Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe

The Dreamiest Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe Ever

Chocolate lovers adore these monster cookie dough brownies that blend decadent layers of rich fudge and playful sweet chunks.

Creamy peanut butter adds unexpected depth to each indulgent bite.

Chocolate chips and colorful candies create a whimsical texture that makes every slice irresistible.

Kids and adults cannot resist this nostalgic dessert that feels like a celebration on a plate.

Soft brownie bases provide a luxurious foundation for the dreamy cookie dough topping.

Each forkful promises a symphony of flavors that dance between intense chocolate and buttery sweetness.

You will want to make this recipe again and again for every special occasion.

Dive into a dessert that turns an ordinary moment into something magical.

Why Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Are Over The Top
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines the best of brownies and monster cookies, creating an irresistible treat that satisfies multiple sweet cravings in one bite.
  • Simple Step-by-Step Creation: Follows an easy, beginner-friendly process with clear instructions that make baking accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Colorful Kid-Friendly Delight: Packed with playful M&M candies and chocolate chips, this dessert brings excitement and joy to family gatherings and children's parties.
  • No-Fuss Chocolate Indulgence: Requires minimal specialized equipment and basic pantry ingredients, making it a convenient and stress-free baking experience for chocolate lovers.
For the Brownie Base:
  • Butter: The foundational fat that provides rich flavor and moisture to the brownie layer.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, tender texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the brownie's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the brownie base.
  • Flour: Provides structure and helps create the classic brownie consistency.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
For the Monster Cookie Dough Layer:
  • Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the cookie dough.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help achieve the perfect cookie dough texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cookie dough.
  • Flour: Gives the cookie dough its characteristic structure.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
For the Mix-Ins and Toppings:
  • Miniature Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter Chips, M&M Candies: Add texture, color, and extra bursts of flavor throughout the dessert.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Brownie Base

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift cocoa powder, flour, and salt directly into wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain brownie texture.

Step 4: Bake Brownie Layer

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted shows a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.

Step 5: Prepare Cookie Dough Layer

Cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Cookie Dough Ingredients

Mix in vanilla extract. Gradually fold in flour and salt until soft cookie dough consistency develops.

Step 7: Add Mix-In Goodies

Gently fold in mix-ins:
  • Miniature chocolate chips
  • M&M candies
  • Peanut butter chips

Step 8: Layer Cookie Dough

Spread cookie dough evenly over cooled brownie base using an offset spatula for smooth coverage.

Step 9: Decorate Top

Sprinkle additional:
  • Miniature chocolate chips
  • M&M candies
  • Peanut butter chips

Step 10: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for 2 hours to set cookie dough layer and enhance flavor melding.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Lift brownies out using parchment paper edges. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Expert Tips For Monster Cookie Dough Brownies
  • Prevent Dry Brownies: Mix wet ingredients thoroughly but stop stirring flour mixture as soon as it's combined to maintain moisture and prevent tough texture.
  • Chocolate Chip Distribution: Fold chocolate chips, M&M candies, and peanut butter chips gently into cookie dough to ensure even spread without deflating mixture.
  • Perfect Cooling Technique: Allow brownies to cool completely at room temperature before adding cookie dough layer to prevent melting and maintain distinct layers.
  • Smooth Surface Trick: Use an offset spatula when spreading cookie dough for a professional, even layer without disturbing brownie base.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate bars for minimum 2 hours to let flavors meld and set cookie dough layer, enhancing overall taste and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Monster Brownies: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Chocolate Dream: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select dairy-free chocolate chips for plant-based version.
  • Nutty Caramel Version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into cookie dough layer, drizzle caramel sauce over top for rich, indulgent flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener, dark chocolate chips with stevia, and reduce overall sugar content for health-conscious bakers.
  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel with rich berry notes that complement the chocolate's intensity and balance the sweet-salty cookie layer.
  • Elevate with Cold Milk Pairing: Serve alongside a chilled glass of whole milk, which cuts through the dessert's richness and provides a classic, creamy counterpoint to the decadent brownie base.
  • Match with Espresso Shot: Brew a strong espresso to highlight the chocolate's deep flavors, creating a sophisticated contrast that enhances the dessert's complex sweetness and texture.
  • Enjoy with Vanilla Bourbon Cocktail: Mix a smooth bourbon-based cocktail with vanilla notes that mirror the dessert's sweet profile and add a sophisticated adult twist to the indulgent treat.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping layers separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal texture and flavor.
  • Keep covered at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum, ensuring the dessert stays in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
  • Warm refrigerated brownies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and taste.
  • Are these brownies actually kid-friendly?

Yes, kids will love the colorful M&M candies and sweet chocolate chips mixed throughout the monster cookie dough layer. They are fun and delicious for all ages.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can swap chocolate chips with white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or any other flavor you prefer. The recipe is flexible for personal taste.

  • Do I need any special baking tools?

No special tools required. Just a standard mixing bowl, spatula, 9×13-inch baking pan, and basic measuring cups will work perfectly for this recipe.

  • How difficult is this recipe for beginner bakers?

This recipe is beginner-friendly. The steps are straightforward, and the technique is simple enough for someone with basic baking skills to successfully complete.

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Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe

Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Monster cookie dough brownies blend nostalgic childhood treats with indulgent chocolate bliss. Layers of rich brownie base and creamy peanut butter cookie dough create an irresistible dessert you’ll want to savor slowly and share with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Monster Cookie Dough Layer:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup M&M candies
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter chips

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup M&M candies
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal.
  2. Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
  3. Sift cocoa powder, flour, and salt directly into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated without overmixing.
  4. Pour brownie batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula, and bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  5. Allow brownie base to cool completely at room temperature, approximately 1 hour.
  6. Cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  7. Mix in vanilla extract, then gradually fold in flour and salt until a soft cookie dough consistency forms.
  8. Gently fold miniature chocolate chips, M&M candies, and peanut butter chips into the cookie dough mixture.
  9. Spread the monster cookie dough layer evenly over the cooled brownie base, using an offset spatula for smooth coverage.
  10. Sprinkle additional miniature chocolate chips, M&M candies, and peanut butter chips across the top for extra decoration.
  11. Refrigerate the dessert for 2 hours to set the cookie dough layer and enhance flavor melding.
  12. Lift the brownies out using parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Avoid overmixing brownie batter to prevent tough, dense brownies with a rubbery consistency.
  • Use a digital kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements, ensuring consistent results every time.
  • Swap chocolate chips with gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives for dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 455
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 151 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 63 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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