Brownies with cookie dough frosting are like getting two desserts in one. A rich fudgy brownie topped with a cookie dough frosting for the perfect combination when a brownie is just not enough.
Cookie Dough Brownies? Yes, Please.
Brownies are already amazing. But slap a thick layer of edible cookie dough on top and suddenly, they’re next-level. It’s like getting two desserts in one pan. Fudgy, chewy brownie base. Sweet, buttery cookie dough frosting. Chocolate chips in both layers.
Where This Genius Idea Came From
One year, before Natalie headed back to school, we wanted to make something fun to pack up and send with her. The girls are always into cookie dough (honestly, who isn’t?), so we decided to mash it up with brownies. Turns out, we created a fantastic dessert, that they always ask for.
Let’s Talk Texture
The frosting is thick. Like cookie-dough-scoop-with-a-spoon thick. Not fluffy like buttercream, but it softens up beautifully at room temp. The brownie layer stays dense and fudgy, and there are mini chocolate chips scattered throughout the top and folded into the brownies. Every bite? Soft, sweet, chocolatey perfection.
Why You’ll Love These (More Than Plain Brownies)
- You get cookie + brownie in a single bite
- The frosting isn’t too sweet—it’s balanced
- They’re impressive without being fussy
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just because
Want more brownie ideas? Try these pecan-packed brownies or level up with raspberry brownies. So many ways to make them your own.
A Quick Word on Safety
Since we’re skipping eggs in the cookie dough, you’ll need heat-treated flour to keep it food safe. Just spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 7 minutes. Let it cool before mixing into your frosting.
A Few Helpful Tips
- Chill the brownies before cutting to get clean edges
- Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer
- Not great for shipping (that frosting’s too soft), but amazing for sharing in person
- Let them sit out a bit before serving if you want the frosting extra soft
Ingredients you have in your pantry
Get a full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.
Here’s What You’re Doing
Step 1: Make the brownies
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and cocoa powder and sugar and whisk until combined, then whisk in vanilla and eggs. Gently fold in flour and salt mixing just until combined.
Step 2: Add some chocolate and Bake
Step 3: Make the frosting
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter with the sugars until light and fluffy, then mix in milk and vanilla. Once combined, add flour, salt and mini chocolate chips and mix until combined.
Step 4: Spread and refrigerate
Pro tip: To cut frosted brownies cleanly, let them refrigerate until the frosting is cold before cutting.
These are rich. They’re decadent. They’re also ridiculously easy to make. If a regular brownie just isn’t cutting it? Cookie dough brownies are the answer.
Don’t Forget!
Like and review this post – it helps our website grow so we can give you more delicious Southern recipes!
Ingredients
BROWNIES
- 18 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon
- 2 ½ cups sugar
- 3 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
COOKIE DOUGH
- 1 cup butter softened
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ¾ cup flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini choc chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º. Line 9 X 13 pan with parchment paper and spray the sides with cooking spray.
- Place melted butter in a large bowl and whisk in cocoa powder and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk until smooth. Gently fold in the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie mixture into prepared pan smooth with an offset spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until just done in the center, the edges should just begin to pull away from the sides o the pan. Don’t over bake. Allow to cool on wire rack before adding frosting.
COOKIE DOUGH:
- First bake the flour on a rimmed cookie sheet at 350º for 7 minutes until it reaches 160º to kill any pathogens.
- With an electric mixer, combine butter and sugars and mix on medium high until light and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla and mx. Add flour and salt and mini chocolate chips and mix until combined.
- Once brownies have cooled, spread cookie dough on top.
Video
Notes
- You can use any brownie recipe you like or even use a boxed brownie mix.
- Make sure the brownies are cooled before adding the frosting or it will melt.
- Store these in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
I first published this Cookie Dough Brownie recipe on my Southern food blog Butter and Baggage.
