Salted Brookie Bars (Cookie Brownies)

When it comes to recipes that put a fun twist on a classic dessert, nothing can top brookies! The combination of two of the most loved desserts - brownies and chocolate chip cookies - makes for one epic sweet treat!

Bring these salted brookie bars to a party and there won't be a single crumb leftover!

What is a Brookie?

Brookies are a dessert that combines a brownie and a chocolate chip cookie into one delicious treat. Sometimes they take the form of a brownie (like these bars do), and sometimes they take the form of a cookie.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for full ingredient list and measurements.

Brownie Batter Ingredients:

Chopped Chocolate - Choose a chocolate baking bar (I recommend semisweet), which can be found in the baking aisle at your local grocery store. I don't recommend substituting candy bars or chocolate chips, since both both contain additional ingredients and stabilizers.

Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - Natural unsweetened cocoa powder teams up with the chopped chocolate to provide a rich, chocolatey flavor.

Sugar & Brown Sugar - Using both sugars adds just the right amount of sweetness, structure, and moisture (thanks to the brown sugar). I used light brown sugar but dark brown will also work.

One ingredient that you won't find in the brownies: chemical leaveners (baking soda and baking powder). We skip the rising agents in these brownies to keep them ultra fudgy.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ingredients:

Unsalted Butter - Butter is key for both fat and flavor in the cookie dough. Using melted butter means we can skip creaming the butter in a stand mixer and simply whisk it in a mixing bowl.

Brown Sugar - You'll see brown sugar in almost all chocolate chip cookie recipes, and for good reason: it adds essential moisture and flavor to the cookie dough. I love dark brown sugar for this recipe, but you can substitute light brown sugar for a less molasses-y flavor.

Cornstarch - A little bit of cornstarch helps to create a chewy cookie texture.

Chocolate Chips - I like to use a mix of chocolate chips in different types and sizes for some extra flavor and texture variation. I opt for semisweet chips and larger dark chocolate morsels.

Special Equipment

In addition to essential baking equipment (like a mixing bowl and whisk), I recommend some special tools for making this recipe.

• A small cookie scoop, for scooping the brownie batter and cookie dough into the pan. This is optional, and you can use a spoon instead, though I find the cookie scoop makes it especially easy to portion the batter and dough into the pan.
• A small offset spatula (or simply a butter knife), for marbling the batter and dough together.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for detailed recipe instructions.

Step 1: Make the brownie batter. Melt butter and chocolate in the microwave. Add both sugars, then vanilla and egg and whisk until combined.

Step 2: Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt and fold into the sugar mixture using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.

Step 3: Make the cookie dough. Whisk together melted butter, both sugars, and vanilla. Add egg and whisk well until the mixture is glossy and a bit lighter in color.

Step 4: Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Stir the flour mixture into the sugar mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 5: Alternately add scoops of brownie batter and cookie dough to an 8x8 baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Using a rubber spatula, gently press down the batter and dough to fill the pan.

Step 7: Drag an offset spatula or butter knife through the batter and dough to marble the two together. Sprinkle a bit of salt over the top.

Step 8: Bake the brookies at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. The bars are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days if uncut or 2 to 3 days if cut.

Freezing: Bars that are baked and completely cooled can be sealed in an airtight container and frozen for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before slicing and serving.

If possible, avoid cutting the brownies before storing to help them stay fresh longer. For more info about the best way to store brownies (which also applies to these brookie bars), check out this article.

More Chocolatey Bar Recipes