Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-488423H4M42S
Total time: PT-488423H4M42S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 chocolate chips (optional); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

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Imagine biting into something that’s part chewy, fudgy brownie and part soft, gooey chocolate chip cookie — that’s the delicious magic of Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies. These irresistible treats, sometimes called Brookies, unite two classics into one decadent dessert experience. With a rich brownie base crowned by golden cookie dough, every square serves up a perfect balance of chocolatey depth and sweet, buttery goodness. Trust me, this is the kind of dessert that disappears as quickly as it’s sliced!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies so special is how straightforward the ingredients are — yet each one packs a punch, creating beautiful layers of flavor, color, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need (and why each matters).

Unsalted butter (for both layers): Melted for fudgy brownies, softened for fluffy cookies — butter is the golden ticket to richness throughout.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and structure in both the brownie and cookie layers, creating that crave-worthy bite.
Brown sugar (cookie dough layer): Adds a caramel-like depth and extra moisture to the top layer.
Eggs: Essential for binding and lending a soft, chewy structure to both layers.
Vanilla extract: A splash goes a long way, adding aromatic warmth to both batters.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (brownie layer): The foundation of that deep, chocolatey brownie flavor.
All-purpose flour: Holds everything together — you’ll use different amounts in each layer for perfect texture.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and balances all the sweetness.
Baking powder & baking soda: Each one helps its respective layer rise just enough for the perfect crumb.
Chocolate chips: Melty, gooey pockets of chocolate in both the brownie and cookie layers — because there’s no such thing as too much chocolate!

How to Make

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal — trust me, this saves a lot of hassle (and broken brownies). While the oven comes to temp, gather all your ingredients and set up your mixing bowls for a smooth process.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar for the brownie layer. Give it a good stir until everything’s glossy and well blended. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly thick. Next, add the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined — don’t overmix, or your brownies could be tough. If you’re feeling extra decadent, fold in the optional chocolate chips. Spread this luscious batter evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cookie Dough

In a separate bowl, use a mixer or sturdy spoon to cream together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for the cookie dough layer. Beat until light and fluffy; this is key for a soft top! Mix in the vanilla and egg until everything’s combined. In another small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet until just mixed. Gently fold in your chocolate chips for that classic cookie experience.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Now comes the fun part: layering your Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies. Drop generous spoonfuls of cookie dough evenly over your brownie batter. Don’t stress about spreading it perfectly — leaving a few chocolatey brownie peaks peeking through not only looks beautiful but ensures every bite is a mix of both flavors.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cookie dough layer is golden and set, and a toothpick stuck in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter — don’t overbake!). Once out, let the brownies cool for at least 15-20 minutes. Patience here pays off and keeps those gorgeous layers intact when you slice.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Use a sharp knife to cut your cooled Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies into 16 squares. Watch your friends and family flock to the kitchen as that first slice reveals swirls of fudge and golden cookie. Serve and enjoy every sweet, chewy, chocolatey bite!

How to Serve

Garnishes

Dress up your Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies with a shower of extra chocolate chips, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a quick drizzle of melted chocolate. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top is the ultimate finishing touch.

Side Dishes

These bars are incredibly rich, so I love pairing them with lighter accompaniments. Try serving with fresh sliced strawberries, a bowl of ripe raspberries, or a tall glass of cold milk. Light, tart fruits balance out the intense chocolate, creating a perfectly rounded dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, stack the brownies on a tiered cake stand, or wrap individual squares in parchment and tie with colorful baker’s twine for party favors. For an extra wow-factor, try cutting them with a cookie cutter into hearts, stars, or other fun shapes — especially cute for birthdays or holidays!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, stash them in the fridge to preserve their soft, fudgy bite.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully! Simply wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When a craving hits, just pull out a square and let it thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

Craving a warm, gooey treat? Pop a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until the chocolate starts to melt and the center is fudgy again. A scoop of ice cream on top never hurts!

FAQs

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on baking time — it may take a few minutes longer. The recipe scales up beautifully and is perfect for potlucks or parties.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Let the Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies cool almost completely before slicing. For extra-neat edges, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Refrigerating the brownies for 30 minutes before slicing can help, too.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a swirl of peanut butter make delicious additions. Just fold them into either batter before layering in the pan. Customize to your heart’s content — that’s half the fun.

Can I use store-bought brownie or cookie mixes?

You can, but homemade really takes things to the next level with fresher flavor and better texture. If you’re in a pinch, a high-quality boxed mix for either layer will work — just follow the package instructions and layer as directed here.

My brownies seem underbaked in the center — is this normal?

A little gooeyness is perfect for Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies, but the center shouldn’t be raw. If the cookie top is golden but the middle is still very wobbly, loosely cover the pan with foil and bake for a few extra minutes. The brownies will also set up more as they cool.

Final Thoughts

If you love chocolate and cookies (and who doesn’t?), these Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies are bound to become a new favorite. They’re easy to whip up and turn any day into a celebration with their bold flavor and gorgeous layers. Give them a try soon — your sweet tooth will thank you!