If you love the rich decadence of fudgy brownies combined with the delightful chewiness of a monster cookie, then this Cookie Fudgy Brownies Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine biting into a luscious, chocolate-packed brownie base topped with generous dollops of cookie dough bursting with oats, mini M&M’s, and chocolate chips. It’s the perfect marriage of two classic desserts, each elevating the other with gooey texture, swirls of flavor, and that comforting homemade charm. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe promises an unforgettable dessert experience that is as impressive as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this winning combination, the ingredients are straightforward yet carefully chosen to provide the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each one plays a crucial role, from the smoothness of the butter to the pop of mini M&M’s color, elevating this recipe beyond everyday brownies or cookies.
- White granulated sugar (1 1/3 cup): Sweetens the brownies without overpowering the deep chocolate flavors.
- Large eggs (2) and Egg yolk (1): Add richness and help give the batter structure and moisture.
- Unsalted butter (5 TBSP + 1/4 cup room temp): Provides lusciousness and fudginess for the brownies and softness for the cookie dough.
- Oil (1/3 cup canola or vegetable): Keeps the brownies ultra moist and tender.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp total): Enhances all the sweet flavors and adds warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup): The essential base for both the brownies and the cookie dough, giving structure and bite.
- Unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Gives the brownies their rich, dark chocolate intensity.
- Cornstarch (1 TBSP + 1 tsp): Helps create a tender crumb for the brownies and a soft chewy texture in the cookie layer.
- Salt (1/4 tsp + 1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup) and Milk chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Melt into pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the brownie layer.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp) and Baking powder (1/8 tsp): Leaven the cookie dough for a light but chewy bite.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed light or dark): Adds moistness and a subtle molasses note to the cookie dough.
- White granulated sugar (1/8 cup): Balances sweetness and helps soften the cookie texture.
- Peanut butter (1/4 cup, creamy): Brings a delicious nutty richness that complements chocolate beautifully.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds the cookie dough ingredients while keeping it tender.
- Quick oats (1/2 cup): Give the cookie dough a chewy, hearty texture and a wholesome contrast.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Provide tiny bursts of chocolate in the cookie dough topping.
- Mini M&M’s (1/2 cup): Add colorful crunch and a playful texture to the cookie layer.
How to Make Cookie Fudgy Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Monster Cookie Dough
Start by combining the dry ingredients for the cookie dough: flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. These ensure your cookies get the perfect chewy yet tender texture. Next, beat together butter and sugars until fluffy to create a light, creamy base. Adding peanut butter gives the dough irresistible richness and a hint of nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with chocolate. Incorporate vanilla and the egg to bind everything. Finally, mix in oats, mini M&M’s, and chocolate chips before chilling the dough to help it set up and become easier to handle.
Step 2: Get the Brownie Batter Ready
While your cookie dough chills, it’s time for the brownies. Preheat your oven to 325°F, then prepare your pan by spraying and lining it with parchment for an easy release later. Whisk together the dry ingredients for the brownies separately — flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt — to evenly distribute the chocolate flavor and structure. Beat sugar, eggs, and egg yolk until the mix is pale and airy; this luscious texture forms the foundation for the fudgy brownies. Melt butter while you beat then add it in along with oil and vanilla. Gently fold the dry ingredients and the chocolate chips to keep the batter light and full of little melty chocolate morsels.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies & Add Cookie Dough
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 15 minutes just until the surface sets lightly, which lets the cookie dough layer meld beautifully instead of sinking in too much. Then, break out the chilled cookie dough and shape it into small discs. Press these cookie dough discs evenly on top of the brownie layer before returning it to the oven. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and bake for another 20-25 minutes. You want a fully set cookie and brownie layer without any jiggle.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, transfer your masterpiece to a cooling rack and let it cool fully to room temperature. This allows the layers to set perfectly, making it easy to cut out those thick, fudge-filled squares that are as beautiful as they are tasty.
How to Serve Cookie Fudgy Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Cookie Fudgy Brownies Recipe an extra pop, sprinkle a handful of mini chocolate chips or M&M’s on top after baking for added color and texture. A light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar can also enhance the visual appeal, making each serving look as tempting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dessert is rich and filling, so pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream helps balance the deep chocolate flavors and adds a creamy contrast. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce are other fabulous companions that amplify each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your Cookie Fudgy Brownies into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a dessert platter alongside different dipping sauces, like melted peanut butter or chocolate ganache. Alternatively, use cookie cutters to create festive shapes for holidays or special occasions, turning this delightful treat into a show-stopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cookie Fudgy Brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, preserving that perfect fudgy texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. This melts the chocolate chips slightly and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven comfort without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute peanut butter in the cookie dough?
Yes, you can swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you want a different nutty flavor or need a peanut-free option. Just keep the creamy texture similar for the best results.
How do I know when the Cookie Fudgy Brownies are done baking?
The brownies are ready when the cookie layer looks set and no longer jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process?
Dutch-process cocoa is preferred for its darker color and milder acidity, which balances the flavors here. If you only have natural cocoa powder, you can use it but your brownies might have a slightly different taste and color.
Is it necessary to chill the cookie dough before baking?
Chilling the cookie dough helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring it bakes without melting into the brownie layer. It also improves the texture of the cookie part of this recipe.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure your cocoa and other mix-ins are certified gluten-free for safety.
Final Thoughts
This Cookie Fudgy Brownies Recipe is pure magic for anyone who adores combining the best parts of cookies and brownies into one unforgettable treat. With rich chocolate, chewy oat-filled cookie pieces, and bright pops of color from mini M&M’s, it’s a dessert that invites smiles and second helpings. I promise once you bake this, it will quickly become your go-to for celebrations, cozy nights, or anytime you want a sweet hug in dessert form.
Print
Cookie Fudgy Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
These Cookie Fudgy Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with delightful monster cookie dough topping. Featuring a blend of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips and mini M&M’s, this decadent dessert offers a perfect balance of soft brownie texture with chewy, flavorful cookie bites on top. Ideal for sharing, these brownies boast a luscious chocolate flavor with an extra fun twist from the cookie dough layer.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- 1 1/3 cup White granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 Egg yolk
- 5 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup Oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (dutch process)
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Milk chocolate chips
Monster Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/8 tsp Baking powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark)
- 1/8 cup White granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Peanut butter (creamy)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1 Large egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Quick oats
- 1/2 cup Mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Mini M&M’s
Instructions
- Prepare Monster Cookies: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together on medium speed for 1 minute until light and fluffy. Add the peanut butter and mix for another minute. Incorporate vanilla extract and egg until combined, scraping the bowl and mixing again for 20 seconds.
- Combine Monster Cookie Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in the oats, mini chocolate chips, and mini M&M’s. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 40 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: When cookie dough is nearly done chilling, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray a 9×9 inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray and line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Mix Brownie Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat Brownie Wet Ingredients: Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on medium-high for 5 minutes until the mixture is very light and fluffy. Meanwhile, melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly.
- Combine Brownie Batter: Add melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula, being careful not to deflate the batter. Fold in semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips.
- Assemble Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth into corners with a rubber spatula. Bake for 15 minutes to set the top lightly.
- Add Cookie Dough Topping: Remove cookie dough from the fridge, take small handfuls, and flatten them into discs. Place the discs evenly over the brownie layer. Return the pan to the oven.
- Bake Final: Bake for an additional 20 minutes. Then, loosely cover the pan with foil to prevent over-browning, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cookie and brownie layers are fully set with no jiggle.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the brownies to a cooling rack and let cool completely to room temperature before slicing. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
Notes
- Ensure eggs for the monster cookie dough and brownie batter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Chilling the cookie dough is essential to prevent it from melting into the brownie layer.
- Lining the pan with parchment makes it easier to lift out the entire brownie slab for cutting.
- Be gentle when folding dry ingredients into the brownie batter to retain airiness and achieve fudgy texture.
- Use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor in the brownies.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
