If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the idea of combining two irresistible treats into one, then the Brownie Batter Cookie Dough Cups Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Think fudgy brownie bases baked to perfection, filled with soft, sweet cookie dough, and topped with a luscious layer of melted chocolate. It’s like having dessert trifecta in every bite, perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, these delightful cups offer a decadent, fun way to enjoy classic flavors together in a wonderfully unique format.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect combo of chewy, gooey, and rich. From the cocoa that gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor to the sprinkled mini chips that add burst after burst of sweetness, these simple basics come together to make magic.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted + 1/2 cup softened): Essential for that rich, creamy texture in both brownie batter and cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + 1/4 cup): Provides sweet balance and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor to the cookie dough.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons total): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): The heart of the brownie batter’s chocolatey depth.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup for brownie + 1 cup for cookie dough): Gives structure but keeps the texture soft and chewy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and heightens flavor.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Helps the brownie batter rise just right.
- Chocolate chips (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup + 1/2 cup melted): For melty pockets inside and a glossy, irresistible top layer.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Small, sweet bursts of chocolate nestled inside the cookie dough.
- Milk (2 tablespoons, if needed): A tiny splash to perfect the cookie dough’s soft consistency if it feels too crumbly.
- Sprinkles or chopped nuts (optional): Fun, colorful, or crunchy finishing touches to customize your cups.
How to Make Brownie Batter Cookie Dough Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake the brownie base so it’s soft and fudgy, creating that wonderful chewy foundation for your cookie dough filling.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly before adding in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir everything just until combined, then fold in the chocolate chips for extra pockets of melted goodness in every bite.
Step 3: Bake the Brownie Cups
Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Fill each liner halfway with brownie batter, ensuring you don’t overfill to keep the perfect shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye out for edges that are set but still soft in the center, which means you’ve achieved that fudgy texture. Let them cool completely in the pan before moving on.
Step 4: Prepare the Cookie Dough Filling
While the brownie cups are cooling, whip up your cookie dough. Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract. Then gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips. If your mixture feels crumbly, add milk a little at a time, just enough to make a soft, scoopable dough.
Step 5: Fill the Brownie Cups
Once the brownie cups have chilled and cooled fully, scoop a generous spoonful of the cookie dough filling into each cup. Press down gently to nestle the dough in neatly without squishing the brownie base.
Step 6: Melt and Add the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and glossy. Drizzle or spread this melted chocolate over the cookie dough-filled brownie cups. This extra chocolate layer adds a beautiful shine and an indulgent finish.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the completed brownie batter cookie dough cups for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate harden slightly. This chilling step also helps marry the flavors and textures for a balanced bite every time.
How to Serve Brownie Batter Cookie Dough Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add pretty colors and contrasting textures to your brownie cups. If you want a fun surprise, consider topping each cup with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate’s depth and balance sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve these decadent treats alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of fresh berries. The creamy cold ice cream complements the chewy, rich cups perfectly, while berries add a bright, tart contrast that keeps the sweetness from feeling overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, display the brownie batter cookie dough cups on a tiered dessert stand to create an inviting centerpiece. Alternatively, personalize each cup with colorful edible decorations or drizzle caramel sauce for an extra wow factor. These small touches make them perfect for celebrations or gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness. The chill helps keep the chocolate topping firm and the cookie dough filling soft but contained.
Freezing
You can freeze these cups by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer a slightly warm cup, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt the chocolate topping too much. You want that lovely contrast between soft warm brownie and cool cookie dough.
FAQs
Can I make the cookie dough filling without eggs?
Absolutely. Since this cookie dough is meant to be eaten raw and not baked, the recipe omits eggs. The combination of butter, sugars, and flour creates a safe and delicious no-egg cookie dough.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Classic semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal for this recipe as they provide a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. However, feel free to experiment with milk or dark chocolate to suit your preferences.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend of your choice. Just make sure it’s a blend suitable for baking to get the right cookie dough and brownie texture.
Is it okay to add nuts inside the cups?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a wonderful crunch that pairs beautifully with the chewy brownie and smooth cookie dough layers.
How do I prevent the cookie dough from getting too hard in the fridge?
If your cookie dough filling becomes too firm after chilling, simply let the cups sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. This brings back the soft texture without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Brownie Batter Cookie Dough Cups Recipe is a celebration of everything wonderful about chocolate and cookie dough, bundled up in a portable, shareable treat. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to bring smiles and happy taste buds. Give it a try—you might just find yourself baking these sweet little cups over and over again!
Print
Brownie Batter Cookie Dough Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Brownie Batter Cookie Dough Cups are a delightful two-in-one dessert featuring a fudgy brownie base filled with rich, chocolate chip-studded cookie dough, all topped with a smooth chocolate drizzle. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a fun and indulgent treat that combines the best of both brownies and cookie dough in every bite.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Cookie Dough Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional, if needed for consistency)
Topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Sprinkles or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownie batter.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until well blended, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake Brownie Batter: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Fill each liner halfway with the prepared brownie batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the center remains soft. Allow the brownie cups to cool completely in the pan.
- Make Cookie Dough Filling: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, mixing until fully combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips. If the dough is too crumbly, add milk one tablespoon at a time until a dough-like consistency is achieved.
- Fill Brownie Cups: Once the brownie cups have cooled, scoop a spoonful of the cookie dough filling into each cup, gently pressing down to fill evenly.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and glossy.
- Top and Chill: Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the cookie dough-filled brownie cups. Optionally, sprinkle with sprinkles or chopped nuts for added texture and decoration. Refrigerate the cups for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
- Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, serve the brownie batter cookie dough cups and enjoy this decadent treat!
Notes
- Make sure the brownie cups are completely cooled before adding the cookie dough filling to prevent melting.
- If the cookie dough is too crumbly, add milk gradually to achieve the right consistency.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite nuts, sprinkles, or additional chocolate chips.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
