These brownie mix brookies are the best of both worlds: rich, fudgy brownies and soft, chewy cookies baked together into one easy dessert bar. If you’ve ever wondered how to make brookies without starting completely from scratch, this recipe keeps things simple by using a boxed brownie mix for the chocolatey base. The result is a batch of cookie brownies that feel fun and homemade, but don’t take a ton of extra effort.
These easy brownie cookies bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, bake sales, or anytime you want a quick dessert that looks a little more special than plain brownies. With a fudgy brownie layer and a golden cookie layer, every bite has that chewy, chocolatey, bakery-style texture everyone loves.
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Ingredients for Brownie Mix Brookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these easy layered brookies. I love using boxed brownie mix and simple ingredients to keep this recipe stress-free.
- 1 box (18–19 oz) brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on the box)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, but tasty!)
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms (plus a few extra for pressing on top)
How to Make Brownie Mix Brookies
1. Prep your pan and oven.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup).
2. Make the brownie base.
Prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions on the box. Spread evenly in your prepared pan.
3. Par-bake the brownie layer.
Bake the brownie layer for 15–20 minutes so it’s set but not fully baked. The timing can depend on your brownie mix. I usually just look at the total time to bake a 9×13 pan according to the brownie mix instructions and bake it the total time minus the 20-ish minutes it takes to bake the cookie dough.
4. Make the cookie dough.
Beat butter and sugars until fluffy, then mix in the egg and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until dough forms.
Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms (saving a few M&Ms for topping).
5. Layer the cookie dough on top.
Drop spoonfuls of dough over the brownies. No need to spread; it will spread as it bakes.
6. Bake and top with M&Ms.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, then sprinkle the reserved M&Ms on top. Continue baking another 5-10 minutes until golden on top and just set.
7. Cool and slice.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Pro Tips for the Best Brookies
- Watch carefully. Everyone’s oven and brownie mix can be different, so it can be tricky to tell when to add the cookie dough. I usually add the cookie dough when the brownie edges are mostly set but the middle still looks jiggly. Ultimately, brookies still taste delicious, even if you over cook the brownie layer a bit.
- Make sure you partially bake your brownie layer before adding the cookie dough layer on top. This ensures that your brownie layer and cookie layer are distinct from one another, rather than baking into one another. Also, the cookie dough layer will bake faster than the brownie layer, so you want to give those brownies a head start.
- Chill before slicing if you want neat edges. Pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes for cleaner cuts.
- This is part of the instructions too, but I wanted to add it here. Saving a handful of M&Ms to sprinkle on top of your half-baked cookie dough layer adds a pretty touch in the end. If you forget, your brookies will still taste the same, of course! This is purely aesthetic.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These brookies can be made 1–2 days in advance. Store tightly covered at room temperature, or freeze for up to 2 months.
What kind of brownie mix should I use?
Any boxed brownie mix works, but I prefer “fudgy” for that gooey texture.
Can I double the cookie layer?
You sure can, but your brookies will be thicker and may need an extra 5–10 minutes in the oven. Just keep an eye on the top and check with a toothpick for doneness.
What if I don’t have M&Ms?
No worries! These bars are still delicious without them. You can add M&Ms or leave them as a chocolate chip cookie top instead.
These brownie mix brookies are such an easy way to turn a boxed brownie mix into something extra fun. With a fudgy brownie layer, a soft cookie layer, and plenty of chocolatey flavor, they’re the kind of dessert that feels special without adding a lot of extra work. Whether you’re making them for a party, packing them for a bake sale, or just baking a quick weekend treat, these cookie brownies are always a crowd-pleaser. Cut them into squares, serve them as bars, and enjoy every chewy, chocolatey bite!
Brownie Mix Brookies
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix 18-19 oz (look for one with instructions for a 9x13 pan)
- eggs, oil, water, etc. in the quantities specified on your brownie mix
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar light or dark
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional, but tasty!
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms plus a few extra for pressing on top
- 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles jimmies work best
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup).
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions on the box. Spread evenly in your prepared pan.
- Bake the brownie layer for 15–20 minutes so it’s set but not fully baked. The timing can depend on your brownie mix. I usually just look at the total time to bake a 9x13 pan according to the brownie mix instructions and bake it the total time minus the 20-ish minutes it takes to bake the cookie dough.
- While your brownie layer bakes, prepare the cookie dough. Beat butter and sugars until fluffy, then mix in the egg and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until dough forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms (saving a few M&Ms for topping).
- Drop spoonfuls of dough over the brownies. No need to spread; it will spread as it bakes.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, then sprinkle the reserved M&Ms on top. Continue baking another 5-10 minutes until golden on top and just set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
