Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bars Recipe

Irresistibly Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bars Recipe

Chocolate chip cookie dough dancing through decadent brownie layers creates an irresistible dessert experience that melts hearts instantly.

Sweet memories flood back from childhood baking adventures.

Rich chocolate and buttery cookie crumbles promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking comfort and joy.

Combining two classic treats into one spectacular bar sounds like pure magic.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that surprise and delight.

Soft, chewy, and intensely satisfying, these bars break all dessert rules in the most delicious way possible.

You won’t be able to resist grabbing another slice of this dreamy confection.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to sift the dry ingredients?

Sifting helps break up any lumps in flour and cocoa powder, ensuring a smoother and more even texture in your brownies. It also aerates the ingredients, making the final product lighter and more consistent.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for semisweet chocolate chips, you can experiment with milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips. Just maintain the same quantity for best results.

  • How can I tell if the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center. This indicates the brownies are cooked but still wonderfully fudgy and not overbaked or dry.

  • Quick and Simple Baking: Whip up these decadent chocolate chip cookie dough brownie bars with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginner bakers wanting to impress.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines two beloved treats – brownies and chocolate chip cookies – into one irresistible dessert that guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike.
  • Versatile Celebration Treat: Ideal for potlucks, birthday parties, game nights, or casual gatherings where you want a showstopping sweet that requires no fancy presentation.
  • Customizable Chocolate Experience: Easily swap semisweet chips for dark, milk, or white chocolate to match personal preferences and create a unique flavor profile.
Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides moisture and flavor to the brownies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth texture.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Contributes depth of flavor and helps keep the brownies moist.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the brownies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the brownie bars.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and dark color to the dessert.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the other flavors in the recipe.
Chocolate Components:
  • Semisweet Chocolate Chips, Mini Chocolate Chips: Provide bursts of chocolate flavor and create a delightful textural contrast throughout the brownie bars.

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease.

Line the pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Butter Bliss

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Light brown sugar

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, dreamy mixture.

Step 3: Embrace Egg Magic

Drop in the eggs and vanilla extract.

Beat everything together until fully incorporated and looking luxuriously creamy.

Step 4: Dust in Dry Wonders

Sift directly into the wet mixture:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Gently stir until the ingredients just come together.

Don’t overmix – you want a tender texture.

Step 5: Chocolate Chip Party

Fold in one cup of semisweet chocolate chips.

Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Pan Preparation

Pour the rich batter into the prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth surface.

Step 7: Sprinkle Chocolate Shower

Scatter mini chocolate chips across the top of the batter, creating a delightful chocolatey landscape.

Step 8: Baking Brilliance

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Patience and Cutting

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

This waiting game ensures clean, perfect cuts.

Once cooled, slice into squares and prepare for chocolate heaven.

  • Reserve a handful of chocolate chips to sprinkle on top for a picture-perfect finish that adds extra chocolate crunch.
  • Check brownies at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking, ensuring a moist and gooey center that melts in your mouth.
  • Let eggs and butter sit at room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more evenly blended batter.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts for clean, precise brownie squares that look bakery-perfect.
  • Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicious texture.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Chocolate Lover's Bars: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based version.
  • Nutty Chocolate Brownie Bars: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and rich flavor, creating a textural contrast with the gooey chocolate base.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and select dark chocolate chips with lower sugar content to reduce overall sweetness.

Ideas for Serving Brownie Bars at Parties

  • Dessert Platter Paradise: Create a stunning dessert board with brownie squares, fresh berries, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Decadent Coffee Pairing: Serve warm brownie bars alongside a rich espresso or creamy cappuccino for an indulgent afternoon treat.
  • Gifting Gourmet: Package individual brownie squares in cute cellophane bags with a ribbon for a delightful homemade gift that friends will adore.
  • Chilled Delight Option: Refrigerate brownies for a fudgier texture and enjoy them cold as a refreshing summer dessert.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Remove from freezer and let brownies sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, allowing them to soften naturally.
  • Warm briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds on 50% power to restore gooey texture, or warm in oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes for crisp edges.
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Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bars Recipe

Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Chocolate chip cookie dough brownie bars blend irresistible dessert magic from two classic treats into one sinful slice of heaven. Rich chocolate and sweet dough layers create a mouthwatering experience that melts hearts and satisfies deepest cravings you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Base:

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 12 teaspoons (1/2 teaspoon) salt

Sweeteners and Binding Agents:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (226 grams)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Elements:

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips, for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and lining with parchment paper, then set the oven to 350°F (175°C) for preheating.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, beating thoroughly until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  4. Gently sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  5. Carefully fold semisweet chocolate chips into the brownie batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface.
  7. Generously scatter mini chocolate chips across the top of the batter, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely within the pan before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

  • Precision matters when measuring ingredients, especially flour and cocoa powder, to maintain the perfect brownie texture.
  • Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and more consistent mixing.
  • Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips to enhance the rich, decadent flavor profile of the brownies.
  • For gluten-free variation, swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring the same delightful gooey consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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