How to Make Brookies with Brownie Mix and Cookie Dough: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a dessert lover who can’t decide between the chewy, chocolatey goodness of a brownie and the soft, buttery texture of a cookie, there’s no need to choose anymore. Brookies—a hybrid dessert combining both brownies and cookies—allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Using store-bought brownie mix and pre-made cookie dough, you can easily whip up this indulgent treat in no time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to make brookies with minimal fuss, give tips for customization, and highlight flavor variations to make your brookies extra special. Plus, we’ll provide internal links to helpful recipes and tips that will enhance your brookie-making experience.

Why Use Brownie Mix and Cookie Dough?

Using boxed brownie mix and pre-made cookie dough is a smart way to save time while still creating a homemade dessert. These ingredients are convenient, easy to use, and require little preparation. Plus, they ensure consistent results without compromising on taste.

By using store-bought mixes, you’re cutting down on preparation time and avoiding the need for extra ingredients like flour, sugar, and leavening agents. This makes it easier for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick fix. For more tips on cutting down prep time without sacrificing taste, check out these delicious sourdough discard recipes, which are just as easy to make.

Not only does using a brownie mix and cookie dough simplify the recipe, but it also offers an opportunity to enhance the flavors with minimal effort. You can easily add extra chocolate chips, nuts, or even a touch of espresso powder to the brownie batter for a deeper flavor profile. If you want to master your cookie dough skills, visit this ultimate cookie dough recipe to learn more about making the best homemade dough.

Ingredients for Making Brookies with Brownie Mix and Cookie Dough

For the Brownie Layer:

1 box of brownie mix (your favorite brand)
⅓ cup vegetable oil (or as per package instructions)
3 large eggs (as per package instructions)
¼ cup water (or as instructed on the brownie mix package)

For the Cookie Dough Layer:

1 package of pre-made chocolate chip cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup chocolate chips (optional for extra gooeyness)

Optional Add-ins for Customizing Your Brookies:

½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
½ cup caramel chunks
1 tablespoon espresso powder (to enhance the chocolate flavor)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brookies

1. Prepare the Brownie Mix

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions. Usually, this involves combining the mix with oil, eggs, and water. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
To add depth to the chocolate flavor, fold in optional chocolate chips or mix in espresso powder. The result will be a rich, intense brownie batter that contrasts beautifully with the cookie dough.

If you’re interested in learning how to perfect your brownie-making skills, check out these expert tips on making brownies for extra guidance.

2. Prepare the Cookie Dough

If you’re using store-bought cookie dough, simply follow the package directions to portion it. If you prefer making homemade dough, consider using a recipe that’s versatile and easy to work with, such as the one found in this how to make cookie dough recipe.
Feel free to customize the dough by adding in chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel chunks. You can also chill the dough for about 15 minutes before layering it to prevent it from spreading too much during baking.

3. Layering and Assembling the Brookies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure a uniform brownie base.
Next, drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the brownie layer. You can either spread the dough evenly across the top or leave it in clusters to create a marbled effect once it bakes.
Make sure not to press the cookie dough too deep into the brownie batter—you want to maintain distinct layers to enjoy the contrast between the soft cookie and rich brownie.

4. Baking the Brookies

Bake the brookies for 25-30 minutes, or until the cookie layer turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the brownie layer comes out mostly clean.
To prevent over-browning on the top, you can cover the baking dish with foil halfway through the baking time.

This step-by-step process makes it easy for anyone to recreate this indulgent dessert at home.

Customizing Your Brookies for Extra Flavor

One of the best aspects of brookies is their versatility. Whether you want to change up the flavor, texture, or even add a festive twist, this recipe can be customized in countless ways. Here are a few ideas for making your brookies extra special:

Flavor Variations:

Peanut Butter Brookies: Add dollops of peanut butter on top of the brownie batter before layering the cookie dough.
Caramel Brookies: Swirl caramel sauce into the brownie batter for a sweet, gooey surprise in every bite.
Triple Chocolate Brookies: Use a mix of dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and milk chocolate chunks to make your brookies ultra-chocolaty.

For more ideas on how to customize desserts, check out this guide on using shortening or butter in cookies to perfect the texture of your cookie layer.

Dietary-Friendly Brookies:

Vegan Brookies: Use vegan substitutes such as plant-based butter and egg replacements like flax eggs. You can also opt for vegan brownie mix and cookie dough. Learn more about vegan baking techniques with this vegan baking guide.
Gluten-Free Brookies: If you have gluten sensitivities, use a gluten-free brownie mix and gluten-free cookie dough to make your brookies safe for everyone to enjoy.

By customizing your brookie recipe, you can create the perfect dessert tailored to your specific preferences or dietary requirements.

Serving and Storing Your Brookies

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Warm with Ice Cream: For an extra-indulgent treat, serve the brookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey layers and the cold ice cream is absolutely irresistible.
Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: Elevate your brookies by drizzling melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top before serving. This added sweetness is perfect for a fancy dessert presentation.

Storing Your Brookies:

At Room Temperature: Once your brookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft, chewy, and just as delicious as the day they were baked.
Freezing Brookies: If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze brookies. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature or microwave them for 15-20 seconds.

For more tips on storing baked goods, check out this guide on how to store sourdough discard, which can also be applied to cookies and brookies.

FAQs About Making Brookies with Brownie Mix and Cookie Dough

What temperature should I bake brookies at?

Bake your brookies at 350°F (175°C) for optimal results. Keep an eye on the layers to ensure that neither overcooks. If necessary, cover the top with foil to prevent the cookie dough from browning too quickly.

Can I freeze brookies?

Yes, you can freeze brookies for up to 3 months. Wrap each brookie individually in plastic wrap to keep them fresh and avoid freezer burn. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.

How do I prevent the cookie dough from sinking into the brownie batter?

Chilling the cookie dough for 10-15 minutes before placing it on top of the brownie batter can help prevent the layers from blending together. This ensures that the cookie stays on top, creating the perfect layered dessert.

Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade cookie dough adds a personal touch to the recipe. Just make sure to chill it before layering to prevent it from spreading too much during baking. If you’re looking for a great recipe, check out this ultimate cookie dough recipe for more ideas.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Perfect Brookies

Making brookies with brownie mix and cookie dough is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to combine two classic desserts. Whether you’re looking for a quick and convenient dessert to whip up for a party or just something to indulge in at home, this recipe is sure to please. With the added flexibility of customizing the recipe with different flavors and dietary-friendly options, you can create the perfect brookies for any occasion.

Ready to explore more baking tips and recipes? Check out this ultimate Toll House cookie recipe for more cookie ideas that pair perfectly with brookies.

Easy Brookies with Brownie Mix and Cookie Dough