Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs

In the world of desserts, there are few things more tantalizing than the combination of chocolate chip cookies and brownies. Now, imagine the decadence of these two classics merged into one irresistible bite-sized treat. That’s exactly what you get with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs—a heavenly dessert that promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a luxurious treat for those moments when you need a sweet escape. Let’s dive into the recipe that’s set to elevate your baking game.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Butter: ¾ cup, softened to ensure your dough is perfectly moist.
  • Sugars: A mix of ¾ cup brown sugar for that deep molasses flavor and ¼ cup white sugar for sweetness.
  • Milk & Vanilla Extract: 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to add richness and depth.
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups to form the dough’s base.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
  • Chocolate Chips: 2 cups of miniature chocolate chips, divided for dough and decoration.
  • Brownie Mix: 1 package, baked and cooled. This is your bomb’s decadent shell.
  • Candiquik or Chocolate Almond Bark: 1 package for a smooth, chocolatey coating.

Directions to Chocolate Heaven:

  1. Start with the Dough: In a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugars until smooth. This base is crucial for the texture of your cookie dough. Blend in milk and vanilla for flavor, then gradually mix in flour and a pinch of salt. Once a soft dough forms, stir in 1 cup of the mini chocolate chips. This dough will be the heart of your brownie bombs.
  2. Shape and Chill: On a foil-lined baking sheet, form scant tablespoon-sized balls of dough. The size is perfect for ensuring a balance between cookie dough and brownie in each bomb. Freeze for 1 hour to firm up.
  3. Wrap with Brownies: Cut your baked and cooled brownies into 1″ squares. Flatten each square slightly, place a dough ball in the center, and carefully wrap the brownie around the dough. This step is where the magic happens, encasing the cookie dough in a brownie shell. Freeze the wrapped balls for an additional 30 minutes.
  4. Coat in Chocolate: Melt your Candiquik or chocolate almond bark as directed. Dip each bomb into the chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off before placing it back on the foil. This chocolate shell not only adds an extra layer of chocolate goodness but also seals in the flavors. Sprinkle the still-wet chocolate bombs with the remaining chocolate chips for a decorative and delicious touch.
  5. Chill Until Set: Let the chocolate set by chilling the bombs. Once solid, your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are ready to serve. They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer, ready to satisfy your sweet tooth on demand.

Prep & Cooking Time:

  • Preparation Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes, including freezing times.
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes for the brownies if not using pre-made.
  • Total Time: 2 hours, a small investment for a big return in flavor.
  • Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per bomb, making it a rich treat.
  • Servings: 15-18 bombs, perfect for sharing or savoring over time.

Serving and Storage Tips

After mastering the art of making these delectable Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs, you’ll want to ensure they are served in the best possible way and stored correctly to maintain their deliciousness. Here are some essential tips to help you do just that.

Serving Tips:

  • Bring to Room Temperature: If you’ve stored the bombs in the refrigerator or freezer, it’s a good idea to let them sit out for a few minutes before serving. This slight return to room temperature ensures the flavors are not muted and the texture is perfect.
  • Pair with Beverages: These chocolatey delights pair wonderfully with a range of beverages. Serve them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or even a glass of red wine for a truly indulgent experience.
  • Plating for Presentation: For a special touch, place each bomb in a mini cupcake liner. Dusting a little powdered sugar or drizzling with caramel or more melted chocolate right before serving can also elevate the presentation and add another layer of flavor.
  • Serve as Dessert or a Snack: While they make for an impressive end to any meal, these bombs are also perfect as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Their size makes them easy to serve as part of a dessert buffet or packaged as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storage Tips:

  • Airtight Container: Store these treats in an airtight container. This will prevent them from absorbing odors from the fridge and from drying out.
  • Refrigeration: Due to the butter and milk in the cookie dough, it’s best to store these bombs in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to a week.
  • Freezing for Longevity: For longer storage, freeze the bombs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
  • Avoiding Condensation: If you’re storing them in the freezer, try to let them thaw gradually in the refrigerator to avoid condensation, which could make the outer chocolate coating less crisp.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are always as irresistibly delicious as the moment you made them. Whether you’re enjoying them as a treat for yourself or sharing them with friends and family, these tips will help you serve and preserve them in the best way possible.

variations

1. Vegan Variations

  • Butter & Milk: Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk.
  • Brownie Mix & Chocolate Chips: Ensure that your brownie mix and chocolate chips are vegan. Many stores offer brands that cater to vegan diets.
  • Vegan Cookie Dough: There are vegan cookie doughs available that can be used to simplify the process, or you can make your own by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.

2. Gluten-Free Adjustments

  • Flour: Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
  • Brownie Mix: Use a gluten-free brownie mix. Fortunately, there are many delicious options on the market today.
  • Cross-Contamination: Be mindful of cross-contamination if you’re serving guests with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

3. Flavor Twists

  • Nutty Delight: Mix in finely chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the cookie dough for an added crunch.
  • Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of mint extract to the cookie dough or the melted chocolate for a refreshing twist.
  • Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel over the bombs before the final chill. You can also mix caramel bits into the cookie dough.
  • Spiced Up: Introduce spices like cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cookie dough for a warm, spicy kick.

4. Double Chocolate Brownie Bombs

  • Use a chocolate cookie dough instead of the classic cookie dough for an extra chocolatey experience. Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough to achieve this.

5. Funfetti or Birthday Cake Variation

  • Mix sprinkles into the cookie dough to create a funfetti effect. Use vanilla-flavored almond bark for coating and top with more sprinkles for a festive, birthday cake-inspired treat.

6. White Chocolate Raspberry

  • Use white chocolate for the coating instead of dark or milk chocolate. Mix freeze-dried raspberries into the cookie dough for a fruity twist.

7. Coffee Lover’s Dream

  • Mix instant espresso powder into the cookie dough or the brownie mix to add a subtle coffee flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.

8. Healthy Takes

  • For a healthier version, consider using a brownie mix that incorporates black beans or sweet potatoes as the base. You can also make your own healthier cookie dough using almond flour and sweetening it with dates or maple syrup.

9. No-Bake Cookie Dough

  • For an even simpler variation, use a no-bake cookie dough center. Just ensure it’s safe to consume without baking (i.e., contains no eggs and uses heat-treated flour).

FAQs

1. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

2. How do I ensure the brownie layer is thin enough to wrap around the cookie dough?
After baking and cooling your brownies, cut them into small squares and gently flatten each piece with your palms or a rolling pin. This makes them more pliable for wrapping around the cookie dough balls.

3. Is it safe to eat raw cookie dough in this recipe?
This cookie dough is designed to be safe to eat raw, as it doesn’t contain eggs and uses milk instead. Always ensure your flour is heat-treated if there’s a concern about consuming raw flour.

4. Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie recipe. Just ensure the brownies are cooled completely before using them to wrap the cookie dough.

5. What’s the best way to melt Candiquik or chocolate almond bark?
You can melt Candiquik or chocolate almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or use a double boiler on the stove, stirring occasionally until smooth.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are sure to impress. With their rich, fudgy brownie exterior, sweet cookie dough center, and a smooth chocolate coating, they’re the epitome of dessert perfection. So why wait? Dive into this recipe and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special. Happy baking!