Easy M&M Skillet Brookie
This Easy M&M Skillet Brookie combines classic chocolate chip cookies and fudgy brownies into one flavor-loaded dessert. Sprinkled with M&M’s you get warm, gooey chocolate in every bite! Serve this skillet brookie on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing, restaurant-worthy treat!
In case you didn’t already know, a woman named Jovon English was the original inventor of the brookie. She actually opened a kitchen called Milk + Brookies in 2014! You can read more about her journey here. But the point is we’re eternally grateful to her because we’re obsessed with brookies!
We have pretty big sweet tooths. While we love all the classics, sometimes we don’t always want to have to choose. Therefore, brookies are the perfect dessert! Typically, they’re made similarly to brownies or blondies in a baking pan and later sliced into bars. However, for this skillet brookie, we took more of a pizookie or cookie skillet approach baking it as one big dessert. As a result, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd!
What Is a Brookie?
A brookie is a unique dessert that is made with both brownie batter and cookie dough, usually chocolate chip. Typically, the dessert is made with a base of brownie batter, and cookie dough pieces are sprinkled on top. Then, it’s baked in the oven. The end result is an indulgent dessert that is moist and fudgy like a brownie on the bottom yet crisp and slightly crunchy on the top like a cookie.
What’s in a Skillet Brookie?
There are many variations of brookie recipes. However, basic versions use just brownie batter and cookie dough. Of course, we had to spruce ours up a bit, making it extra indulgent with a sprinkling of M&Ms! Here’s everything we used:
- Flour – Regular all-purpose flour forms the base of both the brownie batter and cookie dough. If needed, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used instead.
- Sugar – Both granulated sugar and light brown sugar are used to sweeten the dessert while keeping it soft and moist.
- Eggs – One egg and one egg yolk are used in both the batter and the dough to provide structure and make the flavor extra rich.
- Butter – Melted unsalted butter enhances the flavor and helps the skillet brookie rise and become fluffy.
- Baking Soda – Make sure it’s fresh! Otherwise, your brookie won’t rise.
- Sea Salt – Just a pinch helps the rest of the ingredients stand out.
- Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract is crucial in baking to help add depth to the flavor.
- Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet chocolate chips are folded into the cookie dough for a classic recipe. Then, we add dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter for layers and layers of chocolatey goodness!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Forms the base of the brownies.
- Instant Coffee Powder – Technically optional, this helps enhance the chocolate in the brownie batter. If preferred, feel free to use decaf coffee instead.
- M&Ms – Sprinkled on top, these make your skillet brookie extra delicious and festive!
How to Make an Easy M&M Skillet Brookie
Because we’re technically making two recipes, this skillet brookie recipe takes a little effort. But don’t worry! It’s still easy and super fun. Here’s what to do:
Cookie Dough
- Sift the Dry Ingredients. Sift the dry ingredients together in a large bowl, and set it aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients. In a separate medium-sized bowl, cream the melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating them until they’re well incorporated and the mixture is fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, and beat again.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients, and stir just until smooth. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Brownie Batter
- Sift the Dry Ingredients. Sift the dry ingredients into a medium-sized bowl.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients. In a separate medium-sized bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating in between. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients, and stir to combine. Be careful not to overmix. Then, fold in the chocolate chips.
Skillet Brookie
- Prepare. Preheat your oven, and grease a large skillet.
- Layer the Ingredients. Add the cookie dough and brownie batter to the skillet in an alternating pattern, pressing it down gently.
- Top. Sprinkle the M&Ms on top using as little or as much as you’d like.
- Bake. Place your skillet brookie in the oven until the cookie dough is golden and a toothpick can be inserted into the center and comes out clean. It may seem a little underdone at first, but it will continue to set as it cools. So, be careful not to overbake!
- Enjoy! Let your brookie cool slightly and enjoy while it’s still warm!
Flavor Variations and Serving Suggestions
Just when you thought this skillet brookie couldn’t get any better, we’re adding extra toppings to make it even more indulgent! Our favorite options include chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and cold vanilla ice cream.
Also, feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations. For instance, you could:
- Use different cookie dough such as peanut butter cookie dough, monster cookie dough, or s’mores cookie dough
- Swirl caramel into the batter
- Add chopped nuts
- Swap out the M&Ms with any other candy you like such as Reese’s Pieces, KtiKat pieces, or toffee bits
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Feel free to prepare your skillet. Then, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For the best, results, let it come to room temperature before you place your skillet brookie in the oven.
How Long Does This Skillet Brookie Last?
In our house? Not long! However, if you have leftovers, they can be sliced and transferred to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Or, freeze them for up to 6 months. To serve, let them thaw in the fridge. Then, enjoy them cold. Or, pop them in the microwave or oven to warm them back up, being careful not to overcook them!
More Brookie Recipes
Looking for more fun brookie variations? Try out the recipes below!
Easy M&M Skillet Brookie Recipe
Ingredients
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Brownie Batter:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon instant coffee powder
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- M&Ms for topping
Instructions
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, cream the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and egg yolk one at a time, beating in between. Add the vanilla extract, and beat again.
- Working slowly, add the dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients, stirring just until smooth. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
Brownie Batter:
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, instant coffee, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, cream the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and egg yolk one at a time, beating in between. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
For the Skillet Brookie:
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 6-8 inch cast iron skillet.
- Add ¼ cup of cookie dough and brownie batter to the skillet in an alternating pattern, pressing down gently.
- Sprinkle the M&Ms on top.
- Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted into the center and comes out clean.
- Cool slightly.
- Top with ice cream and chocolate sauce, if desired. Serve warm!