Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these chocolate chip cookie brownies! They’re the ultimate mashup of two classic treats that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie and discovering a gooey chocolate chip cookie layer peeking through. Wow, right? I first whipped these up for a friend’s birthday party, and they disappeared in a flash! Seriously, everyone was asking for the recipe, and I couldn’t help but beam with pride.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily switch it up with different types of chocolate chips or throw in some nuts if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings, or just for an indulgent night in. Trust me, once you try these brownies, you’ll want to make them over and over again. They blend the best of both worlds – the chewy goodness of brownies and the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies. It’s a dessert that truly has it all!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, use walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch)
How to Prepare Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want those brownies to bake evenly and perfectly!
- Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. You can use non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once it’s melted, mix in both the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until it’s all combined and looking glossy.
- Now, let’s bring in the eggs! Add them one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. This helps to create a nice, smooth batter. Don’t rush this step!
- Stir in the pure vanilla extract. The aroma will fill your kitchen—trust me, it’s heavenly!
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. I like to add them in thirds, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep it tender!
- Now for the fun part! Fold in those delicious semisweet chocolate chips and nuts (if you’re using them). You’ll want to make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. It’ll look so rich and chocolatey at this point!
- Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them—no one likes overbaked brownies!
- Once they’re done, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares and get ready for the chocolatey bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich brownie and classic chocolate chip cookie flavors creates a dessert that’s simply out of this world.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have these brownies in the oven in no time. Perfect for bakers of all levels!
- Quick to Bake: They bake up in just 25-30 minutes, so they’re great for last-minute cravings or gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match with different types of chocolate chips or toss in your favorite nuts for an extra crunch.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 24 brownies, making it a fantastic choice for parties, potlucks, or just to have on hand for those sweet-tooth moments.
- Delicious Texture: You get that fudgy brownie base with gooey cookie goodness, creating a perfect balance in every bite.
- Great Leftovers: These brownies stay moist and delicious for days, so you can enjoy them long after baking!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chocolate chip cookie brownies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips for success that will help you nail this recipe every time.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them in. This helps them incorporate better into the batter, giving you a smoother texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we want them to be fudgy and soft!
- Alternate Baking Pans: If you don’t have a 9×13 inch pan, you can use two 8-inch round pans instead! Just remember to adjust the baking time a bit, as they might cook faster.
- Chocolate Chip Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can give a unique twist to your brownies.
- Nutty Goodness: If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, you can skip them altogether or swap in your favorite seeds for added crunch.
- Check for Doneness: Watch closely in the last few minutes of baking! Every oven is different, so it’s best to start checking for doneness a couple of minutes early. You want that toothpick to come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling Time: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting. This helps them set up and makes slicing easier.
- Store Wisely: For leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week—if they last that long!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to creating the ultimate chocolate chip cookie brownies that will impress everyone. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize these chocolate chip cookie brownies! Let your creativity shine and make these treats uniquely yours. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add in 1 cup of your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. They pair beautifully with the creamy chocolate!
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Swap in mint chocolate chips for a refreshing twist. Just imagine that cool mint flavor dancing with the rich chocolate—yum!
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter into the batter before baking, then use a knife to swirl it in. It’s a match made in heaven!
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the top before baking. The sweet and salty combo takes these brownies to a whole new level!
- Espresso Boost: For coffee lovers, add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. It enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully!
- Cookie Dough Layer: Create a cookie dough layer by mixing up a simple chocolate chip cookie dough and pressing it on top of the brownie batter before baking. Double the deliciousness!
- Fruit Infusion: Toss in some dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a chewy bite that contrasts wonderfully with the fudgy texture.
- Chocolate Overload: Use a mix of chocolate chips—dark, milk, and white—because you can never have too much chocolate, right?
With these variations, you can easily tailor your chocolate chip cookie brownies to fit any occasion or craving. So go ahead, mix it up, and enjoy the sweet adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious chocolate chip cookie brownies fresh and ready for your next sweet craving! Proper storage is key to maintaining their fudgy, gooey goodness.
First off, once your brownies have cooled completely in the pan, transfer them to an airtight container. If you want to keep them extra fresh, you can layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They’ll stay soft and scrumptious at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long!
If you find yourself with leftovers (or if you just want to save some for later), you can also freeze these brownies. Just wrap each square in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply take one out and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or you can warm it up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel. You’ll love that melty chocolate goodness!
So, whether you’re enjoying them fresh or saving some for later, these chocolate chip cookie brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth whenever the craving strikes!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s break down the nutritional information for these scrumptious chocolate chip cookie brownies! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
These brownies are definitely a treat, so while they’re packed with deliciousness, it’s good to enjoy them in moderation. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging on your own, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face!
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but I always recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine may alter the richness a bit, but it will still work if that’s what you have on hand!
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can substitute it with an equal amount of melted chocolate, but keep in mind that it might change the texture a little. Just make sure to reduce the butter slightly to account for the additional fat!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to choose one that has a good balance of ingredients to keep the texture nice and fudgy.
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
Great question! The toothpick test is your best friend here. Stick a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re all set! Just be careful not to overbake them, or they’ll lose that gooey goodness.
Can I add other mix-ins like dried fruits or different chocolates?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. Dried fruits like cranberries or cherries can add a lovely chewiness, while different types of chocolate can enhance that chocolatey flavor. Just keep the total quantity in check so the batter doesn’t get too dry.
How should I store leftover brownies?
You’ll want to store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you need to keep them longer, wrapping them individually and freezing them is a great option!
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just make sure you use a larger baking pan for the doubled batter. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake!
What’s the best way to reheat brownies?
If you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up and melt the chocolate slightly, making them even more delicious!
Are these brownies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly, so you can indulge without worry!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies: 7 Layers of Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate chip cookie brownies combine the richness of brownies with the classic taste of chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in the granulated and brown sugars.
- Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Try adding different types of chocolate chips for variety.
- These brownies are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: chocolate chip cookie brownies, brownies, dessert, chocolate chip cookies