If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that marries two beloved classics into one irresistible treat, then this Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine biting into a thick, fudgy brownie layer crowned with soft, creamy cookie dough full of chocolate chips, all finished with a luscious chocolate drizzle. This dessert is exactly what happens when rich brownie meets nostalgic cookie dough, and trust me, it’s a game changer. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these brownies deliver indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step in crafting this delicious dessert. Each component is carefully chosen to balance texture, flavor, and richness — ensuring your Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
- 4 large eggs, room temperature: Helps create a rich, moist base for the brownies and enhances texture.
- 1 ¼ cups Dutch processed cocoa powder: Provides a deep, chocolatey flavor that is smooth and less acidic.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the chocolate notes.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to keep the brownies thick but tender.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for brownies): Melted to add richness and fudginess.
- 2 ¼ cups granulated sugar (for brownies): Sweetness that caramelizes slightly for depth.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for brownies): Gives structure and a tender crumb to the brownies.
- 2 cups chocolate chips (for brownies): Melts to pockets of gooey chocolate throughout.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (for cookie dough): Ensures the cookie dough stays soft and luscious.
- 1 cup brown sugar (for cookie dough): Provides molasses notes and chewy consistency.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for cookie dough): Adds a little crunch and extra sweetness.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Makes the cookie dough creamy and binds it perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cookie dough): Infuses the dough with classic cookie warmth.
- ½ teaspoon salt (for cookie dough): Heightens the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups heat-treated all-purpose flour: Keeps the cookie dough safe to eat and gives it structure.
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chips: Mini bites of chocolate that complement the brownie base.
- 1 cup chocolate chips, melted (for drizzle): Adds a glossy, decorative finish with extra rich chocolate.
How to Make Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch pan with foil, leaving edges hanging for easy lifting later. Whisk together the eggs, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. This mixture will be thick but full of intense chocolatey promise. The beauty here is that a bit of patience whisking by hand or with a wooden spoon gets you a luscious texture that’s the foundation of fudgy brownies.
Step 2: Mixing Butter and Sugar
Next, melt the butter and blend it thoroughly with the granulated sugar, whisking until it turns glossy. This step is crucial; it helps dissolve the sugar slightly and creates a shiny, smooth mixture that will give your brownies a perfect crust and tender crumb.
Step 3: Combining and Baking
Pour the butter mixture into the cocoa mixture and stir gently until everything is just combined. Fold in the flour and chocolate chips, taking care not to overmix. Spread this heavenly batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. You want the brownies to be set around the edges and slightly gooey in the middle. Once out of the oven, cool completely, then refrigerate for 30 minutes so they hold firm for the next layer.
Step 4: Preparing the Cookie Dough Layer
While the brownie base chills, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mix looks silky and no longer grainy—this is the magic that keeps your cookie dough soft. Blend in the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, then gently fold in the heat-treated flour and miniature chocolate chips. Chill the dough for around 20 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to spread.
Step 5: Assembling and Chilling
Spread the cookie dough evenly over the chilled brownies, using either greased hands or a piece of wax paper to smooth it out without sticking. Pop the entire dish back into the fridge for at least one hour until the cookie dough layer is set and ready to slice.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
To finish, melt one cup of chocolate chips carefully in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Transfer to a piping or zip-top bag and drizzle over each cut brownie piece. This final drizzle adds a striking and delicious shine that complements the layers below perfectly.
How to Serve Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few extra chocolate chips on top. These simple garnishes add bursts of flavor and a gorgeous contrast to the rich layers beneath. For an extra touch of fun, consider whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Side Dishes
These brownies are rich enough to stand on their own, but if you want to serve a more complete dessert, fresh berries or a light, tart fruit compote pairs beautifully. The brightness of fruit contrasts the deep chocolate and creamy cookie dough perfectly, refreshing the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, cut your brownies into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter dusted lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa. For parties, try skewering brownie cubes with marshmallows and cookies for whimsy. You could even layer cookie dough brownie bites between layers of vanilla pudding for a trifle that will wow any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe pieces keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This time allows the flavors to meld even more, and chilling makes them easier to slice cleanly each time you serve.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious treats longer, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen brownies last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Warm chilled or thawed brownies in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you prefer them soft and melty, but be careful not to overheat lest the cookie dough layer becomes too soft. Alternatively, enjoy them cold for a delightfully chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of heat-treated flour for the cookie dough?
Heat-treated flour is essential for safety in this no-bake cookie dough layer. If you don’t have heat-treated flour ready, you can easily prepare it by toasting flour in the oven to eliminate any bacteria. This step ensures your dessert is safe to eat without compromising taste or texture.
Can I substitute the butter with a healthier fat or oil?
Butter is key for the rich flavor and creamy consistency in both brownie and cookie dough layers, so substituting it with oils might affect the texture and taste. If you must substitute, use melted coconut oil or clarified butter, but expect a slightly different result.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick or tester into the center of the brownies. You want it to come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not completely clean or wet batter. This ensures fudgy, not dry, brownies—the perfect base for your cookie dough layer.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch in either the brownie batter or cookie dough. Just fold them in during mixing, and keep in mind the added texture will complement the softness beautifully.
What if I don’t have a piping bag for the chocolate drizzle?
No worries! Simply use a sturdy zip-top plastic bag and cut a tiny corner off to create a makeshift piping bag. This trick works just as well and allows precise control over your chocolate drizzle to make your brownies look professional.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re equipped with this incredible Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe, it’s time to dive in and treat yourself. The marriage of fudgy brownies, classic cookie dough, and a rich chocolate drizzle is pure magic on a plate. Whether for a celebration or a well-deserved every day treat, these brownies are guaranteed to bring smiles and happy sighs. Go ahead and make a batch—you’ll thank me later.
Print
Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies
Description
These decadent Cookie Dough Brownies combine a thick, fudgy brownie base with a creamy, soft chocolate chip cookie dough layer on top, finished with a luscious drizzle of melted chocolate. Perfect for indulgent dessert lovers, these brownies offer the best of both worlds in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups (105 grams) Dutch processed cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 ¼ cups (445 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all purpose flour
- 2 cups (340 grams) chocolate chips
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (213 grams) brown sugar
- ½ cup (99 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (56 grams) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour, heat treated
- 1 cup (177 grams) miniature chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1 cup (170 grams) chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving enough foil hanging over the edges for easy removal of the brownies later.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, Dutch processed cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and well combined.
- Melt Butter and Combine with Sugar: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Add granulated sugar to the melted butter and whisk together continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture looks shiny and well combined.
- Combine Brownie Ingredients: Pour the melted butter and sugar mixture into the cocoa powder mixture. Stir thoroughly with the wooden spoon until smooth. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and chocolate chips until no flour streaks remain.
- Bake the Brownies: Spoon the brown batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, refrigerate the brownies for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough Layer: While brownies chill, prepare the cookie dough. Using an electric mixer or whisk, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until sugar dissolves and mixture is well blended.
- Add Remaining Cookie Dough Ingredients: Pour in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt; mix for 1 more minute. Reduce mixer speed to low, add heat-treated flour, and mix just until combined. Fold in miniature chocolate chips thoroughy.
- Chill and Spread Cookie Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 15 to 20 minutes until firm and less sticky. Evenly spread the cookie dough over the chilled brownies, pressing it gently into place with well-greased hands or by using wax paper on top and pressing. Refrigerate again for about 1 hour until firm.
- Cut and Drizzle Chocolate: Transfer the layered brownies to a cutting board and slice into 24 squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean after each cut. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring well between each increment until smooth. Use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a snipped corner to drizzle melted chocolate over each brownie piece.
Notes
- Use heat-treated flour in the cookie dough to make it safe to eat raw.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the cookie dough layer and chilling to prevent melting.
- Use greased hands or wax paper to handle the sticky cookie dough easily.
- Ensure the chocolate drizzle is fully cooled and set before serving to avoid messy brownies.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
