Decadent Cookie Dough Brownies
Indulge in a mouthwatering dessert that marries the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the delightful creaminess of cookie dough. These Cookie Dough Brownies feature a luscious brownie base topped with an irresistible cookie dough layer and finished off with a smooth chocolate glaze. You won’t want to miss out on this heavenly combination!
Why You’ll Love These Cookie Dough Brownies
Crowd-Pleaser: The delightful mix of flavors makes these brownies a sure hit at gatherings, parties, and bake sales. Be prepared for your friends to ask for the recipe!
No Raw Eggs: Our cookie dough is crafted without raw eggs, ensuring a safe treat for everyone to enjoy.
Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Enjoy every sumptuous bite packed with rich chocolate chips and topped with a glossy chocolate layer.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These brownies are perfect for meal prep; they taste even better when chilled overnight!
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Softened for the cookie dough and melted for a rich brownie base.
- Granulated & Brown Sugar: These sugars not only sweeten but add depth to the flavor, with brown sugar giving a lovely, caramel-like richness.
- Eggs: Essential for binding and adding moisture to the brownie batter.
- Vanilla Extract & Salt: Boost the flavor profile and balance the sweetness of the dessert.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used for both the brownies and cookie dough, with heat-treated flour for the safe-to-eat dough.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The key to a deep chocolate flavor in the brownies.
- Semisweet & Mini Chocolate Chips: A mix of semisweet chips for the brownie base and mini chips for sprinkling in the cookie dough.
- Milk: Added to the cookie dough for moisture and richness.
- Shortening: Helps create a smooth chocolate topping that glides beautifully over the dessert.
How to Make Cookie Dough Brownies
These exquisite layered brownies blend nostalgia with gourmet flair, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Here’s how to whip up this delicious treat:
- Preheat: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Remove from heat and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Beat: Add the eggs to the cooled mixture one at a time, incorporating each egg well along with the vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gently stir in the flour and salt until just combined. Then fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, making sure there are no streaks of flour left.
- Pour: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before chilling them in the refrigerator until firm.
- Prepare Flour: For the cookie dough, heat treat the flour by spreading it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and baking it at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or until it reaches 160°F (70°C). Let it cool completely.
- Beat Together: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk to the mixture.
- Add Flour: Gradually mix in the heat-treated flour until fully incorporated. If the dough appears too dry, add a bit more milk. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips and spread this delightful cookie dough layer over the cooled brownies.
- Melt Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening. Melt this mixture in intervals of 20 seconds in the microwave, stirring until completely smooth. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Spread Topping: Generously pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer, smoothing it out evenly. Refrigerate for an hour to set before cutting into squares.
Tips for the Best Cookie Dough Brownies
For cookie dough brownies that impress every time, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Heat-treat the flour: This step is crucial for safety. Baking the flour for a brief time eliminates any harmful bacteria.
- Mini chocolate chips work best: These distribute well throughout the cookie dough and make slicing simpler.
- Control temperatures: Chill the brownie base before spreading the cookie dough; this prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Incorporate shortening: Adding shortening for the chocolate glaze provides a beautifully smooth finish.
- Feel free to experiment: Try adding nuts, peanut butter chips, or a swirl of caramel for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store
If you manage to have any leftovers—though it’s unlikely—here’s how to keep your cookie dough brownies fresh:
To Store: Keep these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
To Freeze: Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying. For the best texture, let chilled brownies come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
More Over-the-Top Brownies You Have to Try
Craving more brownie adventures? Check out these delectable recipes:
- Mounds Brownies
- German Chocolate Brownies
- Mississippi Mud Brownies
- Pumpkin Brownies