Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Crookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.

Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This step ensures your Crookies won’t stick and makes cleanup effortless.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder by sifting them into the bowl. Sifting helps create a smooth batter without lumps and ensures all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the brownies dense instead of fudgy.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Set the pan aside while you work on the cookie layer.

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well blended and smooth.

Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Fold in the chocolate chips (or your chosen mix-ins) for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Scoop small portions of the cookie dough and drop them evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to gently spread the dough into an even layer.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter).

Allow the Crookies to cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes. This resting time helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice them neatly.

Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.