Brown Butter Brookies Recipe

If you’ve ever faced the impossible choice between fudgy brownies and chewy chocolate chip cookies, these Brown Butter Brookies are your heavenly solution. Marrying the nutty richness of browned butter with two classic treats, this bar dessert offers the best of both worlds in every bite—crisp edges, melt-in-your-mouth centers, and swirls of chocolate. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Brown Butter Brookies may look a little longer at first glance, but every staple here works overtime—giving us that irresistible chewy bite, melting pockets of chocolate, and deep caramel notes. Each addition brings its own magic, so don’t skip the details!

• Salted Butter: Used in both layers—brown it for the brownies and melt it for the cookies to add nutty, toasty undertones you just can’t fake.
• Dark Brown Sugar: For the cookies, this gives extra moisture and caramel flavor that keeps them chewy.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for both softness and getting that signature shiny brownie top.
• Eggs & Egg Yolk: Help everything bind together and create tender, rich results; don’t skip bringing them to room temperature!
• Vanilla Extract: Heightens all the flavors, tying together the chocolate, butter, and sugar into a harmonious bite.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to both doughs—be sure to measure it carefully for the perfect texture.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Added to the cookies for just the right lift and chewiness.
• Salt: Don’t underestimate what a little bit of salt does—it keeps things from tasting flat!
• Chocolate Chips & Chopped Chocolate: Mix of chips and chunks melts in different ways so every bite is a surprise of gooey chocolate.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: For melting into the brownies, delivers that classic, rich chocolate flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps brownies stay extra fudgy and soft even after cooling.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the brownie’s chocolate punch—use a good quality, unsweetened powder for best results.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates extra tender brownies with that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Espresso Powder (Optional): Just a pinch wakes up the chocolate and enhances depth, but it’s subtle—not coffee-flavored.
• Flaky Sea Salt (Optional): Sprinkled on top takes the whole pan to gourmet bakery status.

Variations

One of the things I adore most about Brown Butter Brookies is how easily they bend to your cravings or pantry surprises—feel free to get creative! Whether you need to go gluten-free or want to toss in extra mix-ins, there are loads of ways to make this treat your own.

• Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl a few tablespoons of peanut butter between the layers or add peanut butter chips for that classic brookie upgrade.
• Gluten-Free Makeover: Substitute a quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose and enjoy with zero compromise on texture.
• All the Add-Ins: Stir in white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even toffee bits for crunch and extra flavor bursts.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use your favorite vegan butter, plant-based egg replacement, and dairy-free chocolate to craft an indulgent vegan treat.

How to Make Brown Butter Brookies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then giving a sturdy 9×13 metal pan a good spray of nonstick spray. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides—it makes lifting out and slicing your brookies later an absolute breeze.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Melt your butter and whisk it with both sugars to combine. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Then, gently stir in the dry ingredients until just combined, followed by plenty of chocolate chips. Divide the dough in half—one half will form a perfect chewy layer, the other gets dolloped on top for those irresistible cookie islands.

Step 3: Brown the Butter for Brownies

In a saucepan over medium heat, brown your butter. Watch closely as it sizzles, foams, and finally turns a gorgeous golden color, releasing a nutty, irresistible aroma. This step is what really sets Brown Butter Brookies apart—don’t rush it! Let it cool just slightly so you don’t scramble the eggs later.

Step 4: Whip Up Fudgy Brownie Batter

Stir the warm brown butter into your chopped chocolate until melted, then whisk in oil and cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, whip eggs and sugars till the mixture is glossy and the sugar is dissolved. Blend the two together, then fold in flour, optional espresso powder, and more chocolate chips for pools of melted goodness. Your batter will be thick and decadent!

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Layer a generous amount of brownie batter in the pan first. Next, place the pressed-out sheet of cookie dough over the brownie layer. Top with the rest of the brownie batter, then add thick discs of remaining cookie dough, leaving some brownie peeking through for maximum marbled effect. For extra wow-factor, press extra chocolate chips into any cookie-dough bare spots.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 38–44 minutes. Keep an eye out—the brownies should have shiny, crackly tops and the cookies should look golden. A toothpick inserted into a brownie spot should come out with moist crumbs, not liquid batter. Let your Brown Butter Brookies cool in the pan for at least an hour before slicing (torturous, I know, but so worth it!).

How to Serve Brown Butter Brookies

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes the chocolate flavors in your Brown Butter Brookies pop, adding a little sparkle and intrigue to every bite. For even more wow, dust with a touch of powdered sugar once cooled or drizzle with warm melted chocolate right before serving.

Side Dishes

For a truly decadent dessert plate, serve these brookies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream—cold and creamy against warm, gooey bars is pure bliss! They’re also dreamy alongside fresh berries or a mug of hot cocoa for an ultimate treat-yourself moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Brown Butter Brookies into instant party stars by stacking sliced bars on a cake stand for a rustic, bakery-style display. For special occasions, cut into mini squares and tuck into gift boxes lined with parchment, or use cookie cutters to make heart or star shapes for fun celebrations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Brookie leftovers stay fabulous for days! Once fully cooled, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll be chewy and delicious for 3–4 days (if they last that long!).

Freezing

Want to stash some for future cravings or easy entertaining? Brown Butter Brookies freeze beautifully. Wrap cooled bars individually in plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for a warm, gooey treat on demand.

Reheating

Absolutely heat them up for that fresh-from-the-oven effect! Pop a bar into the microwave for 10–15 seconds for reclaimed gooeyness and melty chocolate, or warm in a low oven for a few minutes if treating a crowd.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried these Brown Butter Brookies, don’t be surprised if you start inventing reasons to bake a batch—just to share a sweet moment with friends, or sneak an extra bar for yourself. They’re playful, wildly delicious, and downright impossible to resist. Give them a try and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite treat!

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