Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
If you are craving a dessert that’s rich, chewy, and packed with delightful textures, the Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine fudgy brownies topped with a luscious, peanut buttery cookie dough layer studded with mini chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s. It’s a dazzling treat that combines the best of both worlds: the warm, comforting taste of homemade brownies and the irresistible playfulness of cookie dough. Once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked—the perfect dessert for sharing with friends or indulging in your sweetest cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that work together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each item plays a special role, ensuring your Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe tastes as amazing as it looks.
- Brownie mix: This is the base of your dessert, providing that classic rich, fudgy brownie flavor with minimal fuss.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds creaminess to the cookie dough and keeps the texture moist and tender.
- Brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness while helping give the cookie dough a light, fluffy texture.
- Milk: Softens the cookie dough and helps blend all ingredients smoothly.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient in the cookie dough, offering a nutty richness and satisfying texture.
- Quick oats: Adds chewiness and a wholesome bite in the cookie dough layer.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookie dough so it holds together nicely.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate that surprise your palate in every bite.
- Mini M&M’s: Adds bursts of color and chocolate crunch for a fun, festive touch.
How to Make Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Brownies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box to combine the batter, including adding eggs, oil, and water as directed. Pour this rich batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Bake for about 22 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan; this step is crucial so the cookie dough layer sits perfectly on top without melting.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Layer
While the brownies cool, whip up your cookie dough topping. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer. Next, blend in the milk, vanilla extract, and peanut butter until silky and smooth. Stir in the quick oats, all-purpose flour, and salt, mixing just until combined to retain the dough’s tender texture. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips and mini M&M’s so every bite has a delightful surprise.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Once your brownie base has fully cooled, gently spread the luscious cookie dough evenly over the top. Use a spatula to press and smooth it out lightly, creating an inviting layer of goodness. Pop the entire pan into the refrigerator for at least one hour—this chill time is essential to let the cookie dough firm up, making your Monster Cookie Dough Brownies easy to cut into neat, satisfying bars.
How to Serve Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a finishing touch by sprinkling a few extra mini chocolate chips or colorful M&M’s on top right before serving. This instantly amps up the visual appeal and gives a hint of what’s waiting inside. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely sweet contrast and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
These brownies are a showstopper on their own, but if you want to offer a little something extra, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool creaminess pairs beautifully with the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on colorful trays or alongside fresh berries for a pop of freshness and color. You could even alternate layers in a trifle dish with whipped cream and chocolate sauce for an impressive twist on your Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cookie dough topping will stay firm, and the brownies will maintain their chewiness for up to 5 days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week as a sweet treat.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to keep the best texture.
Reheating
Because of the chilled cookie dough topping, it’s best to enjoy the brownies cold or at room temperature. If you prefer them a little warm, let the brownies sit out for about 15 minutes after removing from the fridge. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can soften the cookie dough too much and change its texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! Using your favorite homemade brownie recipe adds a personal touch. Just be sure your brownies are fully cooled before frosting with the cookie dough layer.
Is the cookie dough safe to eat raw?
Yes! This cookie dough is egg-free and made with heat-treated flour, so it’s safe to enjoy without baking. It’s perfect for those who love cookie dough but want to avoid raw eggs.
Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Feel free to swap in almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any nut or seed butter you prefer. Keep in mind the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What if I don’t have mini M&M’s?
You can substitute with regular chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other small candies you love. Mini chocolate chips alone also work wonderfully to keep that chocolatey crunch.
How thick should the cookie dough layer be?
Spread the cookie dough about a half-inch thick for the perfect balance with the brownie base. Too thin and you miss the chewy candy goodness; too thick and it can be overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe is a total game changer. The way that fudgy brownie base meets a peanut butter cookie dough top studded with chocolate and candy creates a dessert experience you won’t soon forget. It’s incredibly fun to make, easier than you think, and guaranteed to bring joy to any gathering or quiet night in. Go ahead and try it—you’re sure to fall in love with every bite!
Print
Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in rich and decadent Monster Cookie Dough Brownies featuring a fudgy brownie base topped with a creamy, egg-free peanut butter cookie dough layer studded with oats, mini chocolate chips, and colorful mini M&M’s for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 box (18–19 oz) brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on package)
Cookie Dough Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup mini M&M’s
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions, including adding eggs, oil, and water as specified. Pour the prepared batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes until set. Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Cookie Dough Layer: While the brownies cool, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air and sweetness evenly. Next, add milk, vanilla extract, and creamy peanut butter and mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the quick oats, all-purpose flour, and salt until everything is just combined, forming a thick cookie dough. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Incorporate Mix-ins: Fold in the mini chocolate chips and mini M&M’s evenly throughout the dough, distributing the colorful and chocolate elements well for every bite.
- Assemble and Chill: Once the brownies have cooled completely, gently spread the prepared cookie dough over the top in an even layer. Press lightly to smooth the surface. Place the entire pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to let the cookie dough firm up for easier slicing.
- Serve: After chilling, cut into 24 bars and serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
Notes
- This cookie dough topping is egg-free and safe to eat raw, making it a delicious and safe treat.
- For a firmer texture, store the brownies in the fridge after assembling.
- You can substitute homemade brownies if preferred.
- Feel free to swap mini chocolate chips and M&M’s with your favorite candies or use alternative nut butters for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
