Get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s like a celebration in every bite—our Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe combines the fudgy richness of classic brownies with a luscious layer of cookie dough studded with colorful M&M’s and mini chocolate chips. This delightful mashup is a dream come true for anyone who loves cookie dough and brownies equally. Whether it’s a special occasion or just an everyday treat craving, this recipe will have you hooked with its irresistible texture and flavor contrast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe plays a key role, from the fudgy brownie base that anchors the dessert to the soft, sweet cookie dough layer that’s bursting with color and crunch. These ingredients are beautifully simple but come together to create startlingly complex flavors and textures.
- Brownie mix and its required ingredients: The foundation of your dessert for rich, moist brownies.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds creaminess and helps bind the cookie dough layer perfectly.
- Brown sugar (packed): Provides a deep, caramel sweetness to the cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes to the cookie dough’s texture.
- Milk: Ensures your cookie dough is moist and smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Brings out warm, aromatic notes in the cookie dough.
- All-purpose flour (heat-treated): For safe, edible cookie dough with just the right chewiness.
- Quick oats: Adds a bit of heartiness and chew in the cookie dough layer.
- Mini M&M’s: Infuse pops of color and chocolatey fun throughout your cookie dough.
- Mini chocolate chips: Boost the chocolate factor and create melty, sweet pockets in every bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Extra M&M’s and mini chocolate chips (optional): Perfect for sprinkling on top to amp up the fun and visual appeal.
How to Make Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Start by heating your oven to the temperature specified on your brownie mix box. Prepare your brownie batter as directed—this usually means mixing the boxed ingredients like eggs, oil, and water with the dry mix. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan and bake according to the package instructions. When done, cool the brownies completely so the cookie dough layer stays firm on top.
Step 2: Make the Monster Cookie Dough Layer
While the brownies cool, let’s make the fun part—the cookie dough layer! Beat the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until creamy and fluffy. Then mix in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well blended. Stir in the heat-treated flour (this is important to keep the dough safe to eat), oats, and salt until combined. Lastly, fold in the mini M&M’s and chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Once your brownies are cooled completely, gently press the cookie dough evenly over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. For extra flair, scatter additional mini M&M’s and chocolate chips over the cookie dough layer. Place the entire pan in the fridge for about an hour to let the cookie dough set before slicing. This chilling step helps the layers hold together for clean, delicious squares.
How to Serve Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
When serving these monster cookie dough brownies, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can make them look as amazing as they taste. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also add a fresh twist that contrasts the rich sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownies with classic vanilla ice cream, or jazz it up with coffee ice cream for a mocha vibe. A simple glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee also complements the dessert’s sweetness and richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dessert as mini squares on a colorful plate sprinkled with extra M&M’s makes for a festive treat. You could also layer crumbled Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe bars in a parfait glass with whipped cream and fruit for a playful sundae twist that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and perfectly chewy for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this treat all week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance or save some for later, freezing is a great option! Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
For the best texture, thaw frozen brownies in the refrigerator overnight. If you want a warm treat, microwave your brownie square for about 15–20 seconds. Be mindful not to overheat, or you might melt the cookie dough layer too much.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! Homemade brownies work beautifully and add a personal touch. Just ensure your brownies are fully cooled before adding the cookie dough layer to prevent melting.
Why do I need to heat-treat the flour for the cookie dough layer?
Raw flour can sometimes carry bacteria, so heat-treating (heating the flour in the microwave or oven) is a safety step that makes the flour safe to eat without affecting taste or texture.
Can I substitute the mini M&M’s with other mix-ins?
Of course! You can use chopped nuts, Reese’s Pieces, mini peanut butter cups, or even dried fruit to customize the cookie dough layer to your preferences.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make these brownies gluten-free, use a gluten-free brownie mix and swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s safe to eat raw or heat-treat as instructed.
How do I know when the brownies are fully cooled?
They should be cool to the touch and no longer warm inside. You can let them sit at room temperature for about 30–60 minutes, or speed up the process by placing them in the fridge before adding the cookie dough layer.
Final Thoughts
This Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe is pure joy wrapped up in a dessert. It’s easy to make, delightfully indulgent, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Treat yourself and savor every bite!
Print
Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Monster Cookie Dough Brownies combine rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy, colorful cookie dough layer loaded with M&M’s and mini chocolate chips. This indulgent layered dessert is perfect for cookie dough lovers craving a decadent treat with a gooey brownie base and a sweet, chewy topping. Easy to prepare with a box brownie mix and simple ingredients, these delightful bars are chilled to set and served in generous 16-piece portions.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
Monster Cookie Dough Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, heat-treated
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Extra M&M’s and mini chocolate chips for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Brownies: Preheat the oven according to the brownie mix package instructions. Prepare the brownie batter by following the directions on the box, usually combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake as directed, typically about 20-25 minutes. Let the brownies cool completely before adding the cookie dough layer.
- Make Cookie Dough Layer: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and combined. Stir in the heat-treated flour, quick oats, and salt until fully incorporated. Fold in the mini M&M’s and mini chocolate chips gently, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Assemble Layers: Once the brownies have fully cooled, spread the prepared monster cookie dough evenly over the top of the brownie base, gently pressing it down for an even layer. Optionally, sprinkle additional mini M&M’s and chocolate chips on top for extra color and texture.
- Chill to Set: Place the assembled pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the cookie dough layer to firm up for easier slicing and serving.
- Serve: After chilling, slice the brownies into 16 pieces and serve chilled. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the cookie dough layer firm and fresh.
Notes
- To heat-treat flour safely, microwave it in a bowl for 1–2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, or bake in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- These bars are best served chilled and can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, stored refrigerated for freshness.
- Using quick oats adds nice texture but they can be substituted with rolled oats if necessary.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives, though flavor and texture may vary.
