If you’re craving a treat that satisfies every dessert craving at once, the Loaded Brookie Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These bars combine the fudgy richness of a brownie with the buttery sweetness of a cookie, all studded generously with chocolate chips, Oreos, and M&M’s. The result is a decadent, gooey-layered dessert that’s perfect for sharing, yet so scrumptious you might want to keep it all to yourself. Dive into this delightful dessert adventure, where every bite bursts with layers of texture and flavor that will have you hooked from the very first taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Loaded Brookie Bars Recipe is both simple and exciting. Each ingredient plays a key role—whether it’s creating that melt-in-your-mouth brownie base, adding cookie crumb texture, or contributing bursts of chocolatey goodness that make these bars irresistible.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds rich moisture and helps achieve a fudgy brownie texture.
- ¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the brownie layer perfectly without overpowering.
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds a subtle caramel undertone to both the brownie and cookie parts.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and lend structure.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
- ¾ cup Hershey cocoa powder: Delivers that signature deep chocolate flavor in the brownie base.
- 1 cup flour: Provides the necessary lift and chewiness for the brownie layer.
- ½ tsp kosher salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate notes.
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips: Melt into pockets of gooey sweetness throughout the brownies.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for the cookie dough’s rich, tender crumb.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar: Blends with the cookie dough for chewiness and depth.
- ½ cup sugar: Adds crispness to the cookie dough.
- 1 large egg: Gives the cookie dough structure and softness.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: A second dose to keep flavor consistent across layers.
- 1 cup flour: Creates the perfect structure and texture for the cookie layer.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookie dough rise slightly to a tender finish.
- ¼ tsp kosher salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and amplify flavors.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds melty richness throughout the cookie layer.
- 1 cup chopped Oreo cookies: Brings crunchy texture and a delightful chocolate cream twist.
- 1 cup M&M’s: Pops of color and candy crunch inject fun and extra sweetness.
How to Make Loaded Brookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Start by mixing your melted butter with sugar and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. Whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, then gradually fold them into the wet mixture until just combined. Finally, fold in the milk chocolate chips to have pockets of melty delight throughout your brownie batter.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, then add to your wet ingredients just until mixed. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped Oreos, and colorful M&M’s for that candy-coated crunch and cream-filled cookie magic.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spread the fudgy brownie batter evenly at the bottom, then carefully layer the cookie dough on top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cookie dough is golden and the edges are set but the center is still slightly gooey. Let the pan cool completely before slicing into rich, chewy bars that showcase both brownie and cookie wonder.
How to Serve Loaded Brookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats adding your personal touch when serving these bars. Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness or drizzle with warm chocolate ganache to amplify the chocolate indulgence. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns a simple bar into a dreamy dessert experience.
Side Dishes
While Loaded Brookie Bars Recipe shines as a standalone treat, pairing these with fresh berries or a cold glass of milk makes the dessert feel balanced and refreshing. For adults, a cup of rich coffee or a bold red wine complements the decadent flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares and serve them on a colorful platter for parties or potlucks. Wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for delightful homemade gifts, or layer them in a glass jar for an attractive dessert display. The vibrant M&M’s and visible Oreo chunks make these bars truly photogenic and party-ready.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Loaded Brookie Bars Recipe bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this treat anytime during the week without losing any richness or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to a month by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and then placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours to bring back that freshly baked experience.
Reheating
To enjoy your Loaded Brookie Bars Recipe warm again, simply microwave a bar for about 15-20 seconds or heat it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. The chocolate chips will melt deliciously, reviving that gooey, decadent texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use margarine or coconut oil as alternatives, but keep in mind that butter gives the bars their rich, creamy flavor and a perfect fudgy consistency that’s hard to beat.
What type of pan works best for baking these bars?
A 9×9-inch square baking pan is ideal because it ensures even cooking and the perfect thickness for each bar, but an 8×8-inch pan works too if you want thicker bars.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend will work well, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture.
Are there any tips for getting the cookie and brownie layers to bake evenly?
Make sure to spread both layers evenly and bake in the center of your oven. Avoid opening the oven door too often, as it can cause uneven baking or collapsing.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut mix in beautifully, adding an extra layer of crunch and flavor to your Loaded Brookie Bars Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you whip up this Loaded Brookie Bars Recipe, your dessert game will be forever transformed. It’s a perfect marriage of brownies and cookies, with every bite delivering joyous surprises of chocolate chips, Oreos, and M&M’s. Whether for sharing or indulging solo, these bars are destined to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare for some seriously happy taste buds!
Print
Loaded Brookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Loaded Brookie Bars combine the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies and the buttery, tender texture of cookies into one irresistible dessert bar. Packed with milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped Oreo cookies, and colorful M&M’s, these bars offer a perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and chocolaty textures that delight every bite.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
- 1 cup flour
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Cookie Layer
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped Oreo cookies
- 1 cup M&M’s
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with both the sugar and light brown sugar. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition, followed by the pure vanilla extract. Sift together the Hershey’s cocoa powder, flour, and kosher salt, then gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir in the milk chocolate chips. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cookie Layer: In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract until combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped Oreo cookies, and M&M’s.
- Assemble the Brookie Bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spread the brownie batter evenly over the bottom. Carefully spoon and spread the cookie dough mixture evenly over the brownie layer, creating two distinct layers.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the cookie layer is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the brookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 12 bars and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs and butter for the cookie dough to ensure smooth mixing.
- Chilling the cookie dough before layering can help prevent mixing with the brownie batter.
- Customize your brookie bars by swapping M&M’s for other candies or nuts as desired.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Cutting the bars when fully cooled ensures cleaner slices and easier handling.
