If you’re someone who can never decide between a brownie or cookie dough, then you’re in for a treat! Cookie dough brownies are a game-changer in the world of desserts, blending the best parts of both treats into one irresistible bar. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth brownie, only to discover that it’s topped with a creamy, sweet layer of cookie dough. It’s the kind of indulgence that satisfies every craving.
Why We Love This
Cookie dough brownies are the ideal dessert for several reasons. First, they combine two beloved treats into one. The rich, fudgy brownie layer contrasts beautifully with the sweet, edible cookie dough on top. This balance of textures—chewy brownies with a doughy, creamy finish—is what makes these brownies stand out from the crowd. You’ll love how each bite is a mix of chocolatey and doughy goodness.
Here are just a few reasons why this dessert will become your go-to:
- The Perfect Blend: If you’re torn between brownies and cookie dough, cookie dough brownies are your solution. The chewy brownie base pairs perfectly with the cookie dough layer for a deliciously indulgent bite.
- No Need to Bake the Cookie Dough: The best part? The cookie dough in these brownies is 100% safe to eat raw, which means you get to skip the hassle of baking a separate batch of cookies.
- Quick and Simple: Even though they sound decadent, cookie dough brownies are easy to make and come together quickly. The simple ingredients ensure that you can whip them up with minimal effort.
- Loved by All: These brownies are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to bake sales. Their flavor and presentation are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients for Cookie Dough Brownies
Before you start, gather the ingredients for both the brownie layer and the cookie dough layer. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—everything you need is easy to find and doesn’t require any special skills to work with.
Butter – Adds moisture and richness. Use unsalted butter for better control over the salt.
Sugar – Granulated sugar gives sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
Eggs – Binds ingredients and adds structure to the brownies.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the brownies.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the brownies, giving them a dense texture.
Baking Powder – Helps the brownies rise slightly for a lighter texture.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Mini Chocolate Chips – Adds pockets of melty chocolate throughout the brownies.
Cookie Dough Layer – Made with butter, sugar, flour, and salt, this layer sits on top of the brownie base for a chewy, soft texture.
Having all your ingredients ready will make the baking process smooth and fast, ensuring the end result is just as delicious as you imagine.
How to Make Cookie Dough Brownies
Creating cookie dough brownies is simpler than it might sound. All it takes are two layers, a little mixing, and some time to bake and chill. Here’s how you can make your own batch of these mouthwatering treats:
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Once melted, add the sugar and mix until combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
Mix in the dry ingredients: sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder into the wet ingredients, and stir until fully incorporated. The batter should be thick and fudgy.
Bake the brownie layer for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. You want the brownie layer to be slightly underbaked for that gooey texture. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Layer
Cream the butter and both sugars together in a large bowl using an electric mixer or by hand until it’s light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Incorporate the flour and salt, mixing until you get a thick cookie dough.
Optional step: Fold in mini chocolate chips for an extra burst of sweetness and texture.
Chill the dough in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to make it easier to spread.
Step 3: Assemble the Brownies
Once the brownies have cooled slightly, spread the cookie dough evenly over the top of the brownie layer. Don’t worry if it seems a bit sticky—chilling it beforehand helps.
Refrigerate the assembled brownies for at least 30-60 minutes. This allows both layers to firm up, especially the cookie dough, making them easier to slice into squares.
Once chilled, cut the brownies into squares and serve!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Cookie Dough Brownies
To ensure that your cookie dough brownies turn out just right, keep these expert tips in mind:
Underbake the Brownie Layer: For a fudgy, gooey brownie, slightly underbake the brownie layer. This will create that perfect soft and chewy texture.
Chill the Cookie Dough: If your cookie dough feels too sticky or hard to handle, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before spreading it over the brownie layer.
Let the Brownies Cool Completely: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting them ensures cleaner edges and easier serving.
Add Extra Toppings: For an added layer of decadence, drizzle some caramel or melted chocolate on top of the cookie dough layer before chilling. You can also add crushed nuts or even mini marshmallows for extra flavor.
Creative Variations for Cookie Dough Brownies
Feel free to play around with the basic recipe and get creative! Here are a few fun variations to try:
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownies: Add a few tablespoons of peanut butter to the cookie dough for a nutty twist.
Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Brownies: Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the top of the cookie dough before refrigerating for an irresistible salty-sweet flavor combination.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Vegan Cookie Dough Brownies: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs to make this dessert vegan-friendly.
Serving Cookie Dough Brownies
Serving cookie dough brownies is a breeze, and there are a few ways you can elevate the experience even further:
Serve Warm: For an extra gooey experience, warm your cookie dough brownies slightly in the microwave. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top will send them over the top!
Cold and Firm: If you prefer your brownies with a firmer texture, store them in the fridge until they’re ready to serve.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a gift for a loved one, or just looking to treat yourself, cookie dough brownies make the perfect choice for any event. They’re simple to make but always seem like a special indulgence.
FAQs
What Are Cookie Dough Brownies?
Cookie dough brownies are a unique dessert that combines a classic fudgy brownie base with a layer of edible cookie dough on top. The cookie dough layer is safe to eat raw, which makes these brownies even more enjoyable!
Can I Make Cookie Dough Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare cookie dough brownies in advance. They’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them for longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week.
How Can I Prevent My Cookie Dough Layer from Spreading?
If the cookie dough layer is too soft and spreads too much, try chilling it for 10-15 minutes before spreading it over the brownies. This will make it easier to handle and prevent excessive spreading.
How Do I Know When the Brownies Are Done?
The brownie layer is done when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. For a fudgier texture, you can slightly underbake the brownies, but be sure to let them cool before cutting.
More brownie recipes you will love!
Cookie Dough Brownies
Equipment
- Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowls:
- Electric Mixer
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter softened
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
- Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt to form the cookie dough. Gently spoon dollops of the cookie dough over the brownie batter, and swirl lightly with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.