Cookie Dough Brownies

If you’ve been looking for show-stopping brownie recipes, look no further. These incredible cookie dough brownies combine the irresistible flavor of chocolate chip cookie dough with rich chocolate brownies and a decadent chocolate topping. 

 

If you are a chocoholic, you’re likely to fall in love with these brownies that have two layers of decadent chocolate. The bottom layer is a chewy and fudgy brownie base while the top layer is a thick, velvety ganache. 

Cookie dough lovers can rejoice, too. In between those luscious layers of chocolate is egg-free cookie dough that takes these brownies to the next level. 

Don’t sleep on making these mouth-watering brownies — they’re bound to become one of your new favorite desserts.

Why You’ll Love Cookie Dough Brownies

This rich fudgy brownie combines two popular favorites — what’s not to love? 

• Delicious – These bars are the perfect balance of chocolatey brownie and sweet cookie dough.
• Impressive – This dessert is perfect for parties and gatherings — get ready for everyone to ask for the recipe.
• Customizable – Add different types of chocolate chips or even sprinkle some sea salt on for salty and sweet flavor.
• Easy – There are a few different elements of these brownies, but the recipe doesn’t require any complicated techniques or equipment.

Ingredients

Placing all of these simple ingredients before beginning baking will help to make it easier to transition between each step. 

Brownie Layer

• Unsalted butter: Butter adds rich flavor to the brownie. 
• Chocolate chips (divided): The chocolate chips provide the perfect texture and flavor.
• Large eggs: The eggs act as a binder, helping to keep the ingredients together.
• Brown sugar: This ingredient adds moisture to the brownies, helping to make them extra ooey-gooey.
• Vanilla extract: Just a little bit of vanilla extract is all you need to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and balance the flavors of these brownies.
• Cocoa powder: This gives the brownies even more chocolatey flavor.
• Flour: This leavening agent helps to give the brownies structure and make them thick.
• Salt: Salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Cookie Dough Layer

• Flour: Flour is a key component of this layer, helping to give the cookie dough structure.
• Butter (softened): Butter helps to develop the flavor and texture of this layer.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar imparts molasses flavor. Use light brown sugar for a less pronounced molasses flavor or dark brown sugar for more.
• Salt: Makes all the other flavors in the cookie dough layer pop.
• Milk: Full-fat milk is ideal — the fat helps to create the perfect texture.
• Mini chocolate chips: These are a key ingredient, too — you can’t have cookie dough without the chocolate chips! 

Chocolate Layer

• Chocolate chips: Chocolate chips are the star of the show in this rich layer.
• Butter: Butter helps to create just the right consistency of the chocolate layer.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

Anyone who tries this sweet treat will be shocked to learn how absolutely easy they are to make.

Brownie Layer

1. Melt butter and chocolate chips. Microwave the butter and chocolate chips in intervals in a microwave-safe bowl or use a double boiler method to melt the chocolate.
2. Whisk eggs and brown sugar. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and brown sugar.
3. Combine. Stir the melted butter and chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, followed by the vanilla.
4. Dry ingredients. Add the remaining dry ingredients (sifted cocoa powder, flour, and salt). Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure that all ingredients are incorporated.
5. Bake and cool. Pour the brownie batter into a prepared baking pan and bake until it passes the toothpick test. Remove the brownies from the oven and allow to come to room temperature. 

Cookie Dough Layer

1. Heat treat flour. Prepare the cookie dough layer by first spreading flour on a baking sheet and heat treat it for the recommended time. This step is optional.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar. While allowing the flour to cool, beat together the butter and brown sugar. 
3. Mix in vanilla, salt and milk. Once the brown sugar mixture is creamy, mix in the vanilla, salt, and milk. 
4. Add flour. Add the cooled, heat-treated flour, then use a wooden spoon to fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Press onto brownies. Press the cookie dough topping on top of the cooled brownies in an even layer. 

Chocolate Layer

1. Melt chocolate chips and butter. Microwave the remaining chocolate chips and butter in intervals until melted. 
2. Pour over cookie dough. Spread the chocolate ganache over the cookie dough layer and refrigerate until set.

What to Serve with Cookie Dough Brownies

There are already so many flavors and textures in these rich, decadent brownies, you hardly need anything to go with them. However, you can always drizzle them with caramel sauce or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Variations 

There are plenty of ways to add nuance to these amazing brownies. 

• Nuts – Before refrigerating, sprinkle crushed nuts over the top chocolate layer, or fold them into the brownie mixture. 
• Chocolate chips – Change up the chips by using different types of chocolate from dark chocolate or milk chocolate to white chocolate chips.
• Flour – Use your favorite flour alternative.

Storage, Make Ahead and Freezing

You can store these fudgy brownies both frosted with the chocolate topping or unfrosted.

Make Ahead: The brownie batter can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cookie dough can also be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Refrigerator: Store frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Freeze brownies for up to 2 months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. 

Common Questions About Cookie Dough Brownies

Other Sweet Handheld Treats

• Frosted Brownies (Lunch Lady Brownies)
• Butterscotch Blondies
• Thin Mint Cheesecake Bars
• Lemon Cheesecake Bars
• Brownies Using Applesauce
• Red Velvet Brownies