Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (340 g) light brown sugar (firmly packed); 1 cup (227 g) salted butter, melted; 4 large eggs; 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour; 4 oz (113 g) unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (85 g) miniature chocolate chips; 3/4 cup (170 g) salted butter, room temperature; 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated white sugar; 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar (packed); 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups (255 g) miniature chocolate chips; 3 tbsps milk; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (85 g) semisweet chocolate chips; 1 tsp shortening

Sweet memories of childhood baking come flooding back when you encounter chocolate chip cookie dough brownies.

Nostalgic desserts often spark joy in unexpected moments.

Creamy layers combine two beloved treats into one decadent experience.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the rich complexity of these indulgent squares.

Soft brownie bases create a perfect foundation for dollops of dreamy cookie dough.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and intense flavors.

Prepare to dive into a dessert that satisfies every sweet craving imaginable.

Indulge in Decadent Layers: Experience a mouthwatering combination of rich chocolate brownies and creamy cookie dough that creates an irresistible dessert explosion.
Customize with Ease: Personalize your brownies by adding extra chocolate chips, adjusting the drizzle, or experimenting with different chocolate varieties to make this recipe uniquely yours.
No-Stress Baking Adventure: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps and minimal complicated techniques, making it an approachable and fun cooking experience.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to impress friends and family at gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers with its incredible flavor and stunning visual appeal.

Base Ingredients:

Chocolate: A rich, melting chocolate that forms the base of the brownie layer.
Butter: Provides moisture and richness to both the brownie and cookie dough layers.
Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and create a smooth texture in the brownie layer.
Flour: Gives structure to both the brownie and cookie dough layers.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the recipe.

Chocolate Components:

Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Provides extra chocolate flavor and texture throughout the dessert.
Miniature Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate bursts in both the brownie and cookie dough layers.
Shortening: Helps create a smooth chocolate drizzle for the final topping.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to both the brownie and cookie dough layers.
Milk: Helps create a smooth consistency in the cookie dough layer.
White Sugar: Provides additional sweetness to the cookie dough layer.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 325°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Grab a medium glass bowl and slowly melt the chocolate in the microwave. Zap it for 30 seconds, stir, then repeat until smooth and glossy.

Let it cool down for a moment.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

Melted butter
Light brown sugar

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla extract.

Whip everything until well combined.

Step 4: Create Brownie Batter

Pour in the melted chocolate and mix thoroughly.

Gently fold in the flour, being careful not to overmix. Sprinkle in those mini chocolate chips for extra yumminess.

Step 5: Bake the Brownie Base

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the brownies cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Up Cookie Dough

Using an electric mixer, cream together:

Room temperature butter
Light brown sugar
White sugar

Mix until light and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla extract.

Step 7: Finish Cookie Dough

Softly mix in the flour until just combined. Gently fold in mini chocolate chips.

Step 8: Layer and Chill

Spread the cookie dough evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Pop it in the refrigerator or freezer to firm up.

Step 9: Slice and Dice

Use a sharp knife to cut into perfect squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to keep things neat.

Step 10: Drizzle Chocolate Topping

Melt semisweet chocolate chips with a touch of shortening in the microwave. Stir until silky smooth.

Step 11: Final Chocolate Flourish

Transfer melted chocolate to a zip-lock bag. Snip a tiny corner and drizzle chocolate over the brownies.

Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for a delicious finishing touch.

Opt for high-quality chocolate to enhance the rich, decadent flavor of these brownies.
Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense brownies that lack the desired fudgy consistency.
Refrigerate the cookie dough layer for at least an hour to achieve clean, precise cuts when serving.
Use parchment paper as an alternative to nonstick spray for easier brownie removal and cleanup.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for plant-based eaters.
Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of traditional sugars, and select dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar levels.
Nut-Infused Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough layer for added texture and nutty flavor profile.

Serve alongside a robust, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich chocolate intensity and enhance the dessert's deep flavor profile.
Match with a freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee, allowing the bitter coffee notes to balance the sweet brownie's creamy chocolate chip cookie dough layers.
Accompany with cold whole milk or a creamy vanilla milkshake, creating a classic dessert pairing that cuts through the dense, rich chocolate and provides refreshing contrast.
Enjoy with a small glass of port wine or sweet dessert wine, which offers complementary chocolate undertones and elevates the brownie's luxurious texture.

Refrigerate: Store brownies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep chilled to maintain texture and prevent cookie dough from softening.
Freeze: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Brownies can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing quality. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
Room Temperature: Allow frozen or refrigerated brownies to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. This helps soften the cookie dough and brings out richer chocolate flavors.
Reheating: Warm briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, use toaster oven at 50% heat for 5-7 minutes to maintain crisp edges and soft center.

FAQs

Are these brownies safe to eat since they contain raw cookie dough?

Yes, the cookie dough is made with heat-treated flour and does not contain raw eggs, making it safe for consumption.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips work just fine in both the brownie and cookie dough layers, though mini chips provide a more uniform texture.

How do I know when the brownie layer is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done. Avoid overbaking to maintain a fudgy texture.

What's the best way to cut these brownies neatly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the brownies beforehand helps create cleaner, more precise slices.

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.

Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.