Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies are the ultimate mashup dessert for anyone who adores both fudgy brownies and classic chocolate chip cookies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a thick, rich brownie layer, topped with soft, golden cookie dough studded with melty chocolate chips—it’s pure bliss in every bite. These bars are the definition of decadence, making them perfect for special occasions, potlucks, or simply indulging your sweet tooth with a treat that impresses every time. Whether you’re baking for friends or savoring a homemade delight solo, you’re about to fall in love with this irresistible combination.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Assembling Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies is all about using kitchen staples that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays an essential role in achieving chewy, gooey, and delightful bars that keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Unsalted butter (1 cup total, divided for each layer): Adds richness and moisture to both the brownie and cookie dough, while letting you control the salt level.
Granulated sugar (1 cup for brownies, 1/4 cup for cookie dough): Sweetens the dessert and helps create that signature brownie crackle and cookie chew.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and enhances chewiness in the cookie dough layer.
Eggs (2 for brownies, 1 for cookie dough): Bring structure and binding to both parts, giving you bars that slice beautifully.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Delivers that luxurious, chocolatey base essential for any great brownie.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup for brownies, 1 1/4 cups for cookie dough): Gives substance and stability to both layers while maintaining a soft crumb.
Baking powder (1/4 tsp): Provides a little lift for the brownie, making it thick instead of dense.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Lends slight tenderness to the cookie dough layer and helps it rise just right.
Salt (scant 1/2 tsp, divided): Balances sweetness and sharpens flavors, so every bite is vibrant.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the cookie dough layer with warmth and aroma.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (3/4 cup): The star of the show, making every bite gooey and delicious when they melt into the cookie dough.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy lifting later, or simply grease it with a bit of butter. This keeps cleanup simple and ensures your bars come out picture perfect.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Layer

Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Whisk in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth and glossy. Gently stir in 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, mixing just until combined. Spread this luscious batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan—don’t worry if it looks slightly thick, that’s what makes the brownies dense and fudgy.

Step 3: Mix the Cookie Dough Layer

In a separate bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and light. Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated. Stir in 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Once the dough comes together, gently fold in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for those signature pockets of gooey chocolate.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Using a spatula, carefully spread the cookie dough over the unbaked brownie layer, working from the edges inwards for an even finish. This part transforms your classic brownies into the showstopping Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies! Pop the pan onto the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cookie top is set and golden and a toothpick inserted into the center has a few moist crumbs (resist overbaking—the gooey texture is everything).

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let your brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This patience pays off, as cooling helps the layers set up for perfect slicing. Once cool, use the parchment to lift the slab out and slice into indulgent, thick bars—each one packed with brownie and cookie dough goodness!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

Garnishes

Dress up your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips right before serving. For a truly dessert-worthy moment, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible hot-and-cold contrast.

Side Dishes

These dreamy bars pair fabulously with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a tall iced latte. If you’re going all out for dessert, serve them alongside a bowl of mixed berries to balance the richness and add a fresh, tart note.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer cut squares onto a pretty cake stand for a party-worthy display, or wrap each piece in parchment paper and tie with twine for sweet edible gifts. If you’re feeling extra festive, cut the brownies with a heart or star-shaped cookie cutter for a special occasion or holiday treat—Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies are irresistible in any shape!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Their texture will stay fudgy and moist, and they’re as delicious on day three as they are the day you bake them.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or pop a bar into the microwave in short bursts for instant dessert satisfaction.

Reheating

To bring back a just-baked warmness, microwave a bar for about 10–15 seconds, or heat several bars on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 6–8 minutes. The chocolate chips turn melty again, making your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies irresistible!

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix for the base?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a boxed brownie mix will still give you that rich, chocolatey foundation. Just prepare the mix as directed, spread it in your pan, and follow the rest of the recipe for the cookie dough layer. It’s a great little shortcut for getting these bars in the oven even faster.

Do I need to chill the cookie dough layer before baking?

No chilling is required for this recipe. The dough is meant to bake right after mixing, resulting in a soft, chewy cookie layer that melds perfectly with the brownie base. Skipping the chill time keeps the process quick and easy.

Can I use different kinds of chocolate chips?

Definitely! Semi-sweet chips are classic, but you can swap in dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for a twist. Even peanut butter or butterscotch chips would be amazing—feel free to get creative based on your chocolate cravings!

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Keep an eye on the color—the cookie dough layer should turn golden and just set. Test with a toothpick inserted into the center; if it comes out with a few moist, fudgy crumbs (not totally wet batter), your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies are ready to come out of the oven.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! For a crowd, simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may increase by 10–15 minutes, so start checking after the 35-minute mark. You’ll have more bars to share—although don’t be surprised if they disappear fast!

Final Thoughts

If you crave that perfect blend of gooey fudge brownie and chewy cookie dough, don’t wait another minute—bake up a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies and treat yourself to the best of both worlds. These bars are a sure way to win over any crowd, so get baking and experience the pure joy of every bite!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe