Brown Butter Brookie Recipe That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

Updated On: October 16, 2025

If you’re a fan of both brownies and cookies, then the brown butter brookie is the ultimate dessert hybrid you need to try. This decadent treat combines the fudgy, rich texture of a brownie with the soft, chewy goodness of a cookie, elevated by the nutty aroma of brown butter.

The brown butter adds a deep, caramelized flavor that transforms this classic dessert into something truly special. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this brookie recipe is sure to impress.

It’s easy enough for bakers of all levels, yet sophisticated in flavor to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Brown butter brookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. The recipe balances the best elements of two beloved desserts in one pan, creating a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ready to bake your way to brookie bliss? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This brown butter brookie recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, the use of browned butter adds a rich, nutty depth of flavor that takes the traditional brownie and cookie combo to another level.

The chemical reaction during browning creates complex, caramel-like notes that make every bite irresistible.

Next, the texture is perfectly balanced. The brownie layer is fudgy and dense, while the cookie layer is soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges.

This contrast keeps each bite exciting and satisfying.

Finally, this recipe is straightforward and uses common pantry ingredients, making it an accessible yet impressive dessert to whip up anytime. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because, these brookies deliver on taste and wow factor every time.

Ingredients

  • Brown Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
  • Light Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 ¾ cups
  • Cocoa Powder: ½ cup unsweetened
  • Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon
  • Chocolate Chips: 1 cup semi-sweet
  • Brownie Layer: Use half of the batter for this layer
  • Cookie Layer: Use the other half of the batter plus an additional ½ cup chocolate chips

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan (for browning butter)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • 8×8 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper or non-stick spray
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir frequently until the butter foams, then begins to brown and smell nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Mix sugars and eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add browned butter: Slowly pour the warm brown butter into the sugar and egg mixture, mixing continuously to combine.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Make the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
  6. Divide the batter: Split the batter in half. Set aside half for the brownie layer.
  7. Prepare the cookie layer: To the remaining batter, fold in an additional ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra chocolatey cookies.
  8. Layer the batter: Line your baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well. Spread the brownie batter evenly at the bottom of the pan.
  9. Add cookie layer: Gently spread the cookie batter on top of the brownie layer. Don’t mix the layers; just smooth the surface.
  10. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the brookie for 30-35 minutes, or until the cookie layer is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  11. Cool and slice: Let the brookie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

For the best brown butter flavor, make sure to watch the butter carefully as it browns—you want a deep golden color but not blackened. The aroma is your best indicator!

Here are a few ideas to customize your brookies:

  • Add nuts: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
  • Use different chocolates: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference.
  • Peanut butter swirl: Drop dollops of peanut butter onto the cookie layer and swirl gently with a knife before baking.
  • Salted top: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookie layer before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (1 piece)
Calories 280
Total Fat 15g
Saturated Fat 9g
Cholesterol 55mg
Sodium 120mg
Total Carbohydrates 33g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 23g
Protein 3g

Serving Suggestions

Brown butter brookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few serving ideas. Try warming a brookie square slightly and topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

For a cozy treat, serve brookies alongside a cup of hot coffee, espresso, or a rich hot chocolate. The nutty, buttery flavors pair beautifully with warm beverages.

If you’re serving at a party, consider arranging brookie squares on a platter with fresh berries or whipped cream for a touch of elegance.

Conclusion

The brown butter brookie is a delightful marriage of two classic desserts that never fails to impress. Its rich, fudgy brownie base combined with the soft, cookie top creates a texture and flavor experience that’s truly unforgettable.

The addition of brown butter brings a sophisticated depth that sets this recipe apart from your average brookie.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try, and you might just find this brookie becoming your new go-to dessert!

Want to explore more sweet treats? Check out our Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie, Classic Fudge Brownies, or Salted Caramel Blondies for more delicious inspiration!

📖 Recipe Card: Brown Butter Brookie

Description: A delicious combination of rich brown butter cookie dough and fudgy chocolate brownie baked together. Perfectly chewy with a nutty depth of flavor.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty, then let cool.
  2. In a bowl, mix browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
  4. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder in a separate bowl.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
  6. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
  8. Spread half the batter evenly in the pan for the brownie layer.
  9. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough on top and gently spread to cover.
  10. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
  11. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 38 g

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Marta K

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