How to make brookies with brownie mix and cookie dough

Introduction

If you’re a fan of both brownies and cookies, there’s one dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the brookie. A brookie is a delightful hybrid of a brownie and a cookie, with rich, fudgy brownie layers and the chewy, soft texture of cookie dough. Making brookies from scratch can be time-consuming, but there’s a quicker, easier way to make this delicious treat using brownie mix and cookie dough. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect brookies using store-bought brownie mix and cookie dough.

What Are Brookies?

A brookie is a hybrid dessert that combines the best aspects of two beloved baked goods: brownies and cookies. The base is typically a fudgy brownie with a top layer of chocolate chip cookie dough. When baked together, the result is a chewy, soft, and indulgent dessert with a perfect balance of chocolate and sweetness.

The origin of the brookie is not entirely clear, but it has grown in popularity in recent years as a fun twist on traditional desserts. The beauty of a brookie lies in the contrast of textures—rich, dense brownie layers topped with a slightly crisp and chewy cookie dough topping. It’s the ultimate indulgence for those who can’t decide between brownies or cookies!

Making brookies from scratch is fantastic, but using a brownie mix and cookie dough takes away the heavy lifting while still giving you delicious results. Here’s why this method is a game-changer:

1. Time-Saving

Using brownie mix and pre-made cookie dough reduces the time spent on preparation and allows you to bake these delicious treats in a fraction of the time. No need to make brownie batter from scratch or mix cookie dough by hand. Simply open the packages, layer, and bake!

2. Consistent Results

Store-bought mixes and dough are designed for ease of use and consistency, so you can expect excellent results every time. The ingredients are measured for you, and you can rely on them to deliver the right flavor and texture.

3. Versatile and Customizable

While using brownie mix and cookie dough is simple, you can easily tweak the recipe to make it your own. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins to either the brownie or the cookie layer, tailoring the brookies to your tastes.

4. Perfect for Beginners

If you’re new to baking or looking for a foolproof recipe, using brownie mix and cookie dough will give you an easy path to success. These ingredients make it simple to create an impressive dessert without stress.

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To make brookies with brownie mix and cookie dough, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Brownie Layer:

1 box of brownie mix (use your favorite brand)
Eggs (as per brownie mix instructions)
Oil or melted butter (as per brownie mix instructions)
Water (as per brownie mix instructions)

1 package of cookie dough (chocolate chip is a classic choice, but you can also use peanut butter, oatmeal, or sugar cookie dough)

You can add the following optional mix-ins to both layers for extra flavor:

½ cup of chocolate chips (for extra fudginess in the brownie layer)
½ cup of chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans for the cookie dough layer)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (for the cookie dough flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Brookies

1: Prepare the Brownie Layer

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Prepare the brownie mix according to the instructions on the package. Typically, you’ll need to mix the brownie mix with eggs, oil (or butter), and water. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Scoop out spoonfuls of cookie dough and flatten them slightly with your hands or a spoon. You don’t need to bake the cookie dough before adding it—just place it directly on top of the brownie layer.
Layer the cookie dough on top of the brownie batter. You can choose to spread the dough evenly or leave it in little mounds for a more rustic look. It’s important to cover the entire surface of the brownie layer so that the two textures bake together.

3: Bake the Brookies

Bake the brookies in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. Start checking around 25 minutes to ensure that the top is golden brown and firm, but not overcooked.
To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brookies. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Be mindful that the cookie dough layer can still look soft and gooey, but the brownies underneath should be fully set.

4: Cool and Serve

Let the brookies cool in the pan for about 15–20 minutes. This will make them easier to cut into squares.
Once cooled, cut into squares and serve! Enjoy the decadent layers of rich, fudgy brownies and chewy cookie dough.

Tips for the Perfect Brookies

To make sure your brookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips:

1. Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter

Mix the brownie batter until just combined to avoid a dense texture. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, which you definitely want to avoid in a brookie.

2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Let the brownie mix and cookie dough come to room temperature before baking. Cold dough or batter can affect the texture and bake unevenly.

3. Add Mix-ins for Extra Flavor

Feel free to add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even chunks of caramel or toffee to either the brownie or cookie dough layer. These additions will give your brookies a unique twist!

4. Keep an Eye on the Oven

Because the baking time can vary depending on your oven, it’s important to check the brookies around 25 minutes. Every oven bakes differently, so keep an eye on the top layer of cookie dough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes people make when baking brookies, and how to avoid them:

1. Not Using the Right Pan Size

Using a pan that’s too big or too small can affect how the brookies bake. Stick to an 8×8-inch pan for the best results.

2. Overbaking the Brookies

Since the brookies are a combination of two different textures, it’s easy to overbake them. The top layer of cookie dough can look done before the brownie layer is fully cooked, so be careful to test with a toothpick.

Don’t mix the brownie batter and cookie dough together. It’s essential to keep the layers separate so you can enjoy the distinct textures of both components.

Flavor Variations for Your Brookies

Want to get creative? Here are some flavor variations you can try for your brookies:

Peanut Butter Brookies: Add peanut butter chips or swirl peanut butter into the brownie batter for a nutty twist.
Mint Chocolate Brookies: Use mint chocolate chip cookie dough or add peppermint extract to the cookie dough layer.
S’mores Brookies: Layer marshmallow fluff and graham cracker crumbs between the brownie and cookie layers for a s’mores-inspired treat.
Nutty Brookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to both the brownie and cookie dough layers for extra crunch and flavor.

How to Store and Freeze Brookies

Brookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage:

Freezing Brookies: Wrap individual brookie squares in plastic wrap or parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. Simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brookies

If you’re new to making brookies or looking for answers to common questions, this section is for you! Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about brookies to ensure your baking experience is smooth and successful.

Yes, absolutely! If you prefer homemade recipes, you can substitute the store-bought brownie mix and cookie dough with your favorite homemade versions. The process remains the same. Just make sure the consistency of your homemade brownie batter is similar to that of a store-bought mix and that your cookie dough isn’t too soft or too stiff. Homemade brownie batter and cookie dough often have more flexibility in flavor, so feel free to add custom ingredients like vanilla extract, nuts, or chocolate chips for a personalized touch.

Pro Tip: When using homemade dough or batter, be cautious of the baking time. Since homemade dough can vary in moisture levels, your brookies may require a slightly longer or shorter baking time. Always check with a toothpick in the center to ensure they’re fully baked.

Yes, definitely! One of the fun aspects of making brookies is that you can experiment with different flavors of cookie dough. While classic chocolate chip cookie dough is the most popular choice, here are some other cookie dough variations you can try for a creative twist on your brookies:

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough: The rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter pairs perfectly with the fudgy brownie base.
Oatmeal Cookie Dough: For a chewier, heartier brookie, oatmeal cookie dough adds texture and a slight cinnamon flavor.
Sugar Cookie Dough: A simple, buttery sugar cookie dough adds a lighter, more delicate texture to the rich brownie layer.
M&M or Reese’s Pieces Cookie Dough: For a fun, colorful variation, use cookie dough that includes M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces for added sweetness and crunch.

Just make sure the cookie dough you use is thick enough to hold its shape on top of the brownie batter. If it’s too thin or runny, it may spread out too much during baking, and the two layers could blend together, affecting the overall texture and appearance.

Absolutely! Adding mix-ins to either the brownie or cookie layer is a great way to customize your brookies to suit your taste. Here are some popular ideas:

For the Brownie Layer:
- Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for extra gooeyness and chocolatey goodness.
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds will add crunch and flavor to the fudgy brownie base.
- Caramel Bits: Caramel chunks or swirls will melt into the brownie layer for a rich, sweet flavor.
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows can give a s’mores-inspired twist when added to the brownie mix.
For the Cookie Dough Layer:
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Enhance the cookie dough layer by adding extra chocolate chips or even large chocolate chunks.
- Peanut Butter Chips: These are a great option for adding a nutty flavor and extra creaminess.
- Candies or Sprinkles: Add colorful candy pieces, sprinkles, or mini M&Ms for a fun, festive look.

When adding mix-ins, try to keep the proportions in balance. For example, avoid adding too many mix-ins, as they can disrupt the structure of the layers, especially the cookie dough.

Q: How can I make brookies gluten-free?

Making gluten-free brookies is completely doable with a few simple swaps. You can still achieve the fudgy brownie texture and chewy cookie dough using gluten-free ingredients. Here’s how:

Brownie Layer: Use a gluten-free brownie mix, which is specifically formulated to deliver a soft, chewy texture similar to traditional brownies. Look for a gluten-free brownie mix that contains ingredients like almond flour, rice flour, or a blend of gluten-free flours.
Cookie Dough Layer: Many brands offer gluten-free cookie dough (chocolate chip or other flavors). You can also make your own gluten-free cookie dough using a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that the texture and flavor match your expectations.

Pro Tip: Check the packaging to ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Additionally, be mindful of cross-contamination if you’re using products that share manufacturing facilities with gluten-containing items.

Q: Can I freeze brookies before or after baking?

Yes, you can freeze brookies either before or after baking. Freezing is a great way to make brookies in advance for later enjoyment or to store leftover treats. Here’s how to do both:

Before Baking:

Assemble the brookies as usual, layering the brownie batter and cookie dough in the pan.
Cover the unbaked brookies tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to bake, let the frozen brookies thaw in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

After Baking:

Once the brookies have cooled completely, cut them into squares.
Place the squares on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours until firm.
Transfer the frozen brookie squares to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, let the brookies come to room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

This method helps preserve the texture and taste of the brookies, so you can enjoy them at your convenience.

Q: How do I know when brookies are done baking?

Knowing when your brookies are fully baked can be tricky because the cookie dough layer often looks soft and golden, but the brownies underneath need to be fully set. Here are a few key tips to check for doneness:

Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick into the center of the brookies. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), the brookies are done. The brownie base should be firm but not dry.
Cookie Dough Test: The cookie dough will appear slightly golden and firm to the touch on the edges. The center may still be a bit soft, but that’s okay as long as the brownie layer underneath is set.

Remember, the brookies will continue to cook slightly from residual heat even after you remove them from the oven, so don’t worry if the top layer looks a little soft—it will firm up as it cools.

Q: Can I make brookies in a different pan size?

If you don’t have an 8×8-inch pan, you can use a different size pan, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. If you’re using a larger pan, the brookies will spread out more and may bake faster, so check them a few minutes earlier than the suggested time. In contrast, using a smaller pan may require a slightly longer baking time to ensure that both the brownie and cookie layers are fully set.

If you’re unsure, start checking the brookies around 25 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed.

Q: How can I make brookies less sweet?

If you find that brookies are too sweet for your taste, there are a few ways to tone down the sweetness while still maintaining the rich, indulgent flavor:

Add a pinch of salt: A little bit of sea salt on top of the finished brookies can help cut the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavors.

Use dark chocolate: Opt for a dark chocolate or bittersweet brownie mix instead of a milk chocolate one. This will balance out the sweetness.

Reduce sugar in cookie dough: If you’re using homemade cookie dough, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or substitute part of the sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit.

Conclusion

Brookies made with brownie mix and cookie dough are the perfect solution for anyone craving the best of both worlds: chewy cookies and fudgy brownies. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich and indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a party or just a family treat, brookies are a guaranteed hit!