Patriotic Cookie and Brownie Crunch is a fun and festive dessert perfect for celebrating special occasions like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. This indulgent treat layers chewy chocolate chip cookies and fudgy brownies, topped with colorful sprinkles, creating a delightful crunch and a burst of red, white, and blue. The perfect combination of cookies, brownies, and a crunchy finish, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Patriotic Cookie and Brownie Crunch brings together all the best parts of your favorite desserts—chewy cookies, rich brownies, and a satisfying crunch—while incorporating a fun patriotic twist. The layers of cookie and brownie are complemented by crunchy cereal, creating a dessert that has the perfect balance of texture and sweetness. The colorful sprinkles give it a festive touch, making it ideal for parties, barbecues, or any celebration. Easy to make and fun to customize, this dessert will be the star of your dessert table.

Ingredients

For the cookie layer:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips

For the brownie layer:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the crunch layer:

• 3 cups rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)

• ½ cup butter, melted

• 1 cup mini marshmallows

• ¼ cup red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Make the cookie layer:
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

3. Make the brownie layer:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, and stir until the batter is smooth.

4. Layer the cookie and brownie batter:
   Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently. Then, pour the brownie batter on top of the cookie layer and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.

5. Make the crunch layer:
   In a separate bowl, mix the rice cereal with melted butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until everything is evenly coated. Once the cookie and brownie layers have cooled slightly, press the rice cereal mixture on top, gently pressing it down to ensure it sticks. Sprinkle with red, white, and blue sprinkles for a patriotic touch.

6. Cool and slice:
   Allow the dessert to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut it into squares or bars and serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 16-20 servings, depending on the size of the pieces.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-60 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Fold in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to either the cookie or brownie layer for extra crunch.

• Flavor swap: Add peanut butter chips to the cookie dough or swirl peanut butter into the brownie batter for a nutty flavor.

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the cookie and brownie layers to make this dessert gluten-free.

• Chocolate drizzle: After the dessert cools, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra rich finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Patriotic Cookie and Brownie Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep the dessert in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cereal for the crunch layer?

Yes, you can use cornflakes or even a combination of different cereals if you prefer. Rice cereal works best for a light crunch, but feel free to experiment.

Can I make the cookie and brownie layers ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookie and brownie layers ahead of time. Just store them separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the dessert the day you plan to serve it.

What can I substitute for mini marshmallows in the crunch layer?

You can substitute mini marshmallows with marshmallow fluff or try a combination of melted white chocolate chips and a little butter to create a similar texture.

Can I use a different color of sprinkles?

Absolutely! If you’re celebrating a different holiday or occasion, you can use any color of sprinkles to match the theme.

Do I have to use sprinkles?

No, the sprinkles are optional. You can leave them off or use another topping, such as chopped candy, shredded coconut, or chocolate shavings.

How can I tell when the cookie and brownie layers are done?

The cookie and brownie layers are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking to avoid overbaking.

Can I make this dessert without the crunch layer?

Yes, you can skip the crunch layer, and you’ll still have a delicious layered cookie and brownie dessert. The crunch layer just adds a fun texture and extra sweetness.

Can I make this dessert in a different pan size?

If you use a larger pan, the layers will be thinner, so you’ll need to adjust the baking time. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. For a smaller pan, the layers will be thicker, and you may need to increase the baking time slightly.

Can I add other fillings like caramel or chocolate chips to the brownie layer?

Yes! You can add caramel bits, chocolate chips, or any other filling of your choice to the brownie layer for extra flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the crunch layer from falling off?

Press the rice cereal mixture firmly into the cookie and brownie layers while they are still warm to help it stick.

Conclusion

Patriotic Cookie and Brownie Crunch is a delicious and festive treat that will steal the show at any celebration. With layers of chewy cookies, fudgy brownies, and a sweet, crunchy topping, this dessert is an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. It’s the perfect way to celebrate special occasions with friends and family. Quick to make and easy to customize, this dessert is bound to become a favorite for your next party or gathering!

Print