Description: Fudgy brownie bites embraced by rich, chocolate chip cookie dough, enrobed in luscious melted chocolate, and adorned with festive sprinkles. This is the ultimate decadent treat – a symphony of textures and flavors that will send your taste buds into overdrive. Perfect for celebrations, thoughtful gifts, or simply satisfying an intense sweet craving.
Ingredients:
- 1 box brownie mix (your favorite brand!), plus ingredients listed on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water – refer to your box for specific quantities). This provides the base for the fudgy brownie interior.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Softened butter is crucial for creating a light and airy cookie dough.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a depth of flavor and a chewy texture to the cookie dough, thanks to its molasses content.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar. Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps to create a slightly crisp edge on the cookie dough.
- 2 tablespoons milk. Milk adds moisture to the cookie dough, helping to bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, comforting aroma to the cookie dough.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour. All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookie dough.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips. Mini chocolate chips are perfect for this recipe, as they distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough and provide bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- Chocolate candy melts (for dipping – use your preferred color and flavor!). Candy melts provide a smooth, glossy coating that hardens beautifully.
- Sprinkles (optional, for decorating – choose your favorite festive blend!). Sprinkles add a touch of color and whimsy.
Preparation:
Step 1: Bake the Brownies.
Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. This typically involves combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Ensure that you follow the specific quantities listed on the box for optimal results. Once the batter is prepared, pour it into a greased and floured baking pan (the size will depend on the brownie mix – an 8×8 inch pan is a good starting point). Bake according to the package instructions, usually around 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. It’s crucial to let the brownies cool completely before cutting them. This prevents them from crumbling and makes them easier to work with. Once cooled, cut the brownies into small, bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch squares. Set these brownie bites aside. These will form the fudgy core of your brownie bombs. The type of brownie you choose will influence the final product. A fudge brownie mix will yield an ultra-rich and decadent core, while a chewy brownie mix will provide a slightly more textured center.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a cookie dough that is tender and melts in your mouth. Use an electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer) for best results, beating the ingredients together for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is noticeably lighter in color and texture. This process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, resulting in a superior cookie dough. Next, mix in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth. The milk adds moisture, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure that all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Gradually add the flour, mixing just until combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the dough at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cookie dough. Mix only until the flour is just incorporated and no streaks remain. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Heat-treating the flour before adding it to the dough is highly recommended for food safety, as raw flour can sometimes contain harmful bacteria. To heat-treat the flour, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it cool completely before adding it to the cookie dough. This step significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
Step 3: Assemble the Brownie Bombs.
Take a small amount of cookie dough (about a tablespoon) and form it into a ball. Ensure the cookie dough is firm enough to hold its shape, but not too dry or crumbly. If the dough is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm it up. Flatten a brownie piece slightly and wrap it around the cookie dough ball, sealing it completely. The brownie piece should completely encase the cookie dough, preventing it from melting out during the chocolate dipping process. Gently press the edges of the brownie piece together to create a secure seal. Repeat this process with the remaining brownies and cookie dough. Work efficiently to prevent the cookie dough from becoming too soft.
Step 4: Dip in Chocolate.
Melt the chocolate candy melts according to the package instructions. This usually involves melting them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them in a double boiler over simmering water. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize. Using a fork or toothpick, carefully dip each brownie bomb into the melted chocolate, ensuring that it is fully covered. Gently tap off any excess chocolate to prevent a thick, uneven coating. Place the dipped brownie bombs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. The parchment paper will prevent the bombs from sticking to the sheet and make it easier to remove them once the chocolate has set.
Step 5: Decorate and Set.
Immediately sprinkle with sprinkles if desired, before the chocolate sets. This allows the sprinkles to adhere to the chocolate coating. Get creative with your sprinkle selection and use a variety of colors and shapes to add a festive touch. Let the brownie bombs sit at room temperature until the chocolate is firm, or pop them into the refrigerator for faster setting. Refrigerating will speed up the setting process, but it may also cause the chocolate to become slightly dull. Room temperature setting will result in a shinier chocolate coating.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Bite into a fudgy, cookie dough-filled surprise – pure dessert bliss! These brownie bombs are best enjoyed within a few days of making them. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are irresistibly delicious and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of fudgy brownie, soft cookie dough, and smooth chocolate coating creates a textural and flavor symphony that is simply divine. They are relatively easy to make, requiring minimal baking skills and readily available ingredients. They are perfect for parties, holidays, potlucks, or as a special treat for yourself. The customizable nature of this recipe allows you to experiment with different brownie mixes, candy melt flavors, and sprinkle combinations to create your own unique version. The wow factor of presenting these treats will impress everyone.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Arrange on a decorative platter for parties or gatherings.
- Package in a gift box or cellophane bag for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
Tips:
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for the best cookie dough consistency.
- Do not overmix the cookie dough to avoid a tough texture.
- Heat-treat the flour for food safety.
- Use high-quality chocolate candy melts for a smooth and glossy coating.
- Chill the cookie dough if it becomes too soft to handle.
- Tap off excess chocolate after dipping to prevent a thick, uneven coating.
- Get creative with your sprinkle selection!
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For a different flavor profile, try using different types of chocolate chips in the cookie dough, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips.
- Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the top of the brownie bombs after dipping them in chocolate to enhance the sweetness and add a salty-sweet dimension.
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (for brownies) + 15 minutes (assembly/dipping) Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
Nutritional Information: (per brownie bomb – approximate, will vary based on specific ingredients)
Calories: 250-300 Protein: 3-4g Sodium: 100-150mg
Conclusion:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are an unforgettable dessert that combines the best of both worlds: fudgy brownies and chewy cookie dough. These delectable treats are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. With their customizable nature and relatively easy preparation, they are a perfect addition to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece! This recipe is a surefire way to bring smiles to faces and create lasting memories. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a homemade brownie recipe instead of a box mix?
A: Absolutely! Using a homemade brownie recipe will elevate the flavor and quality of these brownie bombs. Just ensure the brownie recipe you choose results in a fudgy and dense brownie that will hold its shape well when cut into bite-sized pieces. Adjust baking time as needed based on your chosen recipe.
Q2: I’m worried about eating raw cookie dough. Is there a way to make it safe?
A: Yes, as mentioned in the recipe, heat-treating the flour is the best way to eliminate any potential bacteria that may be present in raw flour. Simply spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it cool completely before adding it to the cookie dough. You can also purchase pasteurized eggs which would make the egg ingredient safe.
Q3: Can I make these brownie bombs ahead of time?
A: Definitely! These brownie bombs can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that refrigerating them might slightly dull the chocolate coating. Let them sit at room temperature for a little while before serving to soften the cookie dough slightly.
Q4: I don’t have chocolate candy melts. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead?
A: While candy melts are ideal for a smooth and glossy finish, you can use regular chocolate chips if melted properly. Add a tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening to your chocolate chips to help them melt smoothly and evenly. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize. The finish might not be as shiny as with candy melts, but the taste will still be delicious.
Q5: What can I use instead of sprinkles for decoration?
A: There are many alternatives to sprinkles for decorating your brownie bombs! Consider using chopped nuts (like pecans, walnuts, or peanuts), shredded coconut, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, crushed pretzels, mini M&Ms, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. Let your creativity run wild!
