If you have a sweet tooth and love the best of both worlds, you are going to adore this Easy Brookie Bars Recipe. Imagine the fudgy richness of brownies meeting the chewy, buttery goodness of classic chocolate chip cookies in one irresistible dessert. These brookie bars bring together two beloved treats in a simple, no-fuss way that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Once you try this Easy Brookie Bars Recipe, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for any occasion, from casual weeknight baking to special celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easy Brookie Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each item plays an essential role, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and richness in every bite. From the melted butter that adds depth and moisture to the chocolate chips that promise bursts of gooey sweetness, these components come together effortlessly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives the brownie layer its moist, fudgy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownie batter perfectly without overpowering.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the brownie ingredients while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warmth and depth.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that irresistible chocolatey punch in the brownie base.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownie layer while keeping it tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownie slightly rise for a perfect texture.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided: Half goes in the brownie, half folded into the cookie dough for double chocolatey goodness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base for the cookie dough, lending a rich, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookie dough.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and texture in the cookie layer.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cookie ingredients while keeping it tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the cookie dough’s flavor with a warm, inviting note.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the perfect chewiness in the cookie layer.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies spread just right without becoming cakey.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the cookie dough’s flavor balance.
How to Make Easy Brookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This prep step ensures your bars bake evenly and come out cleanly when sliced, making your effort worth every bit.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Brownie Batter
In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. This mix ensures that your brownies start with a rich base. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is silky smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring gently to keep the batter light but fully blended. Fold in half of the chocolate chips to sprinkle chocolaty pockets throughout your brownie layer.
Step 3: Spread the Brownie Batter
Pour and spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan. This layer will form the delicious dense, fudgy base of your brookie bars, providing a moist foundation that you will soon top with cookie dough.
Step 4: Cream Together the Cookie Dough
In a separate bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that perfect chewy texture in your cookie layer. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly so the flavor melds beautifully. Finally, stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in the remaining chocolate chips for that delightful chocolate crunch throughout your cookie dough.
Step 5: Add the Cookie Dough Over the Brownie Layer
Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the brownie batter. Then, gently spread it out with a spatula or your fingers to cover most of the surface, creating a rustic yet tempting layered look. The imperfect spreading is part of the charm and helps the cookie dough bake just right on top of the brownies.
Step 6: Bake Your Brookie Bars
Bake your masterpiece in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test by inserting a toothpick in the center— it should come out with only a few moist crumbs. This means your brownies stay tender and fudgy while your cookie dough is perfectly cooked.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This cooling step is essential for clean slices and that satisfying texture that makes these bars so irresistible.
How to Serve Easy Brookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Want to take your brookie bars up a notch? Sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top right after baking to create a contrast that adds a gourmet touch. You can also dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation, or add a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce to make them even more decadent.
Side Dishes
Brookie bars are a dessert superstar on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream turns them into a delightful sundae-like treat. Fresh berries can add a refreshing burst of flavor and color that brightens up every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving brookie bars at a party? Arrange them on a wooden board with assorted nuts and fruit, or serve them warm alongside mini milk bottles for a fun, nostalgic vibe. You can also cut them into small bite-size squares and skewer them with colorful picks for an adorable dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Brookie bars stay moist and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This makes them perfect for baking ahead or enjoying as a midweek treat.
Freezing
Want to keep these lovely bars for longer? Freeze them by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months without losing their delicious texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your brookie bars warm, reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for around 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked feel and melts the chocolate chips to gooey perfection.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Using dark chocolate chips will add a richer, slightly more intense chocolate flavor, which complements the fudgy brownie and sweet cookie layers beautifully.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper in the baking pan?
While not mandatory, lining the pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the brookie bars out in one piece and ensures clean slicing without sticking.
Can I add nuts to this Easy Brookie Bars Recipe?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans mix wonderfully into either the brownie or cookie layer, adding some pleasant crunch and flavor variety.
How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center; a few moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick mean your brookies have the ideal fudgy and chewy texture. Overbaking may dry out the bars.
Can I double the recipe and bake in a larger pan?
You can double the ingredients for a larger pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly and monitor closely to avoid overbaking. A slightly larger pan may require a few additional minutes.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about combining two classic desserts into one, and this Easy Brookie Bars Recipe does just that in the most delicious way. Its perfectly balanced layers of fudgy brownies and chewy cookie dough create a treat that will wow your family and friends every time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these brookie bars disappear from your kitchen. Happy baking and happy eating!
Print
Easy Brookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Easy Brookie Bars, a perfect blend of rich fudgy brownies and chewy chocolate chip cookies layered together for an irresistible dessert treat. With a simple step-by-step process, these bars combine the best of both worlds and are perfect for any occasion.
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
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cookie Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup 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
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make brownie batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder, and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips until the mixture is fully combined.
- Spread brownie batter: Pour and spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth layer.
- Make cookie dough: In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Gently fold in the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
- Layer cookie dough: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough over the brownie batter, then gently spread it out to cover most of the surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Let the brookie bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, use dark chocolate chips or add chopped walnuts to either the brownie or cookie layer.
- Be careful not to overbake to maintain a fudgy brownie texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
