Decadent Brown Butter Brookies: The Perfect Marriage of Cookies and Brownies

Imagine combining the best of both worlds—chewy chocolate chip cookies and rich, fudgy brownies—into one irresistible dessert. These Brown Butter Brookies take indulgence to the next level with a deliciously nutty brown butter twist, creating a dessert that’s crispy around the edges and soft and gooey in the center. The cookie layer is buttery and sweet, studded with melty chocolate chips, while the brownie layer is deeply chocolatey with a hint of nuttiness from the browned butter. This dessert delivers an explosion of textures and flavors in every bite, perfect for any occasion when you crave something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This recipe brings the rich, toasty flavor of browned butter to the classic brookie, adding depth and complexity to both the cookie and brownie layers. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, with simple steps that yield bakery-quality results at home. The cookie layer is slightly crispy on top but soft and chewy inside, and the brownie layer is decadently fudgy with that signature crackly top. Plus, you can adjust the layering to your liking, creating a treat that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply indulging yourself, these brookies are sure to become a go-to favorite.

Perfect Occasion:

Brown Butter Brookies are perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings, but they’re also easy enough to whip up for a casual weekend treat. Their combination of cookie and brownie makes them ideal for sharing, whether you’re bringing them to a party, potluck, or serving them at a cozy night in with friends. They’re also great for gifting—just wrap them up in a decorative tin or box and surprise someone with homemade goodness. These brookies make an unforgettable dessert for any chocolate lover!

Decoration Tips:

For a beautiful finish, sprinkle the top of the brookies with flaky sea salt right after baking to enhance the flavors and add a touch of elegance. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the cooled brookies for an extra layer of indulgence. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some chopped nuts, like toasted hazelnuts or pecans, over the top before baking for added texture and flavor. For a festive touch, add a dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder just before serving.

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Layer:

• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
• 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 Large Egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt
• 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter
• 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (spooned and leveled)
• 1 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar
• 3/4 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1/3 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate, chopped
• 3 Large Eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
• Pinch of Salt
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil

Method:

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Cookie Layer: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a separate large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
3. Prepare the Brownie Layer: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter, stirring frequently until it turns foamy and the milk solids turn golden brown and nutty, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the browned butter to a heatproof bowl. Add cocoa powder, olive oil, vanilla extract, and chopped chocolate to the browned butter, stirring until smooth. In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar for 5-6 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Add powdered sugar and whisk for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Slowly fold in the cooled brown butter mixture until well combined. Gently stir in the flour and chocolate chips until fully incorporated.
4. Layer the Batters: Pour the cookie dough and brownie batter into the prepared pan. You can layer them any way you like—cookie dough on the bottom with brownie on top, or vice versa. Smooth the layers to create an even surface.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is only slightly jiggly. The brookies will set completely as they cool.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the brookies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps the layers set properly, ensuring clean slices.

Enjoy!