The Best Fudgy Chewy Cookies (Brookies)

There’s something truly irresistible about a dessert that combines the best of both worlds—rich, fudgy brownies and soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies. Enter Brookies, the ultimate indulgence that satisfies every sweet craving in one bite. These treats boast a perfect contrast: a dense, chocolatey brownie base layered with a buttery, golden cookie top. Each bite offers gooey chocolate pockets and a texture that’s crispy at the edges yet soft and chewy inside. I’ve made these countless times, and they always disappear within minutes. They’re perfect for bake sales, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something homemade and comforting. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and bake beautifully every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brookies bring together two classic desserts into one perfectly balanced treat. They’re easy to prepare, require simple pantry ingredients, and can be made in less than an hour. The combination of textures—fudgy brownie and chewy cookie—is simply unbeatable.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Butter forms the foundation of both layers, adding rich flavor and moisture. Use unsalted butter to better control the sweetness.

Brown sugar brings a subtle caramel note to the cookie dough and keeps it chewy even days after baking.

Granulated sugar balances the sweetness and helps achieve that lightly crisp edge.

Eggs bind the doughs and add richness. They give the brownies their fudgy texture and help the cookies rise slightly.

All-purpose flour provides structure to both batters. It keeps the brownies dense while maintaining the cookie’s soft, chewy bite.

Unsweetened cocoa powder infuses the brownie layer with deep chocolate flavor. Choose a high-quality cocoa for a truly rich taste.

Chocolate chips or chunks melt into gooey pockets throughout the brookies, making every bite extra indulgent.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and depth to both the brownie and cookie layers.

Baking soda and baking powder ensure the cookie layer bakes up with the right amount of lift and chewiness.

Salt may seem minor, but it’s essential—it heightens every flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

For the brownie layer, melt the butter and whisk it with sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, then sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix. Spread this thick, glossy batter evenly into the prepared pan.

For the cookie layer, cream together softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough evenly over the brownie batter, gently spreading it without fully covering the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cookie top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely before slicing into squares for neat edges.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 16 brookies. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking takes 25–30 minutes. Cooling time adds another 20 minutes before slicing.

Storage/reheating

Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their soft texture, add a slice of bread to the container. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Double Chocolate Brookies – Add white chocolate chips to the brownie layer for a stunning contrast.

Peanut Butter Swirl Brookies – Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on the brownie layer before adding cookie dough and swirl with a knife.

Nutty Crunch Brookies – Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into either layer for a satisfying crunch.

Salted Caramel Brookies – Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the baked brookies for an irresistible finish.

Mocha Brookies – Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter for a subtle coffee kick.

Gluten-Free Brookies – Use a reliable 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute without sacrificing texture.

Blondie Brookies – Skip the cocoa powder for a lighter, caramel-forward version.

Stuffed Brookies – Hide a piece of chocolate or a peanut butter cup in the center of each portion before baking.

Vegan Brookies – Substitute butter with coconut oil and eggs with flaxseed mixture.

Holiday Brookies – Add festive toppings like crushed peppermint or M&M’s for seasonal flair.

FAQs

What are brookies?

Brookies are a combination of brownies and cookies baked together in one pan.

Can I make brookies without eggs?

Yes, use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan-friendly version.

How do I know when brookies are done?

They’re ready when the cookie top is golden and the brownie layer is set but still slightly soft in the center.

Can I use boxed brownie mix?

Yes, a boxed brownie mix works perfectly for a quick shortcut.

Why are my brookies dry?

Overbaking is the usual cause—remove them once the center is just set.

Can I make brookies in muffin tins?

Absolutely, they make perfect individual servings—just adjust baking time to 15–18 minutes.

How can I make them extra fudgy?

Add an extra tablespoon of butter or a few chocolate chunks to the brownie batter.

Should I chill the dough before baking?

No need—the layers bake evenly without chilling.

Can I add nuts or candy?

Yes, mix in your favorite add-ins for texture and variety.

How long do brookies stay fresh?

They stay soft for up to 5 days at room temperature and can be frozen for 3 months.

Conclusion

The Best Fudgy Chewy Cookies (Brookies) are the ultimate dessert fusion—rich, gooey, and utterly satisfying. Each square delivers the best parts of brownies and cookies in one decadent bite. With their simple ingredients and foolproof method, these brookies are perfect for any occasion. Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to treat for bake sales, parties, or just an afternoon craving that needs something truly special.

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