Craving a sweet treat that combines two classic desserts? Look no further! My Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies are the perfect blend of fudgy brownies and rich cookie dough. These layers create a deliciously irresistible dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth. Join me as I share how to whip up these delightful brownies!
Ingredients
Brownie Layer Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups brown sugar, packed
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cookie Dough Layer Ingredients
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated for safety)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Gather these ingredients to start your delicious journey. For the brownie layer, you need butter, brown sugar, eggs, and more. The cookie dough layer follows with its own butter and sugars. This mix of flavors will delight anyone who tries it.
Make sure to soften your butter first. It helps create a smooth and creamy texture. Use packed brown sugar for that rich, sweet flavor. Don’t skip the heat treatment for the flour in the cookie dough layer. This step keeps it safe to eat.
These ingredients work together to create a rich brownie base and a sweet cookie dough top. You’ll love the blend of textures and flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 2 cups of packed brown sugar. Beat them until creamy and smooth. Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until well combined.
Blend the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Bake and Cool Brownie Layer
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
Create the Cookie Dough Layer
In a clean bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Combine with Flour and Salt
Gradually mix in 1 cup of heat-treated all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until just combined. Finally, fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to finish your cookie dough layer.
Assemble and Chill
Once the brownie layer has cooled, spread the cookie dough mixture evenly on top. Use a spatula to smooth it out. For the best results, refrigerate the assembled brownies for at least 30 minutes. This helps the layers firm up and makes cutting easier.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Brownies
To start, use room temperature ingredients. This helps the butter and sugar mix smoothly. It makes your brownie batter creamy, which is key for great texture. Next, don’t overbake the brownies. Check them with a toothpick around 25 minutes. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done.
Cookie Dough Safety Tips
When making the cookie dough, always heat-treat your all-purpose flour. This step makes it safe to eat raw. To heat-treat, spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for five to seven minutes. Let it cool before using. Also, consider using mini chocolate chips. They spread evenly throughout the cookie dough and give each bite a pop of chocolate.
Presentation Suggestions
Once your brownies are chilled, cut them into neat squares. For a lovely touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving. This adds shine and flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the sweetness too. It creates a delightful contrast that everyone will enjoy.
Variations
Nutty Brownie Variation
Add some crunch to your brownies by including nuts. I love adding walnuts or pecans. They create a great texture contrast with the soft brownie and cookie dough layers. Chopped nuts can also enhance the flavor. Just mix them in with the brownie batter before baking. Use about 1 cup of chopped nuts for the best balance.
Gluten-Free Option
If you need a gluten-free treat, it’s easy to adapt this recipe. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well, so pick one you like. This swap keeps the brownies delicious without gluten. Just make sure to check the blend for any added ingredients or starches.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to boost the chocolate flavor? Add a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter. It deepens the chocolate taste without adding coffee flavor. You can start with 1/2 teaspoon. Mix it in with the dry ingredients. This small change can make a big difference in taste.
Storage Info
How to Store
Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you use a glass or metal container, it will help them stay soft. Avoid direct sunlight, as heat can dry them out.
Refrigeration Tips
If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate the brownies. They can last up to one week this way. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving. This will help bring back their soft texture.
Freezing Brownies
Want to save some for later? Cut the brownies into pieces and freeze them. Use freezer bags to keep them well-sealed. They can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave. Enjoy every bite of these delicious treats!
FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. I often prepare them the night before a gathering. This way, they are ready to serve when guests arrive. Just remember to let them cool before you store them.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips. Each type of chocolate can change the flavor. For a richer taste, dark chocolate works best. If you want something sweeter, try white chocolate.
What can I serve with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies?
They pair well with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The ice cream adds a nice contrast to the warm brownies. You can also drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for extra sweetness.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for fudginess. Check around the 25-minute mark for best results. If it’s too wet, bake for a few more minutes. Enjoy the process!
This blog post shared an easy way to make delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Safety tips for the cookie dough gave you peace of mind. Variations let you customize your brownies. Lastly, storage info helps keep them fresh. Enjoying these treats is fun and simple. Baking opens up a world of tasty creativity. Try your own twist and share your results!
