Brownie Cookie Bars

Have you ever wondered if two things you really love separately would go well together? Sometimes it doesn't work out so well- i.e. pickles & ice cream. Sometimes it works out very well, like in this example. I love cookies. I love brownies. Now I love Brownie Cookie Bars too. Isn't that just great?

I got this idea from these cookie dough brownies that were traveling around blogland, but I wanted to cook them. Since I was cooking it, I figured I could use my regular cookie recipe with eggs. I used the recommended brownie recipe from All Recipes and added some brown sugar instead of half of the white sugar to give it a more caramel flavor. I used a half batch of the cookie recipe I use for my cookie cakes. Now, I think there is a little tweaking to be done in the execution area of this recipe, but I think I know what you should do if you make this. Cook the brownie batter half way first before adding the cookie dough. Mine tasted marvelous, but a lot of both batters blended together. Next time I want two more disticnt cookie brownie layers.

This takes a little while to cook, so if your cookies are looking brown on top but the brownies are not cooked through, cover with foil to prevent burning. If you go with the method I suggested above, you may not need this step.


Brownie Cookie Bars

For the brownies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder

For the cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups + 1 TBSP all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Make the brownie batter:

Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8x8 pan with foil- use 2 layers in separate directions overhanging the sides so you can lift out the brownies easily after cooled. Spray generously with cooking spray. 

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs and vanilla. 

Using a spoon and being careful not to over mix, add remaining ingredients until just combined. Spread batter into prepared pan and bake 15-20 minutes. Brownies will be about halfway cooked. While the brwonies are baking, make the cookie batter.

Make the cookie dough:

In  large mixer bowl, cream butter and sugars until well combined. Add egg mix until combined. 

Add vanilla. Combine dry ingredients in small bowl and gradually add to butter mixture until combined. Stir in chocolate chips by hand.

Marry your cookies and brownies:

Drop cookie dough by heaping spoonfuls evenly on top of half-baked browniee- they will spread, don't worry! 

Increase temperature to 375 and return to oven for 20-30 more minutes, as needed. Not 100% sure on the timing since I did not cook it this way the first time, so please keep an eye on it. a toothpick inserted in th emiddle should come out relatively clean and the cookies should be golden brown. If needed, cover with foil to keep from getting too brown while the insides cook longer. Cool in pan for a few minutes, then lift of pan using foil and cool until ready to eat. I like it warm. :)

Enjoy with a TALL glass of milk- and with a friend if you don't want to gain 873 pounds in one sitting...