If ever there was a dessert to satisfy both your brownie and cookie cravings simultaneously, these Fudgy Chewy Brookies are it. Imagine sinking your teeth into a bar with a luscious, fudgy brownie base and a thick, chewy cookie layer on top—each bite a soft, decadent marvel with melty chocolate pockets throughout. The magic here is real: you get the best of both worlds in one irresistible treat, making this the ultimate crowd-pleaser for movie nights, birthday parties, potlucks, or any moment when only a seriously rich dessert will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a clever blend of pantry staples, this recipe brings together everything you love about brownies and cookies. Each ingredient pulls its weight—offering depth, chew, and mouthwatering flavor—so don’t be tempted to skip or swap unless you’re feeling creative!
- Unsalted butter (for both layers): Melted butter delivers rich flavor and texture—make sure it’s unsalted so you control the saltiness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cookie and brownie layers and helps create that signature shiny brownie top.
- Packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and chew to the cookie layer and imparts a warm molasses undertone.
- Eggs: Two for the brownie and one for the cookie layer—these bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash in each layer enhances all those buttery chocolate flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure, keeping your brookies tall and satisfying.
- Baking soda (cookie layer): Lends a little lift and the chewy bite we crave in cookies.
- Salt: Essential for balance; a little in each layer sharpens all the sweet flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Stirred into the cookie dough, these melt irresistibly without making the bars overly sweet.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (brownie layer): The star in the brownie layer, for deep chocolatey flavor and that prized fudgy texture.
- Baking powder (brownie layer): A pinch makes your brownies just a bit lighter and ensures lift without cakiness.
How to Make Fudgy Chewy Brookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Let’s set the stage! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step makes for super-easy removal and clean slicing once your Fudgy Chewy Brookies have cooled—trust me, it’s a detail you’ll appreciate when the aroma fills your kitchen!
Step 2: Make the Brownie Layer
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar for the brownie layer until well combined. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract; whisk until glossy and smooth. Sprinkle in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring gently until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that fudgy quality. Spread this thick, chocolatey batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cookie Layer
Grab a second bowl for the cookie dough. Mix the melted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until everything’s fully blended. Beat in the egg and vanilla until creamy. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring just until the last streak of flour disappears. Now, fold in those precious chocolate chips. This dough will be soft and dreamy—perfect for layering over brownies!
Step 4: Assemble and Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of your cookie dough evenly over the brownie batter. Don’t worry about perfection—a little unevenness just adds character and creates gooey pockets. Gently nudge and spread the dough with a spatula or the back of a spoon, being careful not to swirl or fully blend the two layers. That distinct brownie-cookie visual means everyone knows you’re serving Fudgy Chewy Brookies!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re aiming for a toothpick inserted in the center to emerge with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This is the sweet spot for those ultra-fudgy, chewy edges. If you love gooier brookies, lean toward the shorter bake time and let them finish setting as they cool in the pan.
Step 6: Cooling and Slicing
Once baked, patience pays off! Let your Fudgy Chewy Brookies cool completely in the pan. They’ll firm up as they rest, making it so much easier to cut clean, beautiful squares. For picture-perfect slices, pop the cooled pan in the fridge for an hour—then remove, lift them out with the parchment, and slice to reveal those glorious layers.
How to Serve Fudgy Chewy Brookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle your brookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a modern touch, or add a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few extra chocolate chips pressed onto the top as they cool looks (and tastes) irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your Fudgy Chewy Brookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the classic hot-and-cold dessert experience, or serve alongside a tall glass of cold milk. For a grown-up twist, they’re phenomenal with good coffee or an espresso shot after dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stack brookie squares on a cake stand or tiered tray for dramatic effect. You can also cut them into bite-sized cubes and skewer with fruit for fun dessert kabobs, or sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two small squares for the ultimate brookie ice cream sandwich. These treats are so versatile—you can dress them up or down for any occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Fudgy Chewy Brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is warm, keep them in the fridge to preserve their tender, chewy texture. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature (or give a quick microwave zap) before devouring.
Freezing
Fudgy Chewy Brookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, slice and wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 2 months—ideal for having emergency treats on standby.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked warmth, microwave a brookie square for about 10–15 seconds. For larger batches, reheat loosely covered with foil in a 300°F oven until soft and warm. The chocolate chips will get gooey again and the aroma will transport you straight back to baking day.
FAQs
Can I double the Fudgy Chewy Brookies recipe for a bigger crowd?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on baking time—start checking for doneness at around 38–40 minutes. The more, the merrier!
What makes these brookies extra fudgy and chewy?
The magic comes from using melted butter, the proper sugar ratios, and just the right amount of baking—all of which keep the brownies moist and the cookies supple. Slightly underbaking and letting them cool in the pan also preserves that luscious, fudgy chew.
Can I use different chocolate chips or add nuts?
Yes! Swap in dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter or butterscotch chips if that’s your jam. Chopped walnuts or pecans are a delicious addition for extra crunch and richness in your Fudgy Chewy Brookies.
How do I get super neat slices?
Let your brookies cool completely—preferably chill them in the fridge—then slice with a large, sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Patience here pays off with bakery-worthy results!
Do I need to use parchment paper?
While not strictly mandatory, parchment lining guarantees your bars lift out effortlessly and don’t stick. It makes serving and cleanup a breeze, especially with gooey treats like Fudgy Chewy Brookies.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t experienced the joy of making—and eating—Fudgy Chewy Brookies yet, now’s your moment. This recipe brings delight with every bite, merging two classic desserts into something even more magical. Grab your mixing bowls and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these unforgettable brookies. Happy baking!
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Fudgy Chewy Brookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the best of both worlds with these Fudgy Chewy Brookies, a delightful fusion of brownies and cookies in one delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the cookie layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 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
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make brownie layer: Whisk melted butter and sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Pour into pan.
- Prepare cookie layer: Mix melted butter with sugars, add egg, vanilla, then stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls over brownie batter.
- Bake and cool: Bake for 30–35 minutes, cool completely in pan before slicing.
Notes
- For extra gooey brookies, slightly underbake and let them set as they cool.
- You can chill them for cleaner slices.
- Swap semi-sweet chips for dark or milk chocolate if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
