Brownie Cookie Dough Cups with Caramel Drizzle Recipe
If you’re the type who can never quite choose between brownies or cookies, then these Brownie Cookie Dough Cups with Caramel Drizzle are here to make your dessert dreams come true. Imagine fudgy brownie cups filled with creamy, edible cookie dough, all finished off with a luxurious caramel drizzle and a pinch of sea salt. This treat brings together everything we love about our favorite baked goods in one indulgent bite. Perfect for celebrations or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, it’s a guaranteed showstopper that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic behind Brownie Cookie Dough Cups with Caramel Drizzle comes from a handful of simple but crucial staples. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to add depth, softness, or that drool-worthy gooey factor that sets these treats apart. Let’s break down everything you’ll need for the ultimate dessert fusion.
- Brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed): The rich, chocolaty foundation for the cups—choose your favorite box mix for reliable, fudgy results!
- Unsalted butter: Room-temperature butter ensures your cookie dough is luscious and smooth.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness and a hint of chewiness to the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Gives structure and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Milk: Loosens up the dough for that scoopable, creamy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the cookie dough with delightful warmth and aroma.
- All-purpose flour (heat-treated): Essential for edible dough—ensure it’s heat-treated for safety.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness for truly crave-worthy cookie dough.
- Mini chocolate chips: The classic cookie highlight in every bite.
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): Adds luscious, golden sweetness.
- Sea salt (optional): A sprinkle takes the caramel topping from delicious to completely irresistible!
How to Make Brownie Cookie Dough Cups with Caramel Drizzle
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping a standard 12-cup muffin tin—either with a nonstick spray or liners. Next, whip up the brownie batter following the instructions on your favorite box mix. Spoon around 2 tablespoons of batter into each muffin cup, making sure you don’t overfill (the magic happens in the middle!). Pop the pan in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the centers are just cooked through but still soft. Pull them out and, while still warm, use the back of a spoon to gently press down into the center of each to make a perfect little well. Let the brownie cups cool completely in the pan for the best structure.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cookie Dough Filling
While your brownie cups are cooling, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Beat until you’ve got a fluffy, creamy mix. Add the milk and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Gradually incorporate your heat-treated flour and salt until just combined (don’t overmix!). Fold in those precious mini chocolate chips, just enough to spread chocolatey goodness throughout. Remember, this cookie dough is safe to eat as it’s made without eggs and uses heat-treated flour.
Step 3: Fill the Brownie Cups
Once the brownie cups are fully cool, scoop about 1 tablespoon of your freshly made cookie dough and gently press it into each chocolatey well. Be generous for that epic brownie-to-cookie dough ratio! The two textures—fudgy base and creamy filling—are what truly make Brownie Cookie Dough Cups with Caramel Drizzle unforgettable.
Step 4: Drizzle with Caramel and Finish
Warm your caramel sauce slightly (just enough so it pours easily), then drizzle it lovingly over the cookie dough centers in each cup. For fans of salty-sweet magic, a little pinch of sea salt over the caramel transforms the flavor profile. Once decorated, pop the whole tray in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to help everything set before serving.
How to Serve Brownie Cookie Dough Cups with Caramel Drizzle
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, top your Brownie Cookie Dough Cups with Caramel Drizzle with mini chocolate chips, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a few gold or silver sprinkles for a festive look. If you’re feeling adventurous, a small swirl of whipped cream atop each cup is a crowd pleaser.
Side Dishes
These treats are incredibly rich, so they pair beautifully with lighter sides. Offer up some fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream, or a refreshing glass of cold milk. The contrasting flavors allow the deep chocolate, buttery dough, and caramel notes to truly shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, place each Brownie Cookie Dough Cup with Caramel Drizzle in a decorative cupcake liner and arrange on a beautiful tiered dessert stand. For a more dramatic finish, serve them warm with caramel sauce at the table and let guests drizzle their own. You can even create a “build your own” dessert bar with different toppings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Brownie Cookie Dough Cups with Caramel Drizzle in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and moist for up to five days—if they last that long! They’re just as delicious chilled as when freshly made.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these! Simply arrange the cups in a single layer in an airtight container or freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
If you crave that slightly-warm brownie experience, pop a cup in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. The caramel will begin to melt, and you’ll have dessert bliss in seconds! Just avoid overheating, or the cookie dough filling will lose its luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! If you have a go-to homemade brownie recipe, feel free to use it for the base. Just ensure the batter is thick enough to hold its shape when baked in muffin tins, so each cup forms a nice well for the cookie dough.
Is it really safe to eat the cookie dough filling?
Yes! The cookie dough in these Brownie Cookie Dough Cups with Caramel Drizzle is totally safe because it skips eggs and uses heat-treated flour, which kills off any unwanted bacteria.
What is the best way to heat-treat flour at home?
You can microwave flour in a microwave-safe bowl for one minute, stirring every 15 seconds, or bake it in the oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Let it cool before using so your dough doesn’t get sticky.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free brownie and all-purpose flour substitutes. Just ensure your flour is labeled as safe for raw consumption or heat-treat it the same way as regular flour.
How do I keep the caramel drizzle from getting too runny?
If your caramel is very loose, let it cool a bit after warming before drizzling to help it thicken. You can also sprinkle a tiny bit more sea salt on top, which adds texture and helps the caramel set beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something absolutely magical about the way Brownie Cookie Dough Cups with Caramel Drizzle combine everyone’s favorite treats into one spectacular bite. Whether you’re looking to impress at a party or just want to spoil yourself after a long day, these little cups of joy never disappoint. Give them a try—you might just discover your new signature dessert!
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Brownie Cookie Dough Cups with Caramel Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Brownie Cookie Dough Cups with a luscious Caramel Drizzle for the ultimate sweet treat. A perfect combination of rich brownie, creamy cookie dough, and gooey caramel in one delightful bite!
Ingredients
Brownie Cups:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For the caramel drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin. Make brownie batter and spoon into muffin cups. Bake until set.
- Make Cookie Dough: Cream butter and sugars. Add milk, vanilla, flour, salt, and chocolate chips. Place cookie dough in each brownie cup.
- Add Caramel Drizzle: Warm caramel sauce, drizzle over cookie dough cups. Sprinkle with sea salt. Chill before serving.
Notes
- Heat-treat flour to avoid bacteria in the cookie dough.
- Store treats in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
