Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies: The Ultimate Homemade Treat
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary dessert experience! Our Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies bring together two beloved treats in one perfect package. Imagine intensely fudgy, rich brownies made from scratch, baked to perfection, and then generously crowned with a luxurious, thick layer of safe-to-eat chocolate chip cookie dough. It’s truly the best of both worlds, uniting the chewy goodness of a chocolate chip cookie with the dense, chocolatey bliss of a brownie in every single bite!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies: A Fusion of Two Dessert Icons
Who else finds themselves sneaking spoonfuls of raw cookie dough while baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies? If your hand is raised high, then these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies were made especially for you! This recipe celebrates that irresistible urge, delivering the nostalgic joy of eating cookie dough combined with the deep, satisfying richness of a classic brownie.
As an avid baker, my kitchen is often filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods. Friends and family frequently marvel at the constant supply of treats, asking “how do you not weigh 500 pounds?” and remarking on how lucky my household is. While I genuinely enjoy the process of creating these delights, I also believe in sharing the joy. A significant portion of what I bake finds its way to neighbors, colleagues, and friends, not only to avoid waste but also because I love seeing others enjoy my creations.
However, there are two desserts that *never* last long on my counter: classic brownies and homemade chocolate chip cookies. These two perennial favorites disappear almost as quickly as they’re made. So, what could be better than combining these undisputed champions into one magnificent treat? That’s precisely what these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies achieve, offering the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover.
Understanding Cookie Dough Topped Brownies
When you think of “chocolate chip cookie brownies,” there are generally a couple of interpretations. One popular method involves baking cookie dough directly *into* the brownie batter, creating a hybrid known as a “cookie brownie.” In this style, you might drop dollops of cookie dough on top of the brownie batter before baking, allowing them to meld together in the oven. This results in a delicious, chewy bar with pockets of baked cookie flavor.
However, this particular recipe takes a different, arguably more satisfying, approach. We start with a perfectly baked, fudgy brownie base. Once cooled, it’s generously topped with a thick, luscious layer of *edible* chocolate chip cookie dough. The key distinction here is that this cookie dough is specifically designed to be eaten raw. This means you get all the delightful texture and flavor of raw cookie dough without the nagging voice of your mother (or common sense) warning you about raw eggs. Our edible cookie dough contains absolutely no eggs, making it completely safe and wonderfully guilt-free to enjoy!
Can You Bake Eggless Cookie Dough? The Science Behind Edible Dough
So, we’ve established that eggless cookie dough is perfectly safe and delicious to eat raw, making it ideal for our brownie topping. But what happens if you try to bake this eggless cookie dough? The answer, unfortunately, is that it would likely “flop” as a traditional cookie. This is because eggless cookie dough isn’t just missing eggs; it’s also typically formulated without leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder. These ingredients are crucial for giving cookies their characteristic rise, chewiness, and spread during baking. Without them, your cookie dough would simply bake into a dense, flat disc, lacking the desired texture.
Therefore, for classic baked cookies, stick to recipes that include eggs and leavening. But for that delightful, melt-in-your-mouth raw cookie dough experience, our eggless version is the perfect choice to crown these incredible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies!
The Story Behind the Recipe: Freaky Friday Blog Hop
Before we dive into the delicious details of making these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies, I have to share the heartwarming origin of this recipe! I’m thrilled to be sharing this particular recipe as part of our annual “Freaky Friday Virtual Cookie Exchange.” It’s an event I look forward to every year, bringing together a community of passionate food bloggers.
For those unfamiliar, “Freaky Friday” isn’t just a movie title to us; it’s a delightful, old-fashioned blog hop! A group of us culinary creators gathers five times a year to secretly cook and bake from one another’s blogs. The exciting reveal happens all at once, creating a fantastic surprise and showcasing the diverse talents within our group. While four of these rounds focus on seasonal themes, this special holiday edition is all about the joy of a cookie exchange! For this particular round, the challenge is to create a cookie, candy, or snack mix – something perfect for a festive holiday cookie platter. Since we bloggers are spread across various locations, an in-person exchange isn’t feasible, so we’ve always embraced the “virtual” aspect. Given the events of 2020, the concept of a virtual gathering has never made more sense, adding an extra layer of meaning to our annual tradition.
Discovering Sugar Dish Me: My Freaky Friday Assignment
For this exciting round of Freaky Friday, I was absolutely delighted to be assigned Heather’s incredible blog, Sugar Dish Me. Knowing Heather’s profound love for baking, similar to my own, I immediately anticipated the delightful challenge of choosing just one recipe from her vast collection. But before we get to the selection process, let me tell you a little more about Heather herself.
First and foremost, Heather is hilariously witty! Although we haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting in person, our online conversations have been numerous and thoroughly enjoyable. I particularly admire her “tell it like I see it” communication style, which shines through on her social media channels and her website. She possesses a fantastic sense of humor and, commendably, a thick skin when it comes to navigating the sometimes-harsh landscape of online comments – a quality I admit I’m still developing! It’s a tough digital world out there, and Heather handles it with grace and wit.
Heather shares her home with her wonderful husband and two teenage boys, a dynamic that works perfectly, as she loves to cook and they certainly love to eat! Her culinary journey began at a young age, inspired by her mom’s practical advice: “if you can read, you can cook.” These words have clearly guided her passion and skill in the kitchen. Beyond her human family, Heather is also a proud “fur mom” to six dogs and two cats. While I could easily dedicate an entire paragraph to my own love for furbabies, I’ll rein it in so we can finally get to this incredible recipe!
Navigating the Delights of Sugar Dish Me Recipes
As I mentioned, with a blog name like “Sugar Dish Me” and the task of selecting a recipe for a cookie exchange post, I knew I had my work cut out for me. And boy, was I right! I spent a considerable amount of time exploring Heather’s blog, delving deep into her mouthwatering creations – a bit of a “fan-girl” moment, I confess! After much deliberation, I managed to narrow my choices down to her tempting Hot Cocoa Cookies, the festive Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies, and her enticing Cookie Dough Fudge Brownies.
Initially, my heart was set on the Hot Cocoa Cookies. However, a diligent search for the elusive “Mallow Bits” for the topping proved fruitless. I scoured every local grocery store and even ventured online, only to come up empty-handed. There must have been a sudden rush on them! But mark my words, the very moment I spot those Mallow Bits on a shelf, those cookies will be the next thing I bake. With my first choice unavailable, I circled back to the brownies. But wait, there’s more!
During my exploration, I also utterly fell in love with her Dark Chocolate Candy Cups. I ended up making them for Veteran’s Day! (Now that Heather knows I had her blog for Freaky Friday, I can finally confess this secret baking adventure!)
For my version, I decorated the Chocolate Candy Cups (Homemade Chocolates) in a patriotic red, white, and blue theme, but I also experimented with a few other decorative styles to highlight their incredible versatility for any occasion.
One crucial thing to remember about Sugar Dish Me Blog: don’t let the name fool you into thinking Heather only bakes! Her website boasts an impressive and extensive assortment of savory recipes as well. You’ll find a plethora of inspiration for Appetizers, refreshing Salads, and a whole host of exciting Main Dish ideas! In fact, I’ve already printed off her recipe for Linguine Carbonara with Bacon & Crispy Brussels Sprouts – it’s definitely on the menu for our next pasta night!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these incredible cookie dough brownie bars is a surprisingly simple and rewarding process, ensuring a 100% homemade treat from start to finish. Ditch that box brownie mix – you won’t need it! Instead, gather your essential ingredients: high-quality dark chocolate, butter, sugar, vanilla, eggs, flour, baking soda, and salt. Let’s embark on the journey of baking the perfect fudgy brownie foundation!
For truly exceptional brownies, the quality of your dark chocolate makes all the difference. Opt for a good quality dark chocolate – it will elevate the flavor profile of your brownies significantly, giving them that deep, rich cocoa taste that is simply irresistible.
Carefully melt your coarsely chopped dark chocolate in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it becomes beautifully smooth and glossy. Once melted, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients. This step is crucial for achieving that signature fudgy texture.
First, prepare your baking dish. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later, and butter the parchment paper thoroughly to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer or a hand mixer, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually for about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the eggs and vanilla, beating for another 90 seconds until well incorporated. This aeration contributes to the brownies’ delightful texture. Now, here’s a crucial step: *slowly* drizzle in the slightly warm, melted chocolate while the mixer is running. This gradual addition helps to temper the eggs, preventing them from cooking prematurely and ensuring a smooth, cohesive batter.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet chocolate mixture. Mix them *just* until they are combined. It’s essential not to overmix the batter at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough or cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake according to the recipe instructions until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack. For the best results when topping them, transfer the cooled brownies to the refrigerator and chill them for about an hour. This step firm up the brownies, making it much easier to spread the thick layer of edible cookie dough smoothly over the top without them crumbling.
Now, it’s time to craft the star of the show: the delectable chocolate chip cookie dough! You’ll need softened butter, rich brown sugar, granulated sugar, a splash of milk, fragrant vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for an extra boost), all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and plenty of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Remember, this dough is specifically formulated without eggs for safe consumption.
In your mixer, cream the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This aeration is key to a tender cookie dough. Beat in the milk and vanilla until well combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Finally, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand. Avoid overmixing once the chocolate chips are added to prevent them from breaking.
Once your cookie dough is ready, use a rubber spatula to gently and evenly spread the thick layer of dough over your thoroughly chilled brownies. Work slowly and patiently to get an even coating. After spreading, pop the entire pan back into the refrigerator for another 30 minutes or so. This chilling period allows the cookie dough to firm up, making it much easier to cut into neat, beautiful squares without smudging. For an extra touch of gourmet flavor, I highly recommend sprinkling the tops of your finished brownies with a pinch of coarse sea salt – it’s totally optional, but the slight saltiness perfectly balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate!
Voila! The result is a truly magnificent dessert that is as delicious to look at as it is to eat. Each bite delivers the perfect harmony of fudgy brownie and sweet, chewy cookie dough. For optimal freshness and texture, always store these delightful brownies covered in the refrigerator. They are fantastic served chilled, allowing the distinct layers to hold their shape beautifully.
Love Them? Pin Them!
Don’t let this incredible recipe for decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies get lost! Make sure to save it for later. Pin them to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now, so you can easily find them whenever a craving for the ultimate dessert fusion strikes!
Here they are, all beautifully packaged in a charming tin, ready to be “virtually” exchanged! I’m so excited for you to see all the other amazing creations from our fellow bloggers in the Freaky Friday Holiday Cookie Exchange. Every year, it’s a testament to the creativity and passion within our food blogging community.
Explore More Sweet Treats!
See ALL Of my Cookies, Candies, & Snack Mixes
Discover all the delicious recipes from our 2020 Freaky Friday Holiday Cookie Exchange:
- An Affair from the Heart – Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies
- Bowl Me Over – Homemade Buckeyes Recipe
- Devour Dinner – Holiday Brownie Cookie
- Fresh Cooky – Mint Fudge Brownies
- Hostess at Heart – Homemade Butter Cookies
- House of Nash Eats – Candy Coated Crispix Mix
- Lemoine Family Kitchen – Nutella Thumbprint Cookies
- Life Currents – Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
- Life, Love & Good Food – Peppermint Brownie Drop Cookies
- Or Whatever You Do – Easy Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
- Sugar Dish Me – Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- Take Two Tapas – Chocolate Caramel Brownies
- The Speckled Palate – Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
More EPIC Brownie Recipes
Of course, these magnificent cookie dough brownies aren’t exclusively for the holidays! They are a fantastic, crowd-pleasing dessert that can be enjoyed any time of year. Make them whenever that irresistible craving for both fudgy brownies and chewy chocolate chip cookies strikes, and you just can’t decide between the two. Why choose when you can have both in one ultimate treat? Now, let’s get down to the precise recipe details so you can create your own batch of these delightful bars today!
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Print Recipe
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies
Equipment
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9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
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Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper
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Rubber Spatulas
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Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup 3 piece set
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 6 ounces good quality dark chocolate coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup salted butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla I used vanilla bean paste
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup salted butter softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 Tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla I used vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9×13″ baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal, and lightly butter the parchment paper. Set aside.
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In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the coarsely chopped dark chocolate, stirring frequently until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
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To make the brownie batter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract or paste. With the mixer running on low speed, *slowly* pour in the slightly cooled melted chocolate. This slow addition helps to temper the eggs, preventing them from scrambling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish and bake for 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. For easier spreading of the cookie dough, place the cooled brownies in the refrigerator for about an hour to chill thoroughly.
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To make the Edible Cookie Dough: In a clean mixer bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla and milk until well combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until just incorporated and a dough forms. Finally, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand until evenly distributed.
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Using a rubber spatula, carefully and evenly spread the chocolate chip cookie dough over the chilled brownie layer. For neat slices, return the entire pan to the refrigerator and chill for another 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into squares.
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Store any leftover brownies covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture.
Notes
This delightful recipe has been adapted from the talented Heather at Sugar Dish Me.
Nutrition