Picture this: rich, fudgy brownies swirled with chunks of chewy cookie dough—that’s the magic of Fudgy Chewy Brookies. I first made these for a potluck years ago, and they disappeared so fast I barely got a bite! They’re the ultimate dessert hybrid, combining the best parts of brownies and cookies into one irresistible treat. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to whip up—just mix, drop, and bake. Whether you’re craving something decadent or need a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, these brookies deliver every time. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love These Fudgy Chewy Brookies
Let me tell you why these brookies will become your new go-to dessert:
- Perfect texture combo – That magical contrast between fudgy brownie and chewy cookie chunks? Absolute heaven.
- Impossible to mess up – Just mix, drop, and bake – even beginners get perfect results.
- Always a crowd-pleaser – I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t go crazy for that first bite.
- Endless variations – Swap in nuts, caramel, or different chocolate chips to make it your own.
- Quick to make – From bowl to oven in under 15 minutes – perfect for last-minute cravings!
Seriously, what’s not to love?
Ingredients for Fudgy Chewy Brookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these irresistible brookies – and yes, these small details really matter for that perfect texture:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – don’t scoop directly from the bag!)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (the darker, the richer your brookies will be)
- 1/2 tsp salt (trust me, it makes the chocolate flavors pop)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (I microwave in 20-second bursts to avoid burning)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (yes, a full cup – this is dessert after all!)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (leave them out for 30 minutes – cold eggs don’t mix well)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (the good stuff makes a difference)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet, but milk or dark work too)
- 1 cup cookie dough chunks (homemade or store-bought both work – no judgement here!)
Pro tip: Measure your flour correctly – I spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour = dry brookies, and we can’t have that!
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy gadgets – just grab:
- A large mixing bowl (mine’s that trusty old ceramic one with the chipped rim)
- Whisk and rubber spatula (for scraping every last bit of batter)
- 8×8-inch baking pan (glass or metal both work)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick (for the all-important doneness test!)
That’s it – now let’s make some magic!
How to Make Fudgy Chewy Brookies
Ready to create the ultimate dessert mashup? Follow these simple steps for brookies that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe. I’ve made this dozens of times, and these little tricks make all the difference!
Preparing the Brownie Batter
First things first – preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease that 8×8-inch pan. I like to use butter or baking spray, making sure to get into all the corners.
- In your large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. I like to sift my cocoa powder if it’s lumpy – makes for a smoother batter.
- In another bowl, mix the melted (but not hot!) butter with sugar until it looks like wet sand. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each – this is key for that perfect fudgy texture.
- Stir in the vanilla – I always add an extra splash because why not? Then gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Overmixing = tough brookies, and we want them tender!
- Now the fun part – stir in those chocolate chips. I save a handful to sprinkle on top because extra chocolate is never a bad idea.
Adding the Cookie Dough
Here’s where the magic happens – that perfect brownie-cookie combo!
- Spread your brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan. It’ll be thick – that’s normal.
- Take teaspoon-sized chunks of cookie dough and drop them randomly over the surface. Don’t press them down – they’ll sink in just enough while baking.
- For extra pretty brookies, space them about 1 inch apart. They’ll spread and create those gorgeous marbled sections as they bake.
Baking and Cooling
Now for the hardest part – waiting!
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. At 25 minutes, do the toothpick test – it should come out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter).
- The edges will look set while the center is still slightly jiggly – that’s perfect! They’ll keep cooking as they cool.
- Let them cool completely in the pan (I know, torture!) for at least 30 minutes before cutting. This helps them set up beautifully.
- For clean cuts, use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices. Or just tear into them like I sometimes do – no judgement here!
See? I told you it was easy. Now try not to eat the whole pan in one sitting (no promises though)!
Tips for Perfect Fudgy Chewy Brookies
After making these brookies more times than I can count, here are my foolproof secrets for absolute perfection every time:
- Room temp eggs are non-negotiable – Cold eggs make your batter seize up. I leave them out while preheating the oven.
- Mix just until combined – Overworking the batter leads to tough brookies. A few flour streaks are okay!
- The toothpick lie – Pull them out when the tester shows moist crumbs, not clean. They’ll set as they cool.
- Cool completely – I know it’s hard, but cutting warm brookies is messy. Worth the wait!
Follow these, and you’ll get that dreamy fudgy-chewy combo every single time.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of my favorite things about brookies is how easily you can customize them! Here are my go-to swaps and twists:
- Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend – I’ve had great results with Bob’s Red Mill.
- Dairy-free? Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Extra crunch – Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans with the chocolate chips.
- Sweet swirls – Drizzle caramel or peanut butter over the batter before baking.
- Cookie switch-up – Try chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut butter dough, or even snickerdoodle chunks!
The possibilities are endless – have fun making it your own!
Storing and Reheating Fudgy Chewy Brookies
Here’s how to keep your brookies tasting fresh and fudgy:
- Room temp storage: Keep in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 3 days (if they last that long!).
- Microwave magic: Cold brookie? Zap it for 10 seconds to restore that just-baked warmth and gooey center.
- Freezer friendly: Wrap individual portions tightly – they’ll stay perfect for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or pop straight in the microwave.
Pro tip: Hide a few in the back of the fridge – they make amazing midnight snacks!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re indulging in (no judgement here!), here’s the nutritional info per brookie – but remember, these are estimates and may vary slightly based on your ingredients:
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 12g (7g saturated)
- Carbs: 38g (2g fiber)
- Protein: 3g
Now go enjoy every delicious bite – life’s too short to count dessert calories too closely!
Frequently Asked Questions
Let me answer the questions I get asked most about these irresistible brookies:
Can I Freeze Fudgy Chewy Brookies?
Absolutely! These freeze like a dream. Just let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for about an hour. Want them warm? Pop frozen brookies straight in the microwave for 20-30 seconds – they taste freshly baked!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cookie Dough?
Of course! I use store-bought dough all the time when I’m in a hurry. Just grab your favorite brand (those pre-portioned tubs work great) and break it into teaspoon-sized chunks. No need to thaw if it’s refrigerated – the dough bakes up beautifully straight from the fridge.
Can I Use Boxed Brownie Mix?
You sure can – I’ve done this many times! Just prepare the mix according to package directions (usually for an 8×8 pan), then proceed with adding the cookie dough chunks. The texture might be slightly different from scratch-made, but still delicious!
How Do I Prevent Overbaking?
The key is pulling them out when the edges look set but the center still jiggles slightly – about 25 minutes for me. Remember, they’ll keep cooking as they cool. If your oven runs hot, start checking at 22 minutes.
Why Did My Brookies Turn Out Cakey Instead of Fudgy?
This usually happens from overmixing or using too much flour. Be sure to spoon-and-level your flour, mix just until combined, and don’t skip that melted butter – it’s crucial for fudginess!
Share Your Fudgy Chewy Brookies
I’d love to hear how your brookies turn out! Snap a photo of your masterpiece and tag me on Instagram – or leave a comment below telling me your favorite part. Happy baking, friends!
Print
Perfect 30-Minute Fudgy Chewy Brookies You’ll Crave
A delicious hybrid of brownies and cookies, brookies combine fudgy brownie layers with chewy cookie dough for the ultimate dessert.
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 brookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup cookie dough chunks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread brownie batter in the pan. Drop cookie dough chunks on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out slightly moist.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brookie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg