.

Can I make these brookies ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These actually taste even better the day after baking as the flavors have time to meld. You can make them 1-2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them up to 3 months in advance and thaw the day before your event.

My cookie brownies turned out too cakey. What went wrong?

Overmixing the batter or adding too much flour can result in a cakey texture. Make sure to measure flour correctly (spoon and level rather than scooping) and mix just until ingredients are combined. Also, shorter baking time helps maintain fudginess in the brownie layer.

Can I use a boxed brownie mix for the base to save time?

Yes! You can use your favorite boxed brownie mix for the base layer and just prepare the homemade cookie dough for the top. Follow the box instructions for the brownie layer and then continue with the recipe from step 4.

Why did my chocolate chip cookie layer spread too much and cover the entire brownie?

If your cookie dough was too soft or contained too much butter, it may spread more during baking. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and try chilling the assembled brookies for 15 minutes before baking to help control spreading.

Can I use different sized pans for this recipe?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust baking times accordingly. A 9x9-inch pan will yield thicker brookies and may need a few extra minutes of baking time. A 9x13-inch pan will produce thinner layers and will bake more quickly. Watch closely and adjust as needed.

How can I get clean cuts when slicing my cookie brownies?

For the cleanest cuts, make sure the brookies are completely cooled (refrigerating for an hour helps). Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts with a warm, damp cloth. For extra neat slices, you can even freeze the brookies for 30 minutes before cutting.

Can I make these brookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure all other ingredients, like vanilla extract and chocolate chips, are also certified gluten-free.

Why did my brownies sink in the middle after baking?

This usually happens when the brownies are underbaked or when the oven temperature is too high. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated, and test for doneness carefully. A slight sink in the middle is normal for fudgy brownies and will be hidden by the cookie layer anyway.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?

Absolutely! Add up to ½ cup of chopped nuts, candy pieces, or additional chocolate chunks to either the brownie batter or the cookie dough. Just be careful not to add too many heavy ingredients to the cookie layer, as they might sink into the brownie layer during baking.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies represent the best of both worlds, combining two beloved desserts into one extraordinary treat. The contrast between the fudgy, rich brownie base and the chewy, chocolate-studded cookie top creates a dessert experience that's truly special. Whether you're baking for a family gathering, potluck, holiday celebration, or simply treating yourself, these brookies are guaranteed to impress. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations, meaning you can customize these treats to suit any occasion or preference. So go ahead—indulge in this perfect marriage of chocolate chip cookies and brownies, and watch how quickly they disappear!