Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery
I love indulging in decadent desserts, and these Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies are an irresistible treat that brings the best of both worlds together. The fudgy brownie base is topped with a layer of gooey cookie dough, resulting in a dessert that's rich, comforting, and downright addictive. Whenever I make these for friends or family, they're always a hit. It’s hard to resist the combination of warm chocolate and subtle cookie sweetness, and best of all, they come together in just a few simple steps!
When I first created these Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies, I was inspired to combine my two favorite desserts into one ultimate treat. By layering cookie dough on top of rich brownie batter, I found a way to satisfy my cravings for both textures and flavors. This synergy results in a dessert that’s not just sweet, but also has a delightful chewiness from the cookie dough and a fudgy goodness from the brownies.
One of the things I’ve discovered is that chilling the dough before baking enhances the flavors and makes cutting into them much easier after they bake. Plus, if you're like me and can never decide between cookies or brownies, this recipe is a delicious solution that will leave you wanting more!
You Will Love This Recipe Because
- It's the perfect blend of fudgy brownies and chewy cookies.
- Each bite offers an explosion of chocolatey goodness.
- Great for parties, gatherings, or an indulgent night in!
Understanding the Ingredients
The standout feature of these Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies is the use of both unsweetened cocoa powder and chocolate chips in the brownie layer. The cocoa powder contributes to the rich, fudgy texture, while the chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies. It's essential to use high-quality chocolate chips, as they will amplify the dessert's overall flavor. I prefer semi-sweet for a perfect balance of sweetness, but dark chocolate chips work well if you want a more intense chocolate experience.
For the cookie dough layer, the combination of both granulated and brown sugar is crucial. Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, while granulated sugar aids in achieving that iconic cookie dough structure. If you're out of brown sugar, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the flavor and moisture.
Techniques for Success
When preparing the brownies, it's important not to overmix the batter once you've added the flour and cocoa. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Mix just until combined, and you'll be rewarded with a dense, rich brownie base that's perfect for supporting the cookie layer above it. Monitor your baking time closely; every oven is different, so check for doneness starting at the 28-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
When layering the cookie dough on top of the brownie batter, I recommend using a spoon or spatula to gently spread it evenly without disturbing the brownie layer underneath. It doesn’t need to be perfect; a rustic look is perfectly fine! As the brownies bake, the cookie dough will spread slightly and create that appealing contrast of textures.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
For the Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Prepare the Brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.
Make the Cookie Dough
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine and Bake
Spoon the cookie dough on top of the brownie batter in the baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips.
Storage Tips
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. I recommend placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers if stacking them to prevent sticking. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Just keep in mind that cold brownies may lose some of their fudgy texture, so allow them to sit at room temperature for a bit before enjoying.
If you want to freeze some for later indulgence, slice the brownies into squares and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container with sheets of parchment paper in between each layer. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delicious on their own, but for an extra indulgence, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade chocolate sauce. The contrasting temperatures of the warm brownie and the cold ice cream create a delightful experience that's hard to resist. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can also enhance the chocolate flavor remarkably well.
If you're feeling adventurous, try adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the brownie layer for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment by mixing in different types of chocolate chips, like peanut butter or white chocolate, into the cookie dough to create variations that cater to your preferences. Each adjustment can make this recipe feel fresh and new!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they're well wrapped.
→ What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
I love indulging in decadent desserts, and these Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies are an irresistible treat that brings the best of both worlds together. The fudgy brownie base is topped with a layer of gooey cookie dough, resulting in a dessert that's rich, comforting, and downright addictive. Whenever I make these for friends or family, they're always a hit. It’s hard to resist the combination of warm chocolate and subtle cookie sweetness, and best of all, they come together in just a few simple steps!
What You'll Need
For the Brownies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
For the Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour this batter into a greased 9x9 inch baking pan.
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine with the wet mixture, then fold in the chocolate chips.
Spoon the cookie dough on top of the brownie batter in the baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g