Fudgy Chewy Brookies Recipe – Brownie + Cookie = Dessert Magic!

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Author: Vergie Hough
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When you’re torn between the rich, decadent chew of a fudgy brownie and the buttery sweetness of a classic chocolate chip cookie, why not have both? Welcome to the irresistible world of Brookies—a mouthwatering fusion where brownie meets cookie in a dessert that’s nothing short of magical. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making the perfect brookies recipe—chewy, fudgy, and packed with chocolate goodness. This isn’t just any dessert. This is a layered indulgence designed to satisfy every chocolate lover’s deepest craving.

In this article, we’ll go far beyond the basics. We’ll explore the origins of brookies, dive deep into each step of preparation, offer expert tips and variations, and ensure you end up with bakery-level results every time. Whether you’re a beginner or a baking pro, this fudgy chewy brookies recipe will become your new go-to when your sweet tooth demands both a brownie and a cookie—in one bite.

What Are Brookies?

Brookies are the delicious offspring of brownies and cookies, layered together to create the ultimate dessert hybrid. The bottom layer is a rich, fudgy brownie—dense and chocolaty—while the top is a chewy, golden chocolate chip cookie. This duality of textures and flavors creates a uniquely satisfying treat that brings together the best of both worlds.

The name “brookie” is a simple mashup of “brownie” and “cookie,” and it’s just as fun to say as it is to eat. They’ve grown wildly popular for bake sales, potlucks, celebrations, or just a cozy weekend dessert. What makes this fudgy chewy brookies recipe stand out is its balance: the cookie isn’t too crisp, the brownie isn’t too cakey, and both layers complement each other perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Fudgy Chewy Brookies Recipe

  • Double the dessert pleasure: Why settle for one when you can have two desserts in every bite?
  • Ultimate texture combo: Crisp edges, gooey centers, and chewy layers.
  • Easy to make: No fancy equipment, no chilling time, and minimal cleanup.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
  • Customizable: Switch up the chips, add nuts, or swirl in caramel—this base recipe is your launchpad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the two layers of this brookies recipe, so you know exactly what you’ll need before you preheat your oven.

Brownie Layer 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

Cookie Layer Ingredients:

  • 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 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Everything in this brookies recipe serves a purpose. The sugars caramelize and create chewiness, while the butter delivers richness. The leavening agents provide lift, and the eggs bind it all together into one harmonious bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Fudgy Chewy Brookies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges—this makes it easier to lift out the brookies once they’re baked and cooled.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.

Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk again until the mixture is well blended and thick.

Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that could make the brownie layer tough.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer using a spatula.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. This step introduces air into the dough, making the cookies soft and chewy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.

Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined.

Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough on top of the brownie batter. Lightly press the dough down so it spreads a bit, but don’t worry about covering the whole surface—it’ll spread beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Don’t wait until the toothpick comes out clean—you want fudgy, chewy perfection, not dry cake.

Let the brookies cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into squares.

Tips for Making Perfect Fudgy Chewy Brookies

  • Don’t overbake: Slightly underbaking ensures the brownies stay moist and fudgy.
  • Cool before slicing: Let them rest until fully cooled. For clean slices, pop them in the fridge for 20 minutes before cutting.
  • Use quality cocoa: A good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder will give the brownie layer that deep, intense chocolate flavor.
  • Experiment with mix-ins: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or swirl in peanut butter for a creative twist.
  • Go big or go home: Want thicker brookies? Use a smaller pan (like 7×7) and add 5 more minutes to the bake time.

Creative Variations to Try

This fudgy chewy brookies recipe is just the beginning. Once you master the base, it’s easy to build new variations:

  • Peanut Butter Brookies: Swirl peanut butter into the brownie layer before baking.
  • S’mores Brookies: Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows to the cookie layer.
  • Salted Caramel Brookies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top after baking, then sprinkle with sea salt.
  • Mint Brookies: Use mint chocolate chips or add a drop of peppermint extract to the cookie dough.
  • White Chocolate Raspberry Brookies: Fold white chocolate chips and freeze-dried raspberries into the cookie dough.

Each variation brings its own texture and flavor, but they all keep that irresistible brookie foundation intact.

What to Serve with Brookies

Pair these chewy brookies with:

  • A glass of cold milk – the classic pairing.
  • Vanilla ice cream – for a decadent sundae-style treat.
  • Hot coffee or espresso – balances the sweetness with a bold kick.
  • Fresh berries – for a tangy contrast.

How to Store Brookies

Proper storage is key to maintaining that perfect fudgy texture.

  • At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • In the fridge: They’ll keep for about 1 week, but may firm up. Microwave for 10 seconds to restore the gooey texture.
  • In the freezer: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. They’ll last 2–3 months. Thaw at room temp or reheat briefly in the microwave.

FAQs About Brookies

What’s the difference between brookies and blondies?

Brookies combine brownies and cookies into one dessert, while blondies are essentially cookie bars without cocoa powder. Brookies offer a layered experience of chocolatey brownie and buttery cookie in each bite.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! For a crowd, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to increase baking time by 5–10 minutes.

Can I make this brookie recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure all other ingredients (like chocolate chips) are certified gluten-free.

Why is my brookie dry?

Overbaking is the most common reason. Pull them out when a toothpick has a few moist crumbs—not when it’s completely clean. Also, avoid overmixing either batter.

Can I make brookies without chocolate chips?

Yes, but we don’t recommend it! The chocolate chips in the cookie layer add essential texture and sweetness. If you’re out, try chopped chocolate or another mix-in like M&Ms or toffee bits.

Are brookies better warm or cold?

That depends on your taste. Warm brookies are gooey and rich—perfect with ice cream. Cold brookies firm up a bit, making them easier to slice and perfect for lunchboxes or snacks.

Conclusion

This fudgy chewy brookies recipe is your ticket to dessert heaven. It’s the ultimate answer to your indecisiveness between brownies and cookies—why choose when you can have both in one glorious bite? With layers of rich chocolate and gooey cookie, the texture and flavor will blow away any store-bought treat. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just a late-night craving, brookies will always be a hit.

So preheat that oven, whip up two batters in one kitchen session, and get ready to bite into pure dessert magic. Once you try these fudgy chewy brookies, you’ll never go back to plain brownies or cookies again.

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Fudgy Chewy Brookies Recipe – Brownie + Cookie = Dessert Magic!

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  • Author: Vergie Hough

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cookie Layer:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 egg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips


Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.


Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

  1. In a bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth.

  2. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until combined.

  3. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.

  4. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.


Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

  1. In another bowl, cream softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy.

  2. Add egg and vanilla, beat well.

  3. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.

  4. Fold in chocolate chips.

  5. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the brownie batter. Gently press to spread a bit (it’ll spread more in the oven).


Step 4: Bake

 

  • Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the cookie top is golden and a toothpick comes out with a few fudgy crumbs.

  • Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.


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