Fudgey Frosted Brookie Bars

When I saw these Brookies over at Bakingdom, which I am calling Fudgey Frosted Brookie Bars, I just about drooled and I made them the very next day! Brookies, which are part chocolate chip cookie, which I love, and part brownie, which I love even more, are turned into a tri-level decadant treat! You have a buttery and chewy chocolate chip cookie base, topped with a dense and fudgey brownie, topped with a smooth and rich chocolate buttercream. I love, love, love them! Give these a try and if you like these, you may also like these, these or this!

Brookie Bars=pure decadance, indulgence, and are simply irresistable : )

Fudgey Frosted Brookie Bars: (adapted from Bakingdom)

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Layer

-3/4 cup all-purpose flour

-1/2 teaspoon baking powder

-1/2 teaspoon salt

-6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

3/4 cup brown sugar

-1 egg

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

For the Brownie Layer

-1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

-1 cup sugar

-2 eggs

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-1/3 cup cocoa powder

-1/2 cup flour

-1/4 teaspoon salt

-1/4 teaspoon baking powder

OR

use your favorite boxed brownie mix plus the ingredients called for on the box (if using a boxed mix, be sure you use a mix for an 8x8-inch pan, not for a 13x9-inch pan).

For the Frosting

-4 tablespoons unsalted butter

-1/4 cup cocoa powder

-2 cups powdered sugar

-2-6 tablespoons milk

-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Make the cookie layer first: In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until well combined. Fold in the flour mixture until just combined (be careful not to overmix). Fold in the chocolate chips and spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.

Make the brownie layer: While the cookie layer bakes, prepare the brownie batter. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the sugar until combined.

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.

Whisk in the dry ingredients until combined. Once the cookie layer comes out of the oven, immediately pour the brownie batter on top of the baked cookie layer and return to the oven. OR, prepare boxed mix according to package directions and immediately pour over baked cookie layer and return to the oven.

Bake 20-30 minutes more, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack and then frost as desired.

To make the frosting: In a microwaveable medium size bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the cocoa powder until combined. Mix in the powdered sugar and milk alternately until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla.