Brookies -- part brownie, part cookie, are finally getting the spotlight they deserve. If you’ve never tried one, you’re in for a treat. These bake-sale perfect bars are the a mashup of two classics: a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a golden, chewy chocolate chip cookie layer. And the best part? This version keeps things simple by starting with a box of Ghirardelli brownie mix and finishing with a quick, homemade cookie dough you stir together in minutes.
What Are Brookies?
Brookies are the ultimate dessert for the indecisive. Can’t choose between brownies and cookies? You don’t have to. Brookies combine the best of both worlds in one satisfying bite. While some recipes blend the two into individual cookies, this version sticks to the classic Brookie bars. They have a dense, chocolatey brownie layer on the bottom, topped with a buttery, shiny, chewy chocolate chip cookie layer. I add M&Ms, because why not?
Why You’ll Love This Easy Brookies Recipe
Using Ghirardelli brownie mix saves time without sacrificing flavor. It gives you that deep, dark chocolate base and chewy texture. On top of the brownies is a scratch cookie dough, but it's one you just stir together, thanks to oil instead of butter. The oil makes the recipe a little less expensive as well. I've not tried these with melted butter, but plan to just for comparison's sake. But with or without butter, these are crowd-pleasing and customizable! You use different types of chocolate chips, add nuts, M&Ms or your own favorite brownie mix.
Brookies Baking Tips
- Ghirardelli's brownie mix is designed for a square pan, but this recipe stretches it out over a 9x13 inch pan so there's a thinner brownie layer. You can definitely use another brand, but the ratio of brownie to cookie will be higher and you may need to bake a little longer.
- But don’t overbake! You want the brownies to stay fudgy and the cookies to stay chewy. Start checking at the minimum bake time.
- Line your pan with foil or parchment for easy removal, and chill before slicing for neat, clean edges.
- I haven't tested this recipe with melted butter instead of oil. The oil is simple, inexpensive and makes the tops nice and shiny. I do think it would be fun to try them with butter flavored popping & topping oil, but haven't done so yet. The most important thing is to make sure your oil is super fresh. Oil can absorb other flavors the longer it sits around.
Scratch Brownie Base
Lastly, if you really want to make these but don't have brownie mix, you can use the Easiest Homemade Brownies recipe as the base. The recipe in the link is designed for an 8-inch pan. Just follow it as usual, but spread across the 9x13 inch pan. I tested it and it was fine. Also, if you use a little black cocoa that recipe comes out just like Ghirardelli's box mix!
Recipe
The Easiest Brookies
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix such as Ghirardelli Ultimate Chocolate Premium (19 oz box)
- 1 large egg or amount listed on box
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or amount listed on box
- ¼ cup water or amount listed on box
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Chocolate Chip Bar Topping
- ½ cup vegetable oil, the freshest available
- ½ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed (100-110 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon salt plus a pinch
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (127 grams)
- 1 cup chocolate chips plus a handful of optional M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9x12 or 9x13 inch pan with nonstick foil or parchment or line with regular foil and spray bottom only with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, prepare brownie mix as directed on the box using egg, oil and water as called for. Stir in some extra chocolate chips if desired.
- Spread the mixture over the bottom of the pan, then make the cookie layer.
- Rinse out the bowl and add the oil, both sugars, egg and vanilla. Mix well, then stir in salt and baking soda until evenly blended. Stir in flour to make a very soft dough, Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the brownie batter, spreading gently to cover, but leaving some gaps so the brownie batter shows through. Sprinkle with M&MS if using. Strongly recommend. The minis are perfect for these.
- Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes (other brands of brownie mix or thicker layers will take longer) or until the chocolate chip cookie layer is golden. Let cool completely, then lift from pan and cut into bars.
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