Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
Meet the ultimate mashup of fudgy, chewy, and irresistibly colorful dessert bliss: Monster Cookie Dough Brownies! Imagine the best of both worlds brought together—rich, chocolatey brownies as the base and a thick, safe-to-eat monster cookie dough loaded with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and mini M&M’s as the topping. Every bite is packed with different textures, sweet pops of color, and that nostalgic, cookie-dough-right-out-of-the-bowl vibe. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat, these are your new go-to bars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Monster Cookie Dough Brownies lies in its everyday ingredients working together for a wow-worthy result. From the convenience of boxed brownie mix to the classic add-ins that give it signature flavor and fun, every component has a special job to do. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:
- Brownie mix: A great shortcut that brings fudgy, moist chocolate layers without fuss—just follow the box instructions.
- Eggs, oil, and water (for brownie mix): Essential for mixing up the brownie base; be sure to follow your box’s directions for best results.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter ensures a smooth, creamy texture in your cookie dough topping.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds classic monster cookie flavor and a rich, melt-in-your-mouth element.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the cookie dough’s caramel notes and brings a soft, chewy consistency.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with structure in the cookie dough.
- Milk: Just a splash makes the dough extra creamy and easy to spread.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances every sweet, nutty, and chocolatey note.
- Quick oats: For that hearty, classic texture and signature monster cookie chew.
- Salt: Brings out the sweet and peanutty flavors, never skip it!
- All-purpose flour: Ensures the cookie dough is perfectly thick and sliceable.
- Mini chocolate chips: Pops of chocolate in every bite—mini size means more in each bar.
- Mini M&M’s: The signature colorful crunch that makes these brownies so playful and pretty.
How to Make Monster Cookie Dough Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light coating of nonstick spray. This makes it easy to lift out the brownies later and keeps your edges intact—no sticking, no crumbling.
Step 2: Make and Bake the Brownie Layer
Grab your favorite boxed brownie mix and prepare it just as the instructions say, typically adding some oil, water, and eggs to the mix. Pour that luscious batter into your pan, smoothing it out into an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake according to the box directions (usually about 25 minutes), until set. Once done, set the pan on a cooling rack and let the brownies cool completely. This is key—if they’re even a little warm, the cookie dough topping can melt and lose its texture.
Step 3: Whip Up the Monster Cookie Dough Topping
While your brownies are cooling, get started on the monster cookie dough. In a big mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. Work it until it’s light, fluffy, and tempting to sneak a spoonful. Mix in the milk and vanilla. Then gently stir in the oats, salt, and flour. Once everything’s nicely combined, fold in those mini chocolate chips and mini M&M’s—the more, the merrier!
Step 4: Layer and Chill
When your brownies are cool to the touch, it’s topping time! Dollop big spoonfuls of the monster cookie dough all over the brownie surface, then use a spatula (or clean hands) to gently press and spread it into an even layer. Give it a little love so you don’t tear up the brownies underneath. For best, sliceable results, pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—this helps the cookie dough set up perfectly.
Step 5: Slice and Savor
Once chilled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares or rectangles. Every bar is a cheerful mosaic of chocolate, peanut butter, and rainbow candies—ready for parties, gifting, or just a couch snack with a friend.
How to Serve Monster Cookie Dough Brownies
Garnishes
To really make Monster Cookie Dough Brownies pop, sprinkle a handful of extra mini M&M’s or chocolate chips over the top right before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance, or go all out with a little drizzle of melted chocolate if you want something extra special.
Side Dishes
Though these bars are rich and satisfying all on their own, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can turn them into a showstopping plated dessert. If you’re serving a crowd, try adding a platter of fresh berries or some salty pretzels for a sweet-salty contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform Monster Cookie Dough Brownies into party-ready bites by cutting them into small squares and skewering with colorful toothpicks. For bake sales or gifts, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper and tie with string. Layering slices in jars with extra mini candies or serving on a tiered tray adds instant wow factor at celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These brownies hold up beautifully in the fridge for up to five days. Store them in an airtight container—layered with parchment or waxed paper to keep the bars from sticking together. The cool temperature keeps both the brownie base and the cookie dough topping fresh and fabulous.
Freezing
Monster Cookie Dough Brownies freeze like a dream! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and slide them into a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
These are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature for the ultimate chewy/cookie dough experience. If you want a slightly softer bite, just let them sit out at room temperature for 15–20 minutes after removing from the fridge. If you’re craving a melty center, a super-short zap (5–10 seconds) in the microwave does the trick, but beware: too long and the cookie dough will lose its magic.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch recipe, simply use it in place of the boxed mix. Just make sure the yield is enough for a 9×13-inch pan, so your Monster Cookie Dough Brownies don’t end up too thin.
Is the cookie dough topping really safe to eat without baking?
Yes! There are no eggs in this cookie dough, so it’s totally safe to eat raw. If you’re extra cautious, use heat-treated flour, but the recipe as written has been designed to be worry-free and delectable straight from the pan.
How do I keep the cookie dough layer from sticking to the knife when cutting?
For tidy, gorgeous bars, chill the brownies well before slicing and use a sharp knife. Clean the blade with hot water between cuts for perfect, bakery-style pieces every time.
Can I add extra goodies like nuts or pretzels?
Definitely! Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pretzel bits stirred into the dough layer add extra crunch and even more fun—just keep the mix-ins to about 1/2 cup total so the cookie dough stays spreadable.
Can Monster Cookie Dough Brownies be made gluten-free?
Just swap the brownie mix and flour for your preferred gluten-free alternatives, and check that your oats are certified gluten-free. The recipe is very adaptable and still tastes amazing with these simple switches!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that brings joy to every age and every occasion, Monster Cookie Dough Brownies are truly in a league of their own. Grab your ingredients, invite a friend to help with the cookie dough (and taste testing), and treat yourself to a colorful, chocolatey masterpiece—there’s just no way to go wrong!
Print
Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Monster Cookie Dough Brownies. Rich, fudgy brownies topped with a decadent layer of egg-free monster cookie dough loaded with mini chocolate chips and M&M’s.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box (18–19 oz) brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on box, usually oil, eggs, and water)
Monster Cookie Dough Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Make Brownie Layer: Make and bake the brownie batter according to package instructions. Let cool.
- Prepare Cookie Dough Topping: In a bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, sugars until fluffy. Mix in milk and vanilla. Stir in oats, salt, flour, then fold in chocolate chips and M&M’s.
- Assemble: Spread cookie dough over cooled brownies. Chill before slicing.
Notes
- The cookie dough layer is egg-free and safe to eat raw.
- For extra texture, add chopped peanuts or pretzels to the dough.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze individual bars for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-Bake (for topping)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
