These Brookies are a sweet and salty slam dunk!
These basketball brookies are the kind of dessert that disappears fast. They’ve got that classic brownie-meets-cookie combo, plus a little crunch from toffee bits and a swirl of caramel to keep things interesting. Top it all off with Pillsbury basketball cookies, and you’ve got a game day treat that’s truly a slam dunk.
Recipe Rundown
Not a Sports Fan, But Always Here for Dessert
I’ll be the first to admit—I don’t follow basketball, but when I spotted the new Pillsbury Basketball Cookies, I decided to become a temporary fan. I had already made a football version of these brookies, and they were such a hit, I knew I had to give them a basketball spin too.
Easy, Creative, and Pretty Much Foolproof
This is one of those desserts that’s almost impossible to mess up. Start with a brownie mix, stir in your favorite extras, top with the themed cookies, and bake. It’s that simple. A few semi-homemade steps plus a little creativity, and you’ve got a dessert that’s super fun and way more exciting than just plain brownies.
Salty-Sweet Vibes (or Make It Your Own!)
I was feeling a salty-sweet combo, so I swirled in salted caramel and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt on top. If that’s not your thing, feel free to swap in regular caramel and add some chocolate sprinkles. Other fun mix-in ideas:
- Chocolate chips
- Nutella swirl
- A cheesecake layer or swirl
Chill for That Fudgy Finish
Here’s the one step I never skip: refrigerating the brookies after they cool. Just a bit of chill time turns them into that ultra-fudgy, gooey texture everyone loves. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Level It Up: Make Brookie Sundaes
In an ice cream mood? Slice these into squares and turn them into brookie sundaes—top with your favorite ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and (obviously) sprinkles.
FAQ
Q: Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?
A: Yes! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure it fits an 8- or 9-inch square pan.
Q: Do the Pillsbury Basketball Cookies bake properly on top of the brownies?
A: They sure do! They bake right along with the brownies and add a fun, soft sugar cookie bite on top.
Q: Can I make these brookies ahead of time?
A: Definitely! These brookies keep well for 3–4 days in an airtight container and taste even better the next day.
Q: What’s the best way to cut these brookies cleanly?
A: Let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife sprayed with cooking spray or wiped clean between cuts. I highly encourage taking the time to refrigerate them for a few hours before slicing.
Q: Can I freeze these brookies?
A: Yep! Freeze them in layers with parchment paper in between, and thaw at room temp before serving.
Sprinkle of Fun
Host a Mini March Madness Bracket Party!
Invite a few friends or family members over, print out a simple bracket (even if you’re all just guessing!), and keep it casual with snacks, drinks, and of course—these brookies. Set up a “Brookie Bar” where guests can grab a square and drizzle on extra caramel, sprinkle more toffee, or add a scoop of ice cream. Go all in and wear your favorite team’s jersey or keep it active with a halftime pop-a-shot competition with a mini basketball hoop.
Slam Dunk Toffee Caramel Brookies
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1/2 cup crushed toffee bits (such as Heath)
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 package Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Shape™ Basketball Sugar Cookies
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- Chocolate sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on your brownie mix box. Grease or line an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and spray it with baking spray
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions.
- Fold in the crushed toffee bits.
- Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top of the batter and gently swirl it in with a knife or toothpick.
- Press the Pillsbury Basketball Sugar Cookies gently into the batter in a 3 x 3 or 4×4 grid (or however they fit best for you—just make sure they’re spaced out a bit).
- Sprinkle the top with a pinch of sea salt and chocolate sprinkles if using.
- Bake according to the brownie mix instructions, keeping an eye on the center for doneness. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve as is or with a scoop of ice cream.
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