If you love the sweet taste of chocolate and the delight of cookie dough, you’re in for a treat! These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies are the perfect blend of rich brownies and creamy cookie dough. With layers of gooey chocolate goodness, you won’t be able to resist diving in. Let’s explore how to make this irresistible dessert with simple ingredients and easy steps. Your taste buds will thank you!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Layers: This recipe combines rich brownies with sweet cookie dough for a deliciously indulgent treat.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these brownies are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just sharing with friends and family.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts, different types of chocolate, or even a layer of caramel for your own twist!
Ingredients
Brownie Layer Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chocolate chips
Cookie Dough Layer Ingredients
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips
The brownie layer brings rich, chocolatey goodness. The melted butter and sugar blend create a sweet base. Eggs add moisture and fluffiness. Cocoa powder makes it deep and dark. Don’t forget the chocolate chips for pockets of melted chocolate.
The cookie dough layer gives a fun twist. Softened butter and brown sugar create a creamy mix. Adding granulated sugar adds a nice sweetness. Vanilla extract offers a warm flavor. All-purpose flour thickens it up. The salt balances the sweetness. More chocolate chips mean more yum!
These two layers work together to create a delightful treat. They mix fudgy, chewy, and crunchy textures. You will love every bite of this dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Make the Brownie Base
– Melt the butter and mix in the sugar.
– Add eggs and vanilla, then incorporate flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
– Fold in the chocolate chips and bake.
Prepare the Cookie Dough Layer
– Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
– Add vanilla, flour, and salt, folding in chocolate chips.
Assemble and Chill
– Spread the cookie dough on cooled brownies and refrigerate.
Serve
– Cut into squares and serve either chilled or at room temperature.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Cookie Dough: Before spreading the cookie dough layer, chilling it for about 15 minutes can make it easier to work with and help it spread evenly over the brownies.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Dark chocolate chips can add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookie dough.
- Don’t Overbake the Brownies: Keep an eye on the brownies while baking. They should be soft in the center and will continue to set as they cool, ensuring they remain fudgy.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even a pinch of sea salt to the cookie dough layer for added texture and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Brownie Texture
To get your brownies just right, you can adjust the bake time. If you like fudgy brownies, aim for 25 minutes. For cakey brownies, extend the time to about 30 minutes. Checking for doneness is simple. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Enhancing Flavor
You can boost flavor in both layers. Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to the brownie base. You could also mix in flavored extracts, like almond or coconut, to the cookie dough. For a lovely finish, drizzle melted chocolate over the top. This adds both flair and extra chocolatey goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common error is overmixing the batter. This can make brownies tough instead of soft. Another mistake is not letting the brownies cool fully before adding the cookie dough. If the brownies are warm, the cookie dough layer can melt. Cool the brownies completely for the best results.
Variations
Different Types of Brownies
You can try different types of cocoa powders to change the taste. Dark cocoa gives a rich flavor. You can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter treat. If you need gluten-free brownies, use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. These flours add a unique taste and texture.
Cookie Dough Alternatives
For the cookie dough, you can make it without eggs. Just mix flour, butter, and sugar. This keeps it safe to eat. If you want a vegan option, use coconut oil instead of butter. Substitute maple syrup for the sugar. This way, you get a tasty, plant-based cookie dough.
Flavor Combinations
You can mix in fun flavors too! Try mint chocolate chip for a fresh twist. Just add mint extract to the brownie mix. Or, swirl in peanut butter for a creamy, nutty flavor. This adds a nice contrast to the sweet cookie dough. You can get creative and find your favorite mix!
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your brownies and cookie dough fresh, use airtight containers. Place the brownies in one container. Keep the cookie dough layer in another. This helps to keep both layers moist and tasty. I recommend glass or plastic containers with tight lids. They seal in freshness and make clean-up easy.
Freezing Instructions
If you have leftover brownies, you can freeze them. First, let the brownies cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. For a quick fix, you can microwave them for a few seconds.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, brownies stay fresh for about a week. If you see any signs of mold or an off smell, toss them. Brownies that have gone bad may feel dry or hard. Always check before you eat! Enjoy your sweet treat while it is still delicious.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these brownies a day before you plan to serve them. Bake the brownies and let them cool completely. After they cool, add the cookie dough layer. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This will help the cookie dough firm up. For the best taste, serve them the next day.
What can I substitute for unsalted butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use coconut oil or margarine. Both options will work well. Coconut oil adds a slight coconut taste, which can be nice. Margarine is a good choice if you want a more neutral flavor. Just keep in mind that each fat may change the texture a bit.
How can I make brownies more chocolatey?
To boost the chocolate flavor, try adding extra chocolate chips. You can also use dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder. Another option is to drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving. This adds a rich layer of chocolate that everyone will love.
Is it safe to eat raw cookie dough?
Eating raw cookie dough can be risky due to raw flour and eggs. However, you can make edible cookie dough by using heat-treated flour and skipping the eggs. This way, you can enjoy the dough safely. Just remember to use all-purpose flour that has been heated to kill any harmful bacteria.
This blog post covered how to make delicious brownie cookie dough bars from scratch. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for the perfect texture. Remember to avoid common mistakes and consider fun variations. Whether you serve them chilled or at room temp, they will be a hit. Enjoy experimenting and sharing these treats with friends and family! Treat yourself to this fun baking project that satisfies every sweet tooth.
