Today’s lunch wasn’t really all that exciting, but it did include another variation of this mango smoothie. Delicious, I’ll tell ya.
But I figured, rather than post a repeat of that, how about I share that recipe I owe you all?
Awww, I knew you wouldn’t mind.
Over the weekend, my friend Kate asked me to “make something chocolate” for her 4th of July party. I thought about cupcakes, but then I realized I had already done enough of those.
So then I debated back and forth between cookies and brownies; and that’s when it hit me. Why not make both?
So it happened. And it was glorious.
Now I’m fully aware that I am not the first person to think of doing this, clearly. In fact, Jessica just recently outdid me (as she usually does, because her recipes are just out of control) with her Triple Layer Chocolate Chip Cookie-Fudge Brownie-Peanut Butter Blondie Bars.
Yeah, I know…
So while mine may not be triple layered, they are double layered, and complete with the addition of two of my favorite ingredients: Caramel & Heath Bar Bits.
I’m still not quite sure what to call these, besides the obvious “Brownie-Cookie-Toffee Layer Bar,” but if you come up with anything better, let me know. I’m open to suggestions.
Now when I told you the other day that these are not healthified in the slightest…well, I really wasn’t kidding. But sometimes, a dessert deserves to be 100% unhealthified, right?
Brownie-Cookie-Toffee Layer Bars
Ingredients:
Cookie Layer (slightly adapted from my Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups recipe)
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 package Toffee Heath Bar Bits
- 1/2-1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Brownie Layer
- 1 box fudgy Brownie Mix (I used Betty Crocker Family Size, 9×13) + ingredients called for on box
- 1/4 cup butterscotch caramel ice cream topping
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together butter and sugars with electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low. Add vanilla and eggs; mix until well blended, about 1 minute. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in Toffee Heath Bar Bits and chocolate chips. Spread evenly into bottom of a 9×13 baking pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix together brownie mix as directed on package, also adding in 1/4 cup of caramel topping.* Pour brownie batter over the cookie dough layer. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. ENJOY!
*I believe that the butterscotch caramel topping is what caused the brownie layer to bake slightly uneven. My guess would be that the edges would not bubble out as much if the topping were not included, but I have yet to try it. The middle was still pretty soft and probably could have used a few more minutes of baking, but I didn’t want the edges to crisp up more. Either way, they still tasted great.
And don’t forget…
When enjoyed amongst friends, these little treats are calorie-free.
Question for the Afternoon:
Cookies or Brownies?
Shari @ Chicago Cuisine Critique says
These look amazing. Btw, is that white platter/plate you have them on from Crate & Barrel? I love that collection if so. :)
Courtney says
Nope…Target. It’s plastic, and cost me about $2.00 ;)
Shari @ Chicago Cuisine Critique says
Very good to know. I heart Target. Or as I like to call it Tar-Jay.
Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife says
Wow those guys look sooo delicious. Toffee is one of my absolute favorite flavors so this sounds right up my alley! You did an awesome job. And you’re right, sometimes dessert needs to just be dessert! :)
Jodi @ Southern Flavored Life says
These look amazing! I think I will have to try these tonight!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
These look just as amazing as Jessica’s. Cookie or brownie might be the hardest decision ever but I think brownie just slightly edges cookie out for me. Chocolate all the way!
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life says
I love that they’re calorie free if you share with friends! I have to add these to my must try list, which because of your amazing baking skills, is suuuper long.
Jessica @ Bake a Little says
O yay! I was hoping you would share this recipe! Thanks :)
Chocolate, Cheese and Wine says
Brownies ALL THE WAY!
Lindsey says
That is a tough one! I love brownies but one is more than enough, however I could eat lots and lots of cookies before I get sick of them so I am going with COOKIES!
Victoria (District Chocoholic) says
It should not be “Cookies or brownies.” It should be “Cookies and brownies.” As a statement, not a question.
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
Brownies….. Oh yes! YUMMM! All they need are some sprinkles on top! (only because sprinkles make everything EVEN BETTER!)
Lora @ BootyGotBling says
O.M.G!!! Thank you!!! I am SOOO making these tomorrow morning and bringing them with me to DIVE into after I step off stage!!! What a PERFECT post-comp cheat. YUMMMMMMMMM :P
Lindsay@ In Sweetness and In Health says
Oh wow those look amazing! And I love that they are calorie-free when with friends :).
Lee @ in the pink of condition says
Double layer, but triple yum!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
HEATH BAR IS MY ADDICTION! Toffee is all over the blog world today, I am dddyyyinggg to get my hands on some heath bar crunch!
Laura @ LauraLikesDesign says
Oh my goodness these sound amazing! I love anything to do with heath! I wonder how these would turn out with using a cheesecake bar recipe–mmm!
Jen M. says
Yum! These look soooooo yummy!!!
Laura @ Cookies vs. Carrots says
Oh geez! These look amazing!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Um.. excuse me. I thought cookeis and brownies were always calorie free. Did I miss something? :)
Corey @ Family Fresh Meals says
Holy cow those brownies look good! My parents are coming to visit and I am totally going to make those! As far as cookies or brownies…. BOTH!!! Duh! hehe
Cait @ Urban Fencepost says
Brownies – the corners!
Julia says
Cookies! But only if they’re soft. But I’ll happily take both with this recipe!
Becca says
Those look amazing!
… honestly I”m so craving a sweet something or other right now I couldnt choose, but usually cookies!
Erica says
i’ll take cookie-brownies! how could i choose between them?!?! lol
those brownie cookies look sinful ;p
Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl says
I’m sitting here staring at my vegetables wishing they were your Brownie-Cookie-Toffee bars! They look soooo mouth-watering! I’d probably say Cookie but COOKIE CAKE. :-)
Kelley says
Brownies. Hands down. They tend to be richer, and last longer than cookies. If I eat one brownie I am usually satisfied, but I can never eat just one cookie!
Khushboo says
Those need to get in mah belly asap! I’m a cookie girl all the way. As much as I like to healthify recipes, sometimes only good ol buttah and sugar will do :)
Cassie says
Cookies or brownies? That’s not a fair question! Your cookie/brownie bars look melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance says
Double or triple layered… THESE LOOK PHENOMENAL
Thanks for the recipe! :D
Jessica @ How Sweet says
girl you are craaaaazzzy – i definitely did not outdo you, i think YOU outdid me! these look so super gooey and delicious… i think i need one for dinner.
Kelly says
You can always add cookie bars to your cupcake food trailor menu! :)
Courtney says
Oooooo, good idea! ;)
Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats says
That question is way too hard to answer! It depends on the day for me! lol.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Sorry, you can’t make me decide. ;) I love both equally. Which is why this dessert is so genius!
But nothing beats a really good, soft chocolate chip cookie. Those would probably win over almost any dessert!
Tiffany says
Wow! Those brownies look amazing! I actually have a kitchen question for you. What color did you paint your kitchen (and brand)? It looks like a neutral gray in the pictures and I have about 7 colors on the wall at the moment trying to pick out a color. Thought maybe you could help. Thanks so much!
Andrea says
i’m SO happy you posted this recipe. I’ve been eyeing these and hoping it wasn’t something at the party a relative made because they looked absolutely delish. i know what i’m making this weekend!
cakewhiz says
this is so much better than my regular boring brownies! i am practically drooling looking at all those layers!
Melissa says
You are killing me, my dear. Killing me. I will have to find some friends to enjoy these with because I’m sure I’ll eat half the pan, and I can’t have those calories counting! ;)
Amber @ Stop and Smell the Wildflowers says
Brownies! I love when they are all warm and gooey, when you almost can’t pick them up because they are so soft. Yum!
Meredith says
I made these this weekend. Your baked goods are the best1 Nutuella Choc Chip cookies, these brownie bars and the flag cake are my favorites! Thanks for sharing.
Courtney says
You’re so very welcome! :)