Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe

Irresistible Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet dreams come alive with this decadent cookie dough brownie cake that blends childhood nostalgia and grown-up indulgence.

Layers of rich chocolate and creamy cookie dough create a dessert that defies ordinary expectations.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the perfect balance between fudgy brownies and smooth, eggless cookie dough.

Soft, gooey textures mingle in each heavenly bite, promising an unforgettable experience.

Each slice reveals a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with delightful complexity.

Craving something extraordinary?

This show-stopping dessert will make you the ultimate baking hero at any gathering.

Prepare to become the most celebrated baker in your social circle.

  • Indulge in Layered Decadence: A show-stopping dessert that combines rich brownie, creamy cookie dough, and velvety frosting in one spectacular treat.
  • Master Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, and special gatherings where you want to impress friends and family with an extraordinary sweet creation.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like different chocolate chip varieties or adding sprinkles to match any celebration theme.
  • No Complicated Techniques: Straightforward mixing and layering process makes this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.

Main Ingredients:

Brownie Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the brownie layer.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the brownie base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender brownie texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Contributes moisture and a deeper caramel-like flavor to the brownie.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness to the brownie layer.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender brownie with a soft crumb.
Cookie Dough Layer:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and creamy base for the cookie dough layer.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides a soft, chewy texture and deep flavor to the cookie dough.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookie dough layer.
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds bursts of chocolate flavor and texture throughout the cookie dough.
Frosting:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, smooth base for the frosting.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a creamy texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.

Additional Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients: – Vanilla Extract, Milk: Enhance flavor and moisture in the cookie dough and frosting.

Leavening and Seasoning: – Baking Powder, Salt: Help with rising and balance the sweetness of the dessert.

Garnish: – Extra Chocolate Chips: Provide decorative topping and additional chocolate flavor.

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang slightly over the edges for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create the Dry Chocolate Foundation

Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, breaking down any stubborn lumps to ensure a smooth brownie base.

Step 3: Whip Up the Butter Blend

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy cloud of sweetness.

Step 4: Introduce the Liquid Ingredients

Crack eggs one by one into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vegetable oil and vanilla extract, stirring until everything becomes a harmonious mixture.

Step 5: Marry the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to keep the brownie texture tender and delicate.

Step 6: Prepare the Brownie Canvas

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth, inviting surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownie base cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Craft the Cookie Dough Layer

Cream butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth and dreamy.

Step 9: Build the Cookie Dough

Mix in:
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Gradually add flour and salt, working until a soft dough forms.

Step 10: Add Chocolate Chip Magic

Fold in chocolate chips, then carefully spread the cookie dough over the cooled brownie base, creating an even, tempting layer.

Step 11: Whip Up the Creamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 12: Create Frosting Perfection

Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 13: Adjust Frosting Consistency

Thin the frosting with heavy cream, making it perfectly spreadable.

Step 14: Frost with Finesse

Spread the frosting evenly over the cookie dough layer, creating a smooth, inviting top.

Step 15: Add Final Chocolate Flair

Sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the frosting for a delightful decoration.

Step 16: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, allowing all layers to set and meld together.

Step 17: Slice and Savor

Cut into squares and indulge in the decadent layers of brownie, cookie dough, and creamy frosting.

  • Prevent Dry Brownies: Avoid overmixing the batter and remove from oven when a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick to maintain a rich, fudgy texture.
  • Chill for Perfect Layers: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to help layers set firmly and enhance the flavor melding between brownie and cookie dough.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
  • Control Cookie Dough Consistency: Add milk gradually to achieve the right cookie dough texture – soft but not too wet, allowing easy spreading over the brownie base.
  • Frosting Smooth Technique: Use an offset spatula or bench scraper to create a perfectly even frosting layer with clean, sharp edges.
  • Salted Caramel Decadence: Replace chocolate chips with caramel chunks and drizzle salted caramel sauce between layers for a rich, sweet-salty experience.
  • Nutty Chocolate Explosion: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter and sprinkle roasted nuts on top of the frosting for extra crunch.
  • Peanut Butter Paradise: Swirl peanut butter into the cookie dough layer and top with crushed peanut butter cups for an indulgent nutty version.
  • Seasonal Berry Bliss: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries between the cookie dough and frosting layers for a fruity, refreshing alternative.
  • Decadent Dessert Wine Pairing: Select a rich port wine to complement the intense chocolate and sweet layers, enhancing the cake's deep flavor profile with its smooth, fortified character.
  • Creamy Milk Companion: Pour cold whole milk alongside each slice, creating a classic refreshing balance that cuts through the richness and provides a smooth, cooling contrast to the dense dessert.
  • Chocolate Lover's Coffee Match: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to serve alongside, intensifying the chocolate notes and providing a robust counterpoint to the sweet, layered cake.
  • Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans on top of the frosting to add a crunchy texture and amplify the dessert's complex chocolate undertones.
  • Keep the Cookie Dough Brownie Cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the best flavor and texture while keeping the layers firm and delicious.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 3 months, allowing for convenient make-ahead dessert options.
  • Transfer frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight to slowly thaw, maintaining the cake's moisture and preventing texture breakdown.
  • Is this recipe difficult to make?

No, it’s beginner-friendly! The steps are straightforward, and you only need basic baking tools like mixing bowls, a whisk, and a baking pan.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can swap milk, dark, or white chocolate chips based on your preference. Semi-sweet chips work best for balancing the sweetness.

  • How do I know when the brownie base is perfectly baked?

Check the edges for slight pulling away from the pan and insert a toothpick in the center. A few moist crumbs mean it’s done – don’t overbake to keep the brownies fudgy.

  • Why do I need to refrigerate the cake?

Chilling helps the layers set, makes cutting cleaner, and allows flavors to meld together.

Print
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Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe

Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30-60 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible chocolate cookie dough brownie cake blends rich brownie layers with creamy cookie dough for an indulgent dessert experience. Chocolate lovers will savor each decadent bite of this ultimate sweet treat that promises pure dessert bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Cookie Dough Layer:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Frosting and Topping:

  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl to eliminate any lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  3. Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the brownie cake.
  4. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vegetable oil and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely homogeneous.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula and ensuring smooth surface.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
  8. For the cookie dough layer, cream butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth and creamy.
  9. Mix in milk and vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
  10. Fold in chocolate chips, then carefully spread the cookie dough layer over the cooled brownie base, creating an even surface.
  11. Prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
  12. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
  13. Thin the frosting with heavy cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  14. Spread the frosting evenly over the cookie dough layer, creating a smooth top.
  15. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the frosting for decoration.
  16. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set completely before cutting into squares.
  17. Serve chilled and enjoy the decadent layers of brownie, cookie dough, and creamy frosting.

Notes

  • Precise ingredient temperature matters critically for achieving the perfect texture, ensuring butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Consider using high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips to elevate the overall flavor profile and create a more luxurious dessert experience.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements and mixing techniques.
  • Reduce sweetness by using dark chocolate chips and decreasing sugar quantities slightly, which allows the rich chocolate flavor to shine through more prominently.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 547
  • Sugar: 47 g
  • Sodium: 181 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 81 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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