Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies Recipe
If you’re a fan of decadent desserts that bring all the best parts of two classics into one mouthwatering bite, Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies and gooey, golden chocolate chip cookies baked together—a love story written in chocolate, butter, and pure comfort. This bake is more than just a treat; it’s the kind of dessert that conjures up cozy afternoons and shared laughter, perfect for special occasions or as a delicious pick-me-up whenever the craving hits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples come together to create Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies, but don’t be fooled—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building up those rich layers and irresistible flavors. Whether it’s the real vanilla or a handful of chocolate chips, every detail matters here!
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Butter brings moisture and richness to both the brownie and cookie layers, ensuring a tender crumb and decadent taste.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with structure and chew in both layers.
- Brown sugar (packed): In the cookie layer, brown sugar brings a hint of molasses flavor and that classic chewy texture.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind the batters together, giving your bars a soft, plush bite.
- Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla deepens the flavor and adds warmth to the overall profile of these bars.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: The key to an intensely chocolaty brownie base—use a good-quality cocoa for best results.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone! Flour provides structure to both the cookie and brownie layers without making them cakey.
- Salt: Just a pinch in each layer amplifies all the flavors, making every bite pop.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These lift the batters, making sure your brownies are plush and your cookies are just the right amount of soft.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The final flourish—a handful of chips ensures that each square is studded with gooey, melty chocolate pockets.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get a perfect, even bake. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or give it a light coating of butter or nonstick spray. This quick prep helps guarantee your Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies won’t stick and lets you lift them out effortlessly for that all-important first slice.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Brownie Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking again to blend everything until creamy. Next, stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix gently just until no flour streaks remain—you want the brownies rich and fudgy, not tough!
Step 3: Pour and Spread the Brownie Layer
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly, making sure the luscious chocolate mixture reaches all the corners. This is the foundation for your Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies, so try to get an even surface for the cookie layer to rest on.
Step 4: Cream Together the Cookie Dough
Grab a fresh bowl and beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing just enough to combine. Add in the flour, baking soda, and salt, folding everything together until no dry spots remain. Now for the best part—stir in the chocolate chips for molten pools of chocolate in every bite!
Step 5: Layer and Swirl
Drop generous spoonfuls of cookie dough evenly over the brownie batter. Don’t worry about perfect coverage; a little mingling of the two layers is part of the charm! If you want a marbled look, gently swirl the batters with a knife. Otherwise, use your hands or a spatula to nudge the cookie dough into a more even layer, covering as much of the brownie as you can.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a top that’s golden and set, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs—no wet batter. Resist rushing; letting them cool completely in the pan ensures clean slices and that perfect layered effect.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
Garnishes
There’s plenty to love about these bars just as they are, but a shower of flaky sea salt on top right after baking makes the chocolate flavors sing. Or, for a special touch, dust the cooled brownies with powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies are stars on their own, but if you’re aiming for a showstopping dessert spread, pair them with a fruit salad or fresh berries for some contrast. Glasses of cold milk, espresso, or a dollop of whipped cream on the side wouldn’t go amiss either.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn each square into its own mini masterpiece by topping with caramel sauce, sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between two bars for a brownie-cookie ice cream sandwich, or even cutting them into bite-sized cubes and piling high in a dessert trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies keep beautifully at room temperature for several days. Just slip them into an airtight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to four days—if you can resist them that long!
Freezing
Want to save a few for later? Freeze cooled and sliced brownies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container once solid. They keep well for up to two months, ready to be thawed whenever that sweet tooth calls.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds or heat a batch in a 300°F oven for about five minutes. This will revive both the gooey cookie layer and the fudgy brownie base.
FAQs
Can I use boxed brownie mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, boxed brownie mix works just fine for the base—just prepare according to package instructions and follow the rest of the recipe for the cookie layer on top.
What makes Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies different from brookies?
They’re basically the same irresistible dessert, but with Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies, you’re enjoying distinct, fully layered bars with classic chocolate chip cookie dough above a dense, fudgy brownie—whereas “brookies” may sometimes mean swirled or marbled batters.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Of course! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even peanut butter chips make fantastic additions. Just toss them into either the brownie or cookie dough for an extra crunch and flavor twist.
Why do my brownies seem underbaked?
Because of the gooey, layered nature of these bars, it’s normal for the center to be a bit fudgy even when done. For a cakier result, bake a few minutes longer, or if you love super-fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and cool completely before slicing.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in both layers. The rich texture of Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies comes through beautifully with gluten-free swaps.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you slice them, Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies hit that perfect spot between comforting nostalgia and all-out decadence. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking one for yourself late at night, they deliver pure dessert bliss. I promise, once you’ve tried them, you’ll be looking for any excuse to bake up another batch!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream with these decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies. A rich, fudgy brownie layer topped with a chewy chocolate chip cookie layer, creating the perfect marriage of two classic treats in one irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Cookie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make the brownie layer: In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, whisk until smooth. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Make the cookie layer: In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, and salt; mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the brownie batter and gently spread or press to cover most of the surface.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, underbake by 2 minutes and cool in the pan.
- You can also swirl the two batters together for a marbled effect.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
