There are moments when nothing but a crisp, sweet crunch will do. That’s exactly what this Crispy Cookie Brittle delivers. It’s a thin, golden layer of baked cookie dough that snaps satisfyingly with every bite, making it a perfect treat for when you want something sweet but not overly heavy.
One afternoon, I tried making this brittle while distracted by a phone call that lasted longer than I expected. Somehow, that little distraction made the process feel more relaxed, even a bit chaotic, and I ended up spreading the dough a bit unevenly. But honestly, those uneven edges baked up into the best crunchy bits — some caramelized just a touch more than the rest. The final brittle was a mix of textures, from light and crisp to slightly chewy, and the chocolate chips scattered throughout gave bursts of richness that made every bite interesting. I couldn’t stop breaking off pieces, even as I kept glancing at the clock wondering if I should save some for later or just dive in.
- It’s delightfully crunchy, perfect for snacking or adding texture to ice cream or yogurt.
- The thin, crisp texture means it’s not as filling as a typical cookie—so you can indulge without feeling weighed down.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just straightforward baking.
- Chocolate chips dispersed in the brittle add little pockets of gooey sweetness, but if you’re not a fan, it’s easy to leave them out or swap for nuts.
If you’re unsure about how thin to spread the dough, don’t stress too much—each batch will have its own little quirks. The important part is the snap and the balance of sweet and buttery notes.
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Crispy Cookie Brittle
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
A crunchy, sweet treat made by baking a thin layer of cookie dough until golden and crisp. Perfect for snacking or topping desserts.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and beat until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly into the dough.
Spread the cookie dough evenly and thinly over the prepared baking sheet, about 1/8 inch thick.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set and crisp.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookie brittle to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Once cooled, break the cookie brittle into pieces and serve or store.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Don’t worry about fancy equipment for this one; a simple baking sheet and parchment paper are all you need. When serving, this brittle shines on its own but also makes a fantastic topping for vanilla ice cream or a crunchy addition to a dessert platter. If you want to mix things up, you could try folding in some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt before baking. Sometimes I’ve spread the dough a little thicker when I’m craving a chewier bite, which isn’t quite brittle but still delicious. Or you might experiment with swapping semi-sweet chocolate chips for white or dark chocolate, depending on your mood.
FAQ
Can I store the cookie brittle?
Absolutely. It keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or you can refrigerate it for longer freshness.
Is it hard to get the brittle thin enough?
It takes a gentle hand, but don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even. Uneven thickness just means you get a variety of textures.
Can I make this without chocolate chips?
Sure thing. The chocolate is lovely but not essential; the brittle is great on its own or with other mix-ins.
Ready to add a crunchy, sweet twist to your snack game? This Cookie Brittle is calling your name. Go ahead—break off a piece and savor that satisfying snap.