Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

Get ready to indulge in a heavenly dessert that combines two of your favorites: fudgy brownies and creamy cookie dough! These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies are the ultimate treat, featuring a rich brownie base topped with a delicious layer of egg-free cookie dough and finished off with a luscious chocolate drizzle. Trust me, this is a dessert you won’t want to miss!

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cookie Dough Layer:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups mini semisweet chocolate chips

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon shortening

Directions

1. Prepare the Brownie Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Stir in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until well combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips. If you’re concerned about raw flour, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to eliminate any potential bacteria before adding it to the mixture. Spread the cookie dough evenly over the cooled brownie layer.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer, making it as fancy or simple as you like!
4. Set and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled brownies until the cookie dough and chocolate drizzle are firm, about 1 hour. Once set, cut into squares and serve. For easier handling, consider placing each brownie square into a cupcake liner—cute and convenient!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 brownie (based on 24 servings)
• Calories: 420
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 38g
• Protein: 4g

What Makes These Brownies Special?

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies are a match made in dessert heaven! The rich, fudgy brownie layer pairs perfectly with the creamy, egg-free cookie dough, creating a layered experience that satisfies both chocolate lovers and cookie dough enthusiasts. The delightful contrast between the dense brownie and the smooth cookie dough makes every bite an indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Double Dessert Delight: Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the best of both worlds? Brownies and cookie dough in one bite? Yes, please!
2. Safe to Eat Cookie Dough: No eggs means you can enjoy this cookie dough layer without any worries about raw ingredients.
3. Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. The possibilities are endless!

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these brownies are always a hit.

Tips for Making the Best Brownies

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Good chocolate makes all the difference! Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or bars to enhance the flavor of your brownies.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep your brownies tender, mix just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
• Allow the Brownies to Cool Completely: Patience is key! If you spread the cookie dough over warm brownies, it may melt or become too soft. Let them cool completely for the best results.
• Refrigerate for Clean Cuts: Chilling the brownies before slicing helps create neat, even squares without a mess.

How to Store and Serve

• Refrigeration: Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This keeps the cookie dough layer firm and fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze these brownies for up to three months. Just wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge. Trust me, it’s heavenly!

Variations to Try

• Peanut Butter Lovers: Mix in peanut butter chips to the cookie dough layer or drizzle melted peanut butter on top for a nutty twist.
• Oreo Twist: Add crushed Oreos to the cookie dough layer for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
• Salted Caramel: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty balance that’s irresistible.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Nutty Delight: Toss in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for an added crunch that takes these brownies to the next level.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Cooling Step: Don’t rush! If you don’t let the brownies cool completely, the cookie dough layer may not set properly.
• Using Melted Butter for the Cookie Dough Layer: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, to ensure a creamy and smooth cookie dough consistency.
• Overbaking the Brownies: Keep an eye on your brownies! Overbaking can lead to dry brownies. Pull them out when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the brownies without sticking.

Healthier Alternatives

While these brownies are a decadent treat, there are ways to make them slightly healthier:

• Reduce Sugar: Try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour in both layers for added nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.
• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to the cookie dough layer for an extra nutritional punch.

Perfect Pairings

• Beverages: These brownies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a warm mug of hot chocolate.
• Ice Cream: Serve with vanilla, caramel, or cookie dough ice cream for an extra decadent experience.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder can elevate both the presentation and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I bake the cookie dough layer? Nope! The cookie dough layer is designed to be enjoyed raw (since it’s egg-free) and doesn’t need baking. Baking it would change its texture completely.
• How do I make sure my cookie dough isn’t grainy? Beat the butter and sugars together long enough until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! These brownies are perfect for making ahead since they taste even better after chilling in the refrigerator.

Now that you have this delicious recipe, it’s time to get baking! Your taste buds will thank you for these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies—a treat that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to get a taste! Enjoy!