Ultimate Chocolate Chip Brookies Recipe: A Super Easy, Fudgy Delight for Cookie Lovers

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a fudgy brownie and a chewy chocolate chip cookie, then brookies are about to become your favorite dessert. This ultimate chocolate chip brookies recipe brings the best of both worlds into one delicious pan: a dense, rich brownie layer topped with a soft, buttery cookie layer.

Brookies are especially popular because they’re incredibly simple to make. With pantry staples and just one baking pan, you can create a dessert that feels gourmet but takes less than an hour to prepare. If you’re just getting started in baking, here’s a great place to brush up on the best baking tips for beginners before diving in.

What makes this brookie recipe ultimate? It’s the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease. The brownie base is deeply chocolatey thanks to quality cocoa powder and melted chocolate, while the cookie top adds a sweet, vanilla-kissed crunch. You can also make thoughtful ingredient choices—like choosing the right vanilla extract over essence, as explained in this guide to vanilla types—to maximize flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple steps and one pan
• Fudgy brownie base that’s rich and gooey
• Chewy cookie top with golden edges
• Kid-friendly and party-ready
• Customizable with different mix-ins

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate brookie bars.

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 stick unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Cookie Dough Layer:

• 1 stick unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of sea salt
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: electric mixer for creaming

How to Make the Brownie Base

Start by making the fudgy brownie batter:

• In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth.
• Add eggs and vanilla extract; whisk until fully combined.
• Fold in flour, salt, and chocolate chips with a spatula until you get a thick batter.
• Pour into a lined baking pan and smooth out evenly with a spatula.

How to Make the Cookie Dough Layer

Next, create the chewy cookie topping:

• In a clean bowl, mix the melted butter with both sugars until light and creamy.
• Add egg and vanilla extract, whisk until combined.
• Fold in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt.
• Add the chocolate chips and mix until the dough is soft and well combined.
• Carefully spoon the dough over the brownie batter, spreading it gently to cover.

Baking Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
• Let the brookies cool completely in the pan to allow the layers to set.
• Once cooled, slice into squares using a sharp knife.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce
• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt
• Top with fresh berries or whipped cream
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or cold milk

Recipe Variations

Switch up your brookies with these fun flavor twists:

• Blondie Brookies – use a white chocolate blondie base
• S’mores Brookies – add graham cracker crumbs and marshmallows
• Peanut Butter Swirl – swirl peanut butter into the brownie layer
• Triple Chocolate – mix in white, milk, and dark chocolate chips
• Nutty Brookies – add chopped walnuts or pecans to either layer
• Mocha Brookies – add espresso powder to the brownie mix

Expert Tips for Success

• Use quality chocolate for both layers
• Do not overmix the brownie batter—keep it dense
• Cream the cookie butter and sugar well for fluffier texture
• Chill the brookies before slicing for clean edges
• Store in an airtight container to retain moisture

Storage & Freezing Instructions

• Store brookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate for up to a week—reheat in microwave before serving.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Slice into bars and wrap tightly before freezing.
• Defrost at room temperature or use your microwave’s defrost setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boxed brownie or cookie mix?
Yes! While homemade yields better flavor, boxed mixes work in a pinch.

How do I know when brookies are done?
They’re ready when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Why let brookies cool in the pan?
This allows the layers to fully set and makes slicing easier.

What’s the secret to getting clean slices?
Let them chill, then cut with a sharp knife and wipe between cuts.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can adjust to your taste. Dark chocolate adds depth, especially for chocolate lovers.

Final Thoughts

These ultimate brookies are everything a dessert lover could ask for: chewy, fudgy, rich, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat or a holiday crowd-pleaser, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and mix-ins—the beauty of brookies is that they’re as versatile as they are indulgent. Now that you’ve mastered this recipe, the only question left is: cookie or brownie? With brookies, you never have to choose.