If you’ve ever dreamed of having two desserts in one glorious bite, the Cookie Dough Brownie Cake is about to become your new obsession. Imagine ultra-fudgy brownie layers hugging a thick, creamy band of classic chocolate chip cookie dough — all topped with a silky chocolate ganache that drips down the sides in the most drool-worthy fashion. This cake is pure decadence, with contrasting textures and deep chocolate flavor in every mouthful. It’s the ultimate treat to share with friends, impress at celebrations, or simply indulge whenever you need a little bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cookie Dough Brownie Cake comes together with a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient has an important job, whether it’s ensuring a chewy brownie base, a dreamy cookie dough fill, or that luscious final ganache drip. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why:
- Fudge brownie mix (18.3 oz box): The shortcut for exceptionally rich, gooey brownie layers with minimal fuss.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for structure and extra chewiness in the brownies.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and helps the brownies stay tender.
- Water (3 tablespoons): Brings the brownie batter together and influences its texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The key to creamy, flavorful cookie dough that’s never greasy.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Adds rich, molasses undertones and keeps the cookie dough soft.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Lightens the dough’s sweetness and creates that classic cookie flavor.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Helps the dough become lush and spreadable.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavors and makes everything taste homemade.
- All-purpose flour, heat-treated (2 cups): Makes the cookie dough safe to eat straight from the bowl — don’t skip the heat-treating!
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweet notes so nothing is overwhelming.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Distribute pockets of chocolate in every bite for the cookie dough layer.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Provide just enough richness and snap for the ganache topping.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a silky, pourable ganache that drapes beautifully over the cake.
How to Make Cookie Dough Brownie Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing two 8-inch round cake pans. Mix the brownie batter according to the package instructions, using your eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Evenly divide the batter between the pans, spreading it right to the edges. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownie layers to cool completely in their pans so they’re sturdy for stacking later.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Layer
While your brownies cool, get started on the irresistible cookie dough. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — this is what gives your cookie dough that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add your heat-treated flour and salt, stirring just until everything is smooth and lump-free. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips for that all-important classic cookie crunch.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Carefully remove your cooled brownie layers from the pans. Set one brownie round on a serving plate. Gently spread half of your cookie dough mixture over it, using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get right to the edges. Lay the second brownie layer on top, followed by the rest of your cookie dough. Don’t worry if your layers aren’t perfectly even — the rustic look adds charm!
Step 4: Make and Pour the Chocolate Ganache
For the grand finale, make the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. Wait two minutes to let everything melt, then stir until glossy and smooth. Pour the ganache over the assembled cake, letting it drip tantalizingly down the sides. Chill the Cookie Dough Brownie Cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help everything set up perfectly before you slice and serve.
How to Serve Cookie Dough Brownie Cake
Garnishes
This cake is already a stunner, but if you want to make it even more festive, scatter extra mini chocolate chips or some colorful sprinkles on top while the ganache is still soft. A pinch of flaky sea salt or chocolate curls adds an elegant touch too. For special occasions, a dollop of whipped cream or a cherry can help each slice look party-ready.
Side Dishes
Cookie Dough Brownie Cake is craveably rich, so keep the sides simple. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a classic pairing, melting into the warm brownie and cookie dough if you serve your slice at room temp. Fresh raspberries, sliced strawberries, or a simple glass of cold milk also cut through the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or celebrations, try topping the cake with candles or edible glitter for major wow-factor. Slice it into wedges and layer in parfait glasses with whipped cream for a fun twist. You can even cut the chilled cake into squares, skewer them, and serve as dessert kebabs at a party — guaranteed to spark conversation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Cookie Dough Brownie Cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 4 days — just let individual slices warm slightly at room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this cake! Slice it into individual portions and wrap each well with plastic wrap, then pop the slices in a zip-top freezer bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
While this cake is fabulous cold, for extra-gooey flavor you can microwave a slice for about 10 seconds. This softens the cookie dough and brownie and makes the chocolate ganache extra melty (just watch closely to avoid overheating).
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix?
Definitely! Use your favorite homemade brownie recipe and divide it between two 8-inch round pans. Just be sure you aim for a fudgy rather than cakey brownie for that signature Cookie Dough Brownie Cake texture.
Is the raw flour in the cookie dough safe to eat?
As long as you heat-treat the flour (bake at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes before using), it’s safe to use in recipes where the flour won’t be cooked again. This step kills any harmful bacteria and keeps your edible dough risk-free.
Can I make this cake ahead for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, Cookie Dough Brownie Cake is even better after it’s chilled and rested in the fridge, making it perfect for bake-ahead celebrations. Just add any fresh garnishes right before serving.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — simply substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and check that your brownie mix is gluten-free. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
What’s the best way to slice this cake cleanly?
For picture-perfect slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. This prevents the gooey layers from sticking and gives you those beautiful, defined lines of brownie, cookie dough, and ganache.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about combining brownies and cookie dough — especially when it’s all stacked into a showstopping cake. Cookie Dough Brownie Cake is sure to be an instant favorite wherever you share it, and I hope you’ll give it a try the next time you want to wow your friends or treat yourself to something truly special. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Cookie Dough Brownie Cake. Layers of rich fudge brownie, decadent cookie dough, and luscious chocolate ganache come together to create a heavenly treat that will satisfy all your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box (18.3 oz) fudge brownie mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons water
Cookie Dough Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips
Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare brownie layer: Preheat oven to 350°F, grease cake pans, and prepare brownie mix as per package instructions. Bake and let cool.
- Make cookie dough layer: Cream butter and sugars, add milk, vanilla, flour, salt, and chocolate chips. Mix well.
- Assemble the cake: Layer brownies with cookie dough mixture.
- Prepare chocolate ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, stir until smooth. Pour over cake.
- Chill and serve: Chill cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- To heat-treat flour, bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- You can use homemade brownie batter instead of boxed mix.
- The cookie dough is egg-free and safe to eat raw.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
