Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe: The Ultimate Decadent Treat!

Calling all cookie dough lovers and brownie fanatics! Get ready to experience dessert nirvana with this incredible Cookie Dough Brownies recipe. Imagine fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownies layered with a thick, gooey, and utterly irresistible edible cookie dough. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect treat for a special occasion, a weekend baking project, or simply when you need a serious dose of comfort food. Forget choosing between cookies and brownies – now you can have the best of both worlds in one delicious bite!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just about slapping cookie dough on top of brownies. It’s carefully crafted to ensure the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Here’s why it works:

• Fudgy Brownie Base: We use a combination of melted chocolate and cocoa powder to create a brownie that’s intensely chocolatey, moist, and fudgy. The melted chocolate adds richness and depth, while the cocoa powder provides a classic brownie flavor.
• Edible Cookie Dough: The cookie dough is made without eggs and uses heat-treated flour to ensure it’s safe to eat. We’ve perfected the ratio of butter, sugar, and flour to create a cookie dough that’s perfectly sweet, buttery, and studded with chocolate chips.
• Perfect Layering: The brownies are partially baked before the cookie dough is added. This allows the cookie dough to bake perfectly on top without sinking into the brownie batter.
• Chocolate Chip Galore: We use plenty of chocolate chips in both the brownie batter and the cookie dough for maximum chocolate indulgence.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these incredible Cookie Dough Brownies:

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

For the Edible Cookie Dough Layer:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated, see instructions below)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the ultimate Cookie Dough Brownies:

Step 1: Prepare the Flour for the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the flour reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a food thermometer to check.
4. Let the flour cool completely before using it in the cookie dough. This step is crucial to kill any bacteria in the flour and make the cookie dough safe to eat.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
3. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Stir in the chocolate chips.
8. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 20 minutes. The brownies should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.

Step 3: Make the Edible Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the milk and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the heat-treated flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Brownies

1. Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately spread the cookie dough evenly over the top.
2. Return the brownies to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cookie dough is set and lightly golden brown.
3. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important for clean cuts and prevents the cookie dough from being too gooey.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to help you achieve brownie perfection:

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked brownies are dry and crumbly. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of your chocolate will significantly impact the flavor of the brownies. Use a good quality unsweetened chocolate for the best results.
• Heat-Treat the Flour Properly: Make sure the flour reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria. Use a food thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This will allow them to set properly and prevent the cookie dough from being too gooey.
• Variations: Feel free to add other mix-ins to the brownie batter or cookie dough, such as nuts, sprinkles, or different types of chocolate chips.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Cookie Dough Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Let them thaw completely before serving.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:

• Can I use a different size pan? While a 9×13 inch pan is recommended, you can use an 8×8 inch pan for thicker brownies. You may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Can I use a different type of flour? All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe. Using other types of flour may affect the texture of the brownies and cookie dough.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Can I omit the chocolate chips? While the chocolate chips add a lot of flavor, you can omit them if you prefer.
• Why do I need to heat-treat the flour? Heat-treating the flour kills any bacteria that may be present, making the cookie dough safe to eat.

Conclusion

This Cookie Dough Brownies recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The combination of fudgy brownies and gooey cookie dough is simply irresistible. With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create a decadent dessert that will impress your friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy the ultimate cookie dough and brownie experience!