Description
Cookie Dough Brownies combine a fudgy brownie base with a creamy, edible cookie dough topping, inspired by Little Caesars but without the cellophane wrapper. This decadent treat features a rich brownie layer topped with a smooth, heat-treated flour cookie dough studded with mini chocolate chips and colorful mini M&M’s, making it perfect for birthdays, parties, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 16.3 ounces box of fudge brownie mix (Betty Crocker brand)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons water
Cookie Dough Layer
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup mini M&M’s candies
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 straight-sided metal baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the finished brownies out. Spray the pan with baker’s spray and set aside.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until smooth, about 1-2 minutes by hand.
- Bake Brownie Layer: Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30-33 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep brownies fudgy.
- Cool Brownies and Adjust Oven Temperature: Remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 300°F. Allow brownies to cool completely on the counter while preparing the cookie dough.
- Heat Treat the Flour: Spread the all-purpose flour evenly on a parchment-lined 9×13 quarter sheet pan and bake for 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove and cool completely.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Heavy Cream and Salt: Lower mixer speed to low and mix in heavy cream and salt until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Flour: Add the cooled, heat-treated flour to the wet ingredients in ½ cup increments, mixing just until combined with no visible flour streaks.
- Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Layers: Once brownies are completely cooled, use a large cookie scoop to place dollops of cookie dough evenly over the brownie layer. Carefully spread the cookie dough into an even layer using a small offset spatula without pressing too hard to avoid mixing layers.
- Add Mini M&M’s: Sprinkle mini M&M’s evenly over the cookie dough layer, pressing gently to make them stick and lay flat.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled brownies for 30 minutes to set the cookie dough. Lift brownies out using the parchment overhang, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Freeze wrapped tightly in aluminum foil for up to 1 month; thaw in refrigerator before serving.
- If using a different brand of brownie mix, follow that box’s egg, oil, and water instructions accordingly.
- Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easier to remove brownies for slicing.
- Test brownies with a toothpick—slightly moist crumbs ensure fudgy texture.
- Heat treating the flour in cookie dough is essential for food safety, as it kills bacteria.
- Butter should be softened to room temperature to properly cream with sugars.
- This cookie dough is meant to be edible only and should not be baked into cookies due to lack of leavening agents.
- Allow refrigerated brownies to come to room temperature before serving for a softer texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American