f you’re a fan of indulgent desserts that combine rich chocolate and the nostalgic taste of cookie dough, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are the ultimate treat! This recipe marries the best of both worlds by wrapping gooey, fudgy brownies around a soft and creamy cookie dough center. The result is a dessert that’s decadent, fun, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Each bite delivers layers of texture and flavor, starting with the dense, chocolatey exterior and finishing with a melt-in-your-mouth cookie dough core. Whether you’re making them for a special event or as a weekend treat, these brownie bombs will have everyone asking for more.
What You’ll Need:
To create these delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The star ingredients are a boxed brownie mix and homemade cookie dough, which come together in perfect harmony. Let’s take a look at the specifics:
Brownie Mix: You’ll need one box of brownie mix. Any brand will do, but be sure to follow the instructions on the package for a fudgy consistency. If you prefer making brownies from scratch, go for it!
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter will be used for the cookie dough portion. Make sure it’s soft but not melted for the best consistency.
Brown Sugar: This adds that caramel-like sweetness to the cookie dough, which pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips.
Chocolate Chips: These bring extra chocolate goodness to the cookie dough. Use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
All-Purpose Flour: You’ll use this for the cookie dough. It’s important to heat-treat the flour before using to eliminate any potential bacteria.
Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla extract adds flavor depth to the cookie dough.
Salt: Just a touch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is an optional addition that you can drizzle on top for extra sweetness and a gooey texture.
Once you gather all these ingredients, you’re set to make a truly irresistible dessert. The combination of chocolate, cookie dough, and rich brownie makes these bombs a treat that everyone will love.
How to Make:
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs. The process is surprisingly simple, and with a few easy steps, you’ll have a batch of delightful treats ready to impress.
Prepare the Brownies: Start by preheating your oven and preparing the boxed brownie mix according to the package instructions. To achieve that fudgy texture, make sure to follow any tips on the box for a fudgy outcome (this usually involves using fewer eggs or less water). Grease a baking pan thoroughly and pour in the brownie batter, spreading it evenly. Bake the brownies until they are set, which typically takes around 20 to 25 minutes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness; you want it to come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy texture. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely. Cooling is key to make sure they don’t fall apart when forming the brownie bombs.
Prepare the Cookie Dough: While the brownies are cooling, it’s time to make the cookie dough. In a large mixing bowl, start by creaming the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer. Next, add in the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until well incorporated. Slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips by hand to ensure even distribution throughout the dough. If you like, you can chill the cookie dough for about 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Assemble the Brownie Bombs: Once the brownies have cooled, use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares. The size of the squares will depend on how large you want your brownie bombs to be, but aim for about 2 inches by 2 inches. Take a small scoop of cookie dough and roll it into a ball (about 1 inch in diameter). Flatten one of your brownie squares slightly, then place the cookie dough ball in the center. Gently fold the edges of the brownie around the cookie dough, pressing to seal and form a round bomb shape. Repeat this process for the remaining brownies and cookie dough.
Optional Sweetened Condensed Milk Drizzle: For an extra touch of indulgence, you can drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the tops of your brownie bombs. This adds a gooey, sweet element that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the brownie and cookie dough. Simply pour a small amount of sweetened condensed milk into a microwave-safe bowl, heat for about 10 seconds to loosen it up, and use a spoon to drizzle it over each brownie bomb.
Chill and Set: Once all of your brownie bombs are assembled, place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps them set and makes them easier to handle and serve. After they’ve chilled, they’ll be firm on the outside but still soft and gooey on the inside.
Serving and Storage Tips:
When it comes to serving these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs, you have a couple of options. You can serve them chilled directly from the refrigerator for a firmer texture, or at room temperature for a softer, gooey bite. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit. If you want to take the presentation up a notch, consider serving them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. These bombs are perfect for any dessert table, and they’re great for serving at parties, family gatherings, or even as an after-dinner treat.
For storage, the brownie bombs can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They actually improve in texture after a day or two as the flavors meld together. If you’re making them ahead for an event, you can even freeze the brownie bombs. Just place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
The convenience of being able to make these ahead of time makes them a fantastic option for busy schedules. You can also pop them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise or pack them for road trips. The versatility and durability of these brownie bombs make them a favorite for anyone who loves a portable, make-ahead dessert.
Mistakes to Avoid:
When making Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. By being mindful of these potential issues, you’ll ensure that your bombs come out perfectly every time.
Overbaking the Brownies: One of the biggest mistakes is overbaking the brownies, which can result in a dry and crumbly texture. To avoid this, follow the baking instructions closely and keep an eye on the brownies during the final few minutes. You want them to be slightly underbaked so that they remain fudgy and pliable, which is essential for wrapping around the cookie dough. When testing with a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs—not entirely clean. This fudgy consistency will make your brownie bombs soft and decadent.
Not Cooling the Brownies Completely: It’s tempting to rush through the process, but cutting or handling the brownies before they are completely cool can lead to a sticky mess. Warm brownies are soft and can fall apart easily when you try to assemble the bombs. Make sure to let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop the pan into the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.
Using Unheated Flour for the Cookie Dough: Raw flour can sometimes contain harmful bacteria, so it’s important to heat-treat the flour before using it in your cookie dough. This step is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for safety. Simply spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool completely before mixing it into the dough.
Undersizing the Brownie Squares: If your brownie squares are too small, it will be difficult to fully wrap them around the cookie dough balls. Make sure your brownie squares are large enough to cover the dough completely. If you find that the brownies are breaking apart, try flattening the brownie squares gently to increase their size and make the wrapping easier.
Not Chilling the Brownie Bombs: Chilling the assembled brownie bombs in the refrigerator is a crucial step. Without proper chilling time, the brownie bombs may not hold their shape and can become too soft to handle. The chill time helps the brownies set around the cookie dough, making them easier to serve and enjoy. Don’t skip this step, especially if you plan to transport or serve them at an event.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs will turn out perfectly fudgy, gooey, and irresistibly delicious.
Tips and Tricks:
There are several ways to elevate these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs, both in terms of flavor and presentation. Whether you’re looking to add a personal touch or just want to enhance the overall experience, these tips will help you take this dessert to the next level.
Experiment with Fillings: While the classic cookie dough center is a winner, don’t be afraid to mix things up! You can swap out the chocolate chip cookie dough for other types of cookie dough, such as peanut butter, oatmeal, or sugar cookie dough. Alternatively, try filling the brownies with marshmallow fluff, Nutella, or caramel for a different twist. Each filling will give your brownie bombs a unique flavor and texture, adding an element of surprise to each bite.
Drizzle or Dip in Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, dip the chilled brownie bombs in melted chocolate or drizzle them with chocolate ganache. This will give them a professional, polished look while adding another layer of rich chocolate flavor. You can even sprinkle them with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt for a crunchy contrast. White chocolate or dark chocolate drizzles also work well for added visual appeal.
Add Mix-Ins to the Cookie Dough: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can enhance the cookie dough by adding mix-ins like crushed pretzels, toffee bits, or chopped nuts. These additions will provide a satisfying crunch and add complexity to the soft cookie dough center. Just be sure not to overload the dough, as you want it to still roll smoothly into balls.
Make Mini Versions: If you want to serve bite-sized treats, consider making mini brownie bombs. Use a smaller cookie cutter to create mini brownie squares, and reduce the size of the cookie dough balls accordingly. These bite-sized versions are perfect for parties or as a fun snack, and they look adorable on a dessert platter.
Serve with Ice Cream: For a show-stopping dessert, serve these brownie bombs with a scoop of ice cream. The contrast between the cold ice cream and the gooey brownie bomb is heavenly. You can also top them with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a gourmet touch.
By using these tips, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes and occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, as a gift, or just to enjoy at home, these small tweaks can take your brownie bombs to new heights of deliciousness.
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