If you’re searching for a dessert that truly brings together the best of both worlds, look no further than this irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie Bars Recipe. It’s a luscious marriage of gooey, fudgy brownie and soft, chewy cookie packed with melty chocolate chips. Every bite offers a perfect balance of rich cocoa, buttery sweetness, and that comforting homemade feel that makes you want to bake it again and again. Trust me, once you dive into these bars, they’ll fast become your go-to treat for every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these bars comes from classic, straightforward ingredients that combine to create complex textures and flavors. Each component plays an important role, from the silky butter to the melty chocolate chips, giving you the perfect harmony of soft cookie edges and fudgy brownie centers.
- 3/4 cup unsalted sweet cream butter (softened): Provides richness and tender crumb for the cookie layer.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that enhances both layers.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of crispness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and help achieve chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookie layer a nice lift without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Sharpens sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- 2 1/4 cups flour: Provides sturdy structure to hold everything together perfectly.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts throughout the cookie layer, offering bursts of chocolate yum.
- 3/4 cup unsalted sweet cream butter (for brownie layer): Key for the rich, fudgy brownie texture.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for brownie layer): Adds a molten chocolate core.
- 3 large eggs (for brownie layer): Create that dense, chewy fudgy goodness.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (for brownie layer): Sweetens and caramelizes slightly on the edges.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for brownie layer): Balances the sweetness and intensifies cocoa notes.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for brownie layer): Enhances chocolate depth and aroma.
- 1/2 cup Hershey cocoa powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
- 2/3 cup flour: Gives just enough structure without drying the brownies.
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter (softened for topping): Adds moisture and brings everything together in the final layer.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (for topping): Adds sweetness and chew to the final texture.
- 1/2 cup sugar (for topping): Contributes to crispness and caramelization.
- 1/4 cup whole milk: Brings moisture and tenderness.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for topping): Final burst of warm flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for topping): Amplifies the layers of flavor.
- 2 cups flour (for topping): Supports the texture and heft of the bars.
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping): Provides that irresistible melty chocolate finish.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together 3/4 cup softened butter with 1 cup light brown sugar and 1/2 cup sugar until fluffy and well combined. Beat in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Whisk together 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 1/4 cups flour, then fold into the wet mixture. Finally, stir in 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. This creates the cookie dough base that forms the top layer, giving you that chewy, chocolate-studded delight in every bite.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
For the brownie layer, melt 3/4 cup butter and 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips together gently until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Combine the melted chocolate mixture with the eggs, then sift in 1/2 cup cocoa powder and 2/3 cup flour, folding just until combined. This fudgy, rich brownie batter will sit underneath the cookie dough, offering that classic indulgent depth.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Bars
Line a baking dish with parchment paper and pour the brownie batter in, spreading evenly. Dollop the cookie dough on top in chunks and gently spread it out to cover the brownie layer, but don’t overmix—some swirls between the layers make it extra fun. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely to set the layers beautifully.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, dust the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle some melted white chocolate for a lovely contrast. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking adds an irresistible sweet and salty kick that brings out the depth of the chocolate.
Side Dishes
These bars are decadent enough to stand alone, but serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes indulgence to the next level. Fresh berries also add a bright, tart counterpoint that balances the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with skewers or toothpicks for easy sharing at parties. Layer them in a dessert parfait with layers of whipped cream and chocolate sauce for an eye-catching treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them moist and chewy. They also travel really well, making them the perfect bake-and-bring dessert for gatherings or work snacks.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
For a warm, just-baked taste, microwave individual bars for 15-20 seconds or reheat briefly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Adding a scoop of ice cream on top while warm will send your taste buds over the moon.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will add a slightly more intense, less sweet chocolate flavor, which some people prefer to balance out the sweetness of the cookie layer.
Do I have to use two separate batters for cookie and brownie?
The beauty of this Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie Bars Recipe is in the distinct layers, so yes, making both batters separately ensures you get the classic fudgy brownie base with that buttery, chewy cookie top.
What pan size works best for baking?
An 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan works perfectly, giving you the ideal thickness and baking time for each layer to meld beautifully without drying out.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is key for flavor and texture here, so while margarine can work in a pinch, it won’t give you the same richness. Oil is not recommended as it may affect the cookie’s structure and mouthfeel.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be golden and the top set with a few moist crumbs on a toothpick test. Remember not to overbake; a bit of gooeyness inside makes these bars truly unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie Bars Recipe enough if you crave a dessert that’s both nostalgic and showstopping. It’s simple enough for any home baker but yields layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. So gather your ingredients, dive in, and treat yourself to a homemade delight that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
