If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen torn between baking a batch of fudgy brownies or classic chocolate chip cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies are your sweet solution! Imagine a thick layer of gooey brownie crowned with golden, chewy cookie dough, all studded with melting chocolate chips. Irresistibly decadent and incredibly easy to make, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies bring the best of both worlds into one crave-worthy bar. Whether you’re baking for a casual get-together or simply indulging your own craving, this treat never fails to impress both tastebuds and hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies lies in the way everyday ingredients come together to make something extraordinary. Every component, from rich butter to velvety cocoa powder, enhances the taste, texture, and enticing appearance of each square.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture for both layers.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the brownie and cookie dough while helping the edges get delicately crisp.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a caramel-like depth and makes the cookie layer chewy and irresistible.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to a tender, rich crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses both layers with warm, classic flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The reliable base that gives both layers their sturdy structure yet allows for a soft bite.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookie layer rise slightly, resulting in a soft, airy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Ensure every bite is full of rich, chocolatey pockets.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Delivers deep, dark, chocolaty notes to the brownie layer.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lifts the brownie layer ever so slightly for that ideal soft-fudgy interior.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Adds moisture to the brownie layer, keeping it dense yet tender.
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Bring a toasty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the chewy texture.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it slightly overhangs on the sides for easy lifting later. A quick spritz of nonstick spray will guarantee those gorgeous bars release without a hitch.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat everything together until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this step creates that signature soft chew in both layers. Don’t be afraid to let the mixer run for a full two to three minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition for a cohesive batter. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is blended, infusing your dough with heady sweetness.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This key step ensures even leavening and salt distribution. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips, and you’ve got your classic cookie dough base.
Step 5: Create the Brownie Layer
Scoop out half of the cookie dough and place it into a clean bowl. To this half, add the unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, milk, and the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips. Mix until everything is lush and evenly chocolatey—this forms your brownie layer!
Step 6: Assemble the Layers
Spread the brownie mixture evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing with a spatula for an even base. Gently press the remaining plain cookie dough on top. This contrast in colors and textures is what makes Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies visually and texturally irresistible.
Step 7: Garnish and Bake
Sprinkle the top with chopped walnuts if you love a bit of crunch, or simply leave plain for ultra-gooey squares. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. They’re ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely before slicing for the cleanest, most tempting squares.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, dust your Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. A few extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking add gourmet flair with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
These rich brownies pair fabulously with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. On the cozier side, serve with a mug of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk—the classics truly never disappoint alongside the mingled flavors of cookie and brownie layers.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your brownies into fun shapes with cookie cutters for holidays or birthday parties, or layer cubes with ice cream and berries in parfait glasses for a showstopping dessert. You can also sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two smaller squares for the ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie ice cream sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay wonderfully chewy and moist, and actually taste even richer on the second day as the flavors meld together.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully! Arrange slices in a single layer or with parchment between layers in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature for about an hour before diving in.
Reheating
If you like your Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies warm and gooey, pop individual squares in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. It revives that fresh-from-the-oven feeling and makes the chocolate chips delightfully melty all over again.
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies without nuts?
Absolutely! The walnuts are completely optional. If you prefer nut-free brownies or are serving anyone with allergies, just leave them out without compromising flavor or texture.
Can I use a different type Dessert
Definitely! Feel free to swap in white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even peanut butter chips to customize your Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies. Mixing various chips can add an extra wow factor.
Why do my brownies seem underbaked in the center?
A slightly gooey center is actually part of their charm, but if they’re really underdone, try checking your oven temperature or bake for an extra 2–3 minutes. They continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry about a few moist crumbs on the toothpick.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes! Simply cut the ingredient amounts in half and bake in an 8-inch square pan instead. The baking time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye out after 25 minutes.
What’s the best way to cut perfect squares?
Let your brownies cool completely in the pan, then use the parchment overhang to lift them out. Cut with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between slices for neat, bakery-worthy squares every time.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste the dreamy combination of cookie and brownie in every bite, you’ll understand why Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies are such a beloved treat. Don’t wait for a special occasion—any day is the perfect day to bake a batch and share this joy with friends and family!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream with these irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies. A decadent treat that combines the best of both worlds – chewy chocolate chip cookies and rich fudgy brownies in one delightful bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cookies Layer:
Brownies Layer:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix cookie layer: Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients, then mix in chocolate chips.
- Prepare brownie layer: Mix cocoa powder, baking powder, milk, and chocolate chips with half of the cookie dough.
- Layer and bake: Spread brownie mixture in the pan, top with remaining cookie dough, add walnuts, and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For gooey brownies, underbake slightly and let them set as they cool.
- Try using white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a twist.
- These brownies freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
