Monster Cookie Dough Brownies are a deliciously sweet, layered dessert that’s made with a boxed brownie mix, edible cookie dough, and ganache! Takes only 15 minutes to prep!
Whip up another monster-style treat by trying a no-bake recipe such as these Monster Cookie Energy Balls or Easy Edible Monster Cookie Dough!
Why choose between a cookie or a brownie when you can have both in these Monster Cookie Dough Brownies? They’re perfectly rich and satisfying, making it a dessert that’s sure to please!
This Monster Cookie Dough Brownie Recipe pairs your favorite boxed brownie mix with Easy Edible Monster Cookie Dough and then smothers it in a thick Chocolate Ganache topping!
All About These Monster Cookie Dough Brownies
Taste: These treats have it all, from the bottom chocolaty, fudge brownie layer to the sweet peanut buttery cookie dough that’s studded with M&Ms. All that flavor is then wrapped up in a rich chocolate ganache topping, making each bite decadent!
Texture: Sinking your teeth into these brownies won’t be hard at all! The smooth ganache instantly gives way to the tender cookie dough that then leads you right to the fudgy brownie! Though you will enjoy a nice, scattered crunch from the M&Ms as well!
Why Are They Called Monster Brownies?
These brownies get their name from their monster cookie layer that’s hidden underneath the ganache topping! Monster cookies are homemade cookies that are loaded with add-ins while also being flexible with what you add to them.
They’re known for having a little of everything in them – basically, if it’s in your pantry, throw it in! The monster layer in these brownies is actually made with edible cookie dough that isn’t baked.
However, the same rules still follow, if you have a certain add-in that you want to be mixed in then just toss it in! The cookie dough layer in this recipe is made with mini chocolate chips and M&Ms, but feel free to mix it up!
Try making it with Reese’s pieces, shredded coconut, chopped-up candies, or even heath toffee bits.
Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe Tips
- Brownie Mix – This recipe gives you the freedom to use your favorite box of brownie mix! Just be sure to bake it in an 8X8-inch pan, as that’s the size dish this brownie recipe is tailored to!
- Flour – When measuring the flour for the cookie dough layer, fluff it in its container. Then scoop the flour out and into your measuring cup, leveling it off with the back of a butter knife. This method prevents the flour from being packed into the measuring cup, which results in too much flour, ultimately leading to dry, crumbly cookie dough!
- Heat Treating – To make the edible cookie dough safe for consumption, you must heat treat the flour and oatmeal. The mixture needs to reach a temperature of 160 degrees F and can be checked using a kitchen thermometer. Once it’s up to temperature, allow it to cool before adding it to the recipe, or it will change the structure of the cookie dough layer.
- Ganache – This is made by heating only the heavy cream at a low simmer. It’s then poured over the finely chopped chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. After about 5 minutes, the two are stirred together before whisking in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Serving – Once all the layers are assembled, the brownies need time to set before serving. This gives the ganache time to cool down and firm up, making for easier slicing and serving!
There’s nothing like a slice of Classic Homemade Fudge Brownies, but these Monster Cookie Dough Brownies sure are a fun way to mix it up! For another fun yet tasty take on brownies, try these Buckeye Brownies that have a creamy peanut butter layer!
You may also love taking a bite out of these Mud Pie Brownies or Twix Caramel Brownies! Both recipes take just 10 minutes or less to prep!
Storage Instructions For Monster Cookie Dough Brownies
Tightly wrap the baking dish with plastic wrap or tin foil or transfer brownie slices into an airtight container. Afterward, store the brownies in the refrigerator and enjoy them within 3 days.
Can All-Natural Peanut Butter Be Used When Making The Cookie Dough Layer?
I don’t suggest using all-natural peanut butter in the cookie dough layer recipe. This is because all-natural peanut butter has a runnier consistency which will cause the texture of the cookie dough layer to be significantly different.
Is There A Substitute For Heavy Cream In The Ganache Layer?
For best results, I’d really recommend sticking with full-fat heavy cream. However, if you’re in a pinch, you could use heavy whipping cream instead. I just don’t suggest using half & half or light cream to make the ganache.
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Monster Cookie Dough Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1 (18oz.) box brownie mix + ingredients called for on back of box
Cookie Dough Layer
- 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- ½ cup 1-Minute Oats
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup mini M&M's plus more for topping
Ganache Layer
- 4 ounces heavy cream
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate finely chopped
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the brownies according to the box directions for fudge texture in an 8×8-inch baking pan.1 (18oz.) box brownie mix
- While brownies are baking, add the flour and oatmeal to a small bowl and microwave for FIVE 15-second intervals, stirring between each one to heat treat the flour. The flour should reach a temperature of at least 160°F. Allow the flour to cool for 5 minutes after the last round.1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup 1-Minute Oats
- In a medium bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.⅓ cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup light brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Beat in the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Then beat in the cooled flour until fully combined.¾ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Use a rubber spatula to fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms.½ cup mini chocolate chips, ½ cup mini M&M's
- Once the brownies have cooled, spread the cookie dough out on top of the brownies.
- Then prepare the ganache by bringing the heavy cream to a low simmer in a small pot and pouring over the chopped chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.4 ounces heavy cream, 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- Whisk the chocolate and heavy cream together until smooth, then whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.¼ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour and spread the ganache over the top of the cookie dough layer. Top with additional mini m&m's and sprinkles if desired and allow to set until cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days.
- Another easy method for heat-treating the flour is spreading the flour out on a rimmed baking sheet and baking at 350 degrees F for 5 to 6 minutes.
Nutrition
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