Nostalgic Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe

Name: Nostalgic Cookie Dough Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; Cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)

Published: May 29, 2025

by Clara Harper

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These nostalgic cookie dough brownies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weekdays.
The blend of textures creates an irresistible flavor experience that everyone will love.
Visually stunning with their rich colors, they look as good as they taste!
You can easily customize the toppings based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.

I once made these for my nephew’s birthday party, and let’s just say the kids practically inhaled them!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Unsalted Butter: Use soft butter for easy mixing and a creamier texture in your brownie batter.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the batter beautifully and helps create those chewy edges we all love.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and enhances the caramel flavor profile of the brownies.
Large Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together while adding richness to the overall texture.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract gives a lovely aromatic touch that elevates the flavor of your brownies.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor without added sugars.
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure; too much can make them dense, so measure carefully!
Baking Powder: A small amount helps create that delightful rise and fluffiness in your brownies.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips bring extra melty goodness to each bite.
Cookie Dough (store-bought or homemade): Choose your favorite type; it adds that nostalgic touch we crave!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper so nothing sticks later. This step ensures easy removal after baking—thank me later!

In a large bowl, mix together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar until creamy. You want that luscious texture to come through—imagine spreading butter on warm toast!

Add two large eggs one at a time into the mixture along with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and combined; it should smell heavenly by now!

In another bowl, sift together 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. This helps eliminate those pesky lumps that could ruin your brownie experience.

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; be gentle! Overmixing here could lead to dense brownies instead of soft ones.

Gently stir in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you’re feeling rebellious (and who isn’t?), add even more chocolate chips—no judgment here!

Pour half of this luscious batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Now comes the fun part—dollop spoonfuls of raw cookie dough over this layer like you’re decorating a masterpiece!

Top it off with the remaining brownie batter—spread it out gently over those dollops of joy so they can peek through slightly when baked.

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean but with some gooey bits attached—that’s where all the magic happens!

Once done baking, let them cool completely before slicing into squares. This step also allows all those flavors to meld beautifully—patience is key here!

Now go ahead and enjoy these nostalgic cookie dough brownies! They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—I won’t tell anyone!

You Must Know

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dough.
Chop chocolate into small pieces for even melting.
Don’t skip chilling the cookie dough layer before baking.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare your brownie batter while the oven warms up for maximum efficiency. Bake the brownies for about 25-30 minutes, allowing them to cool before adding the cookie dough layer.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your brownie base with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flair. You can swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour if needed; baking should be fun and flexible!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Nostalgic Cookie Dough Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but let them come to room temperature before enjoying again for that fresh-baked taste.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve perfectly layered brownies, use a parchment-lined pan for easy removal.
Make sure to evenly spread the cookie dough over the brownie layer to avoid uneven baking.
Adjust baking time slightly based on how gooey you prefer your brownies – more time equals firmer texture!

When I first made these Nostalgic Cookie Dough Brownies, my friends devoured them in minutes. Their smiles and happy dances were all I needed as validation that these treats were a hit!

FAQ

Can I use different chocolate types in the brownies?

Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate both work wonderfully depending on your taste preference.

How do I know when my brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean but with some moist crumbs attached.

Can I freeze these brownies for later?

Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container before freezing.

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