Name: Brown Butter Brookies Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14.5 tbsp salted butter (206 grams); 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed (163 grams); 3/4 cup granulated sugar (156 grams); 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed out (390 grams); 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 and 1/2 cups chocolate chips; 3/4 cup salted butter, cubed (170 grams before browning, 140 grams after); 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips); 1/4 cup vegetable oil (56 mL); 3/4 cup cocoa powder (63 grams); 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar (158 grams); 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar (174 grams); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (65 grams); Pinch of espresso powder (optional); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; Flaky sea salt (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 4 reviews

If you are craving the ultimate dessert that brings together the chewy goodness of chocolate chip cookies and the fudgy richness of brownies, you have to try this Brown Butter Brookies Recipe. This delightful treat features layers of luscious, nutty brown butter brownies paired perfectly with thick, gooey chocolate chip cookie dough. Baking these layers just right creates a mouthwatering bar that is both soft and dense, oozing with pockets of melted chocolate and caramelized butter flavor. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging on your own, these brookies always bring smiles and satisfied sweet cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a thick, dark brown chocolate mixture with a glossy and slightly chunky texture, showing bits of chocolate chips mixed in. A pink silicone spatula with a wooden handle rests inside the bowl, partly covered by the chocolate. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the shiny, rich texture of the mixture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Brown Butter Brookies Recipe combines ingredients that are simple but each plays a key role in delivering texture, flavor, and that irresistible deep chocolate aroma. From rich butter to smooth vanilla, and the perfect balance of sugars, every component contributes to making these brookies unforgettable.

14.5 tbsp salted butter: Essential for luscious cookie dough, providing flavor and moisture.
3/4 cup dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and depth with its molasses-rich sweetness to the cookies.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create that perfect cookie chewiness.
2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness to the cookie layer.
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The structure provider, carefully measured for optimal texture.
1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp baking powder: Leavening agents for slight lift and softness.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips: Melts into melty, sweet pockets in the cookie layer.
3/4 cup salted butter (cubed): For browning—creating that nutty, caramel aroma underpinning the brownies.
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped: Adds richness and deep chocolate intensity to the brownies.
1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the brownie layer moist and tender.
3/4 cup cocoa powder: Powdered chocolate that gives the brownies their signature fudgy flavor.
3 large eggs & 1 large egg yolk: Provide richness and smooth texture to the brownie batter.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and aerates the brownie batter.
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps achieve glossy brownie tops.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings out complexity in the chocolate flavor.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and boosts chocolate depth.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the brownie layer without overpowering fudginess.
Pinch of espresso powder (optional): Enhances chocolate flavor without making the brookies taste like coffee.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Optional but recommended for little pockets of melty chocolate in brownies.
Flaky sea salt (optional): Sprinkled on top to add a delightful salty crunch contrast.

How to Make Brown Butter Brookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350℉ and prepare a 9×13-inch metal pan by spraying it with nonstick spray and lining it with parchment paper for easy clean-up and perfect slicing later. To make the chocolate chip cookie dough, melt the butter in a large bowl and whisk in both sugars until smooth. Then add eggs and vanilla, whisking to combine thoroughly. Stir in dry ingredients — flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt — followed by the chocolate chips last. Divide this cookie dough into two equal portions. Press half of it into your prepared pan, then carefully lift out the parchment paper and replace it to keep this cookie layer separate for now.

Step 2: Brown the Butter for the Brownies

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt cubed butter while stirring occasionally. Once melted, switch to medium-low heat and keep stirring; the butter will foam and bubble, then gradually turn a beautiful deep golden brown with a nutty, caramel aroma. This process typically takes 3 to 6 minutes after the butter melts. Take care not to burn it — remove from heat as soon as the color and smell develop.

Step 3: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Stir the chopped semi-sweet chocolate into the browned butter until fully melted and smooth. Whisk in the vegetable oil and cocoa powder and set this chocolate mixture aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolk, and granulated sugar for 1–2 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and mixture is shiny and smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing well. Now slowly whisk in the cooled chocolate mixture, then fold in flour, optional espresso powder, and chocolate chips for irresistible bites of melty chocolate.

Step 4: Assemble the Brookies

Spread slightly more than half of the brownie batter evenly across the bottom of the pan. Gently place the sheet of cookie dough you set aside on top of this brownie layer, peeling away the extra parchment paper. Next, spread the remaining brownie batter over the cookie dough, smoothing it out carefully. Finally, form large discs from the remaining cookie dough and arrange them across the top, gently pressing in extra chocolate chips if you want more chocolatey pockets.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the assembled brookies in a preheated oven for 38 to 44 minutes. Watch for the cookies to turn golden and the brownies to develop a glossy, shiny surface. A toothpick inserted into a brownie spot should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter—perfectly fudgy but not underbaked. Avoid overbaking or you’ll lose that signature gooey texture.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Let the brookies cool in the pan on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours so the layers can set properly and slicing becomes easier. For a fancy touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the sweet and nutty flavors with a slight salty crunch.

How to Serve Brown Butter Brookies Recipe

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on warm brookies balances the sweetness beautifully and adds a delightful texture contrast. For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream to melt into those warm edges. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar can also make the presentation irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pairing these brookies with simple sides like fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream helps cut through the rich chocolate and butter flavors. For a sophisticated touch, complement them with a cup of bold black coffee or a creamy latte to contrast the sweet, nutty layers.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Brown Butter Brookies Recipe into thick squares or fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties or gifts. Layer them in clear glass jars or boxes with parchment paper for a beautiful homemade treat. You can even sandwich softened brookie pieces with ice cream or frosting for a decadent dessert sandwich!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store any leftover brookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for when you need a quick sweet snack throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze these brookies for longer storage. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully at room temperature or in the fridge.

Reheating

To enjoy the brookies warm and melty like fresh from the oven, zap a bar in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. This revives the fudgy brownie texture and softens the cookie layer, making each bite heavenly and satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter by simply adding a pinch more salt to your dough and batter to balance the flavors. Salted butter helps control the salt level automatically, but unsalted works just fine when adjusted.

Why brown the butter for the brownies?

Browned butter adds a nutty, caramelized flavor that takes these brownies from ordinary to extraordinary. It enhances the depth and richness, making every bite packed with more complex, warm notes.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure, or add it separately as directed by the blend instructions.

How do I know when the brookies are done baking?

The brookies are perfectly baked when the cookies on top are golden brown and the brownies have a shiny, slightly crackled surface. A toothpick inserted into the brownie layer should come out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.

Is the espresso powder necessary?

No, the espresso powder is optional, but it really amplifies the chocolate flavor without making the brookies taste like coffee. If you don’t have it on hand, the brookies will still be delicious without it!

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Brookies Recipe is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves chocolate chip cookies and brownies—why settle for one when you can enjoy both in one bar? The mix of browned butter, luscious chocolate, and gooey cookie dough layers creates a dessert that feels both comforting and decadent. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how it quickly becomes a favorite in your home too!