Cookie Dough Brownies

Right now, I’m sitting in the lobby of my daughter’s gymnastics studio, waiting for her to finish up.  In my flurry to get her fed, dressed and out the door after school, I didn’t have time to eat dinner myself.  On top of that, I’m writing a blog post about cookie dough brownies.  This is pure torture.  

I’m really wishing I would have packed myself a little brownie goodie bag.  

Cookie Dough Brownies
Yield:  9×13 pan of brownies

Prep Time:  30 minutes ♦ Bake Time:  25 minutes

Brownie Ingredients:

• 2 sticks (16 Tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cookie Dough Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 Tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Chocolate Topping:

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 Tablespoons butter

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).  Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray, and set aside.  In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well between additions.  Add vanilla, salt, cocoa and flour and beat just until combined.  Do not over beat.  Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.  Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

To make cookie dough filling, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in milk and vanilla, and gradually add flour.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Spread evenly over brownies, and chill until firm.

To make chocolate topping, heat heavy cream in the microwave until steaming hot, but not boiling.  (About 1 minute).  Pour chocolate chips into the steaming cream, and allow to sit for 1-2 minutes.  Stir until smooth and all the chips are melted.  Stir in butter.

Pour melted chocolate over the top of the chilled cookie dough, and chill again until the topping has hardened.   Cut with a sharp knife, and serve.

Recipe source and inspiration:  Below Blue Skies