If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that combines the best of both worlds — fudgy brownies and chewy cookies — I have just the thing for you. This Cookie-Stuffed Brownies Recipe features a luscious brownie base with pockets of soft, homemade cookie dough baked right inside. Every bite is a delightful surprise of textures and flavors that will have you hooked from the very first forkful. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a decadent treat, these brownies are guaranteed to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of gooey brownie and tender cookie dough. From the fudgy texture delivered by the brownie mix to the rich vanilla notes in the cookie dough, everything works harmoniously to bring this Cookie-Stuffed Brownies Recipe to life.
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required on the box): The foundation of the fudgy brownie layer, providing rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for giving the cookie dough its structure and chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookie dough rise gently for a tender texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a slight crisp edge to the cookie bits.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Contributes a subtle caramel undertone and chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cookie dough ingredients together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aromatic depth to the cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional): Because who doesn’t adore little bursts of melty chocolate within cookie dough?
How to Make Cookie-Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, making sure you leave extra overhanging sides to lift the brownies out easily once baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Follow the brownie mix package instructions carefully, usually combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water, and stirring until the batter is smooth and glossy. This brownie base will form the rich, chocolatey canvas for the cookie dough topping.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients for Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This blend will give your cookie dough the right lift and texture without overpowering the brownies.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to ensuring the cookie dough isn’t dense but has a tender chew.
Step 5: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated. This helps to bind everything smoothly and adds that luscious vanilla aroma.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips or chunks if you’re using them, for irresistible pockets of melting chocolate throughout your cookie dough.
Step 7: Assemble the Brownies with Cookie Dough
Pour about half of the prepared brownie batter into your lined pan and spread it out evenly. Next, scoop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough, flattening them slightly before placing them evenly across the brownie layer. Finally, pour the remaining brownie batter over the cookie dough to completely cover it.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached — a few cookie dough flecks sticking are completely normal and delicious.
Step 9: Cool Before Cutting
Let the brownies cool entirely in the pan placed on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire slab from the pan, and slice into generous squares for serving.
How to Serve Cookie-Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
These brownies are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt add a sophisticated touch that’s sure to impress your guests.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a dreamy dessert experience. A hot cup of coffee, cold milk, or even a rich hot chocolate pairs wonderfully for an indulgent treat time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the brownies with cookie dough beads peeking out between layers for a dramatic effect at parties. Alternatively, cut them into mini bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter for easy sharing and a fun presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cookie-Stuffed Brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick sweet fix anytime.
Freezing
If you want to save these for later, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without losing their delightful texture or taste.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or refrigerated brownies, warm them slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes. This brings back the gooey, melty sensation that makes this Cookie-Stuffed Brownies Recipe so insanely good.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix for this Cookie-Stuffed Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! Using a homemade brownie batter works just as well and adds a personal touch. Just make sure it’s pourable and fudgy to complement the cookie dough layers.
What kind of cookies work best for stuffing inside the brownies?
The recipe’s cookie dough is designed to bake fully inside the brownie, but classic chocolate chip cookie dough or even peanut butter cookie dough can be delicious alternatives to try.
Is it safe to bake raw cookie dough inside brownies?
Yes, as long as you bake the brownies until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The heat fully cooks the cookie dough embedded within the brownie layer.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Definitely! Walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries are fantastic additions that add texture and flavor to the cookie dough without overpowering the brownies.
How do I get clean slices without cracking my Cookie-Stuffed Brownies?
Use a sharp knife, and for best results, chill the brownies for about 30 minutes before cutting. Wiping the knife clean between cuts also helps maintain neat squares.
Final Thoughts
This Cookie-Stuffed Brownies Recipe is truly a celebration of indulgence that brings the best of two beloved desserts together. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s easier to make than it looks. I encourage you to dive into this decadent combination and share it with friends or family — trust me, they’ll be asking for the recipe again and again.
Print
Cookie-Stuffed Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Decadent cookie-stuffed brownies combine rich, fudgy brownie layers with pockets of soft, chocolate-chip cookie dough for a delightful dessert experience.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the finished brownies.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box, adding the required eggs, oil, and water. Mix the batter until smooth and set aside.
- Prepare the Dry Cookie Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will be combined later into the cookie dough.
- Cream the Wet Cookie Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients for Cookie Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks if using.
- Assemble the Brownies: Pour half of the prepared brownie batter into the bottom of your parchment-lined pan and spread evenly.
- Add Cookie Dough Layer: Scoop spoonfuls of the cookie dough, flatten slightly into discs, and place them evenly over the brownie batter layer.
- Top with Remaining Brownie Batter: Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cookie dough layer, spreading evenly to cover.
- Bake: Place the assembled pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies from the pan, then cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the cookie dough to keep it soft.
- Do not overbake; moist crumbs on the toothpick indicate perfect doneness.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add a nice texture contrast.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
