Double-Chocolate Holiday Cookie Dough Brownie Gems

These Double-Chocolate Holiday Cookie Dough Brownie Gems are a decadent dessert that combines the best of both worlds—rich, fudgy brownies and cookie dough in one perfect bite! The gooey chocolate center of the brownie is complemented by a layer of sweet, slightly chewy cookie dough, giving you an indulgent, holiday-inspired treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply to indulge in something special, these gems are sure to become a new favorite!

Introduction

Who doesn’t love the combination of chocolate and cookies? Double the chocolate, double the fun! These Holiday Cookie Dough Brownie Gems are a creative twist on classic brownie and cookie dough pairings. With rich, dark chocolate brownies forming the base and cookie dough on top, each bite is a delightful blend of fudgy, chewy, and sweet. It’s a dessert that bridges the gap between two favorites, making it a crowd-pleaser during the holiday season and beyond.

The concept of combining brownie and cookie dough isn’t new, but its perfection is undeniable. Whether you’re a fan of cookies or brownies, you’ll appreciate this mouthwatering hybrid that provides both textures and flavors. What makes it particularly festive is the ability to personalize it—add in festive toppings like colorful sprinkles, candy cane pieces, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate to make it extra special.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Cookie Dough:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup milk (or more as needed)
1 cup mini chocolate chips (or your preferred type of chips)

Optional Toppings:

Colorful sprinkles (for a holiday touch)
Crushed candy canes (for extra holiday flavor)
A drizzle of white or dark chocolate

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until fully incorporated.
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for that extra gooey chocolate goodness.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
Add the milk to achieve a dough-like consistency. You can add a little more milk if the dough is too stiff.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips or your preferred mix-ins.

Step 3: Assemble the Brownie Gems

Scoop spoonfuls of cookie dough and drop them evenly over the brownie batter in the baking pan.
Using a butter knife or spatula, gently swirl the cookie dough into the brownie batter for a marbled effect. You don’t need to mix it completely, as you want pockets of cookie dough throughout the brownies.
Optionally, add colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra festive flair.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, cut into squares or bite-sized gems.

History & Formation of Brownie-Cookie Dough Desserts

The brownie, believed to have originated in the late 19th century, became an American favorite in the early 1900s. While its exact origins are debated, it is generally credited to either a chef from Chicago or a housewife who accidentally underbaked a chocolate cake. Regardless, brownies quickly became a staple in American kitchens and bakeries.

Cookie dough desserts, however, have a shorter history. The trend of eating raw cookie dough grew popular in the 1990s with the rise of edible cookie dough, which was made safe for consumption by removing raw eggs. The hybrid dessert concept—combining brownies with cookie dough—emerged as a natural extension of the “cookie” and “brownie” fusions that bakers began experimenting with in the 2000s.

Today, hybrid desserts like cookie dough brownies, brookies (brownie-cookie combinations), and layered treats are popular among home bakers and professional pastry chefs alike. They continue to delight those with a sweet tooth and have become a go-to choice for holidays and special occasions.

Lovers of These Desserts

If you’re someone who loves:

Fudgy brownies with a rich, chocolatey taste
Chewy cookie dough that’s slightly sweet and buttery
Double the chocolate—from the brownie base and the cookie dough
Festive, customizable treats with sprinkles or candy pieces

Then, this recipe will definitely be your new favorite! It’s perfect for anyone who craves the combination of cookies and brownies, but with a holiday twist.

Conclusion

These Double-Chocolate Holiday Cookie Dough Brownie Gems offer the best of both worlds—chocolatey brownies and gooey cookie dough—making them a perfect treat for the holiday season. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all for yourself, these brownies are a surefire way to spread joy, sweetness, and holiday cheer. Enjoy every bite of this delicious hybrid dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any festive gathering!

And don’t forget, the best part is that you can customize it for any occasion—switch up the chocolate chips, toppings, and colors to make them your own!