Why You’ll Love Monster Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
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Combines brownies and cookie dough into one decadent dessert
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Perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and creamy textures
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Uses convenient boxed brownie mix for quick prep
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Great for parties, bake sales, or late-night cravings
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Can be made ahead and stored for several days
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Kid-friendly and fun to customize
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No baking required for the cookie dough layer
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Chocolate ganache adds a luscious finishing touch
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Sweet and salty flavor profile
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A show-stopping treat for any chocolate lover
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boxed brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box like eggs, oil, and water)
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Old-fashioned oats
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Creamy peanut butter
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Brown sugar
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Granulated sugar
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Unsalted butter
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Vanilla extract
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All-purpose flour
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Mini M&M’s
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Semi-sweet chocolate chips
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Heavy cream
Directions
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Prepare the boxed brownie mix according to package instructions and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Let it cool completely.
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In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add peanut butter and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
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Stir in flour and oats until well combined.
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Fold in M&M’s and chocolate chips.
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Spread the cookie dough mixture over the cooled brownies and press gently into an even layer.
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To make the ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
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Pour the hot cream over chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
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Pour ganache over the cookie dough layer and spread evenly.
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Chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours, or until set.
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Slice into bars and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20–24 bars, depending on how large you slice them.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Variations
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Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
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Swap out M&M’s for Reese’s Pieces or chopped candy bars.
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Try using dark chocolate chips for a less sweet version.
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Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the ganache for a salty contrast.
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Use gluten-free brownie mix and oats to make it gluten-free.
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Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store Monster Cookie Dough Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Let thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
No reheating is necessary, but you can let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating for a softer texture.
FAQs
What kind of brownie mix works best for this recipe?
A standard fudgy boxed brownie mix works great. Choose one that fits a 9×13-inch pan for best results.
Can I eat the cookie dough layer raw?
Yes, this cookie dough is egg-free and uses heat-treated flour, making it safe to eat raw.
Do I need to bake the cookie dough layer?
No, the cookie dough layer is no-bake and goes directly on top of the cooled brownies.
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade brownie recipe instead of a boxed mix.
How do I make the ganache layer smooth?
Make sure the cream is hot enough to melt the chocolate and stir until completely smooth. Let it sit before spreading to thicken slightly.
Can I skip the ganache layer?
Yes, but the ganache adds a luxurious finish. You can also use melted chocolate chips instead.
What’s the best way to cut these brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut for neat slices.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies are perfect for making a day in advance and storing in the fridge.
Are these brownies overly sweet?
They are rich and sweet, but the oats and peanut butter help balance the flavors.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes, feel free to add sprinkles, crushed pretzels, or any favorite candy pieces to the cookie dough layer.
Conclusion
Monster Cookie Dough Brownies are the ultimate dessert mash-up, offering layers of chewy, creamy, chocolatey goodness in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a go-to treat in your baking rotation.
