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Monster Cookie Fudgy Brownies

Featured in: Sweet Treats That Create Memories

Monster Cookie Fudgy Brownies offer the best of two beloved desserts in one indulgent treat. The bottom layer features an intensely fudgy, rich chocolate brownie studded with two types of chocolate chips for maximum chocolate impact. What makes these brownies special is the contrasting top layer of monster cookie dough—a perfect blend of peanut butter, oats, mini M&Ms, and chocolate chips that bakes into a chewy, colorful topping. The careful baking process involves partially baking the brownie layer before adding the cookie dough, ensuring both layers achieve their ideal texture: fudgy and dense on the bottom, chewy and colorful on top. This thoughtful technique, along with the recommendation to let the brownies cool completely before cutting, results in perfectly defined layers with distinct flavors and textures. These brownies satisfy multiple dessert cravings at once, offering the chocolate intensity of a brownie with the fun, loaded texture of a monster cookie in every bite.
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marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:20:21 GMT
A square of chocolate cake with chocolate chips and peanut butter. Pin it
A square of chocolate cake with chocolate chips and peanut butter. | tastelikemagic.com

This hot fudge cake delivers pure chocolate magic with minimal effort. As it bakes, the simple batter transforms into two distinct layers - a moist chocolate cake on top and a thick, gooey fudge sauce underneath. It's the perfect comfort dessert for chocolate lovers, creating its own luscious sauce without any extra work from you!

I first made this cake for a last-minute dinner party when I needed something quick yet impressive. The look on my guests' faces when I scooped into the cake revealing that river of chocolate sauce underneath was priceless! Since then, it's become my go-to emergency dessert when chocolate cravings strike.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake layer while allowing it to remain tender.
  • Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened for the richest chocolate flavor.
  • Granulated and brown sugars: The combination creates perfect sweetness with hints of caramel.
  • Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises properly.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create the tender cake texture.
  • Oil or melted butter: Oil keeps it moist, while butter adds richness.
  • Boiling water: Must be truly boiling to create the proper reaction for the sauce layer.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the cake batter
Mix the dry ingredients first to ensure even distribution before adding wet ingredients.
Spread batter evenly
Use a spatula to create a smooth, even layer in the pan.
Make the sugar-cocoa topping
Mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder and sprinkle over the batter.
Pour boiling water carefully
Slowly pour the hot water over the back of a spoon to avoid disturbing the layers.
Bake without stirring
Resist the urge to mix; the layers will separate naturally during baking.
Check for doneness
The cake top should be set and slightly cracked, with bubbling around the edges.
Let it rest
Allow the cake to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking for the sauce to thicken.
A plate of chocolate cake with chocolate chips and yellow candies. Pin it
A plate of chocolate cake with chocolate chips and yellow candies. | tastelikemagic.com

The Science Behind the Magic

The sugar-cocoa mixture melts into the hot water, forming a dense syrup that sinks to the bottom while the cake rises above it, creating two perfect layers.

The Perfect Pairing: Ice Cream

The contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream enhances both flavors and textures, creating a luxurious dessert experience.

Making Ahead and Storage Strategies

Best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently to revive the gooey fudge layer.

Customizing for Different Occasions

Add peppermint extract for a holiday twist, or serve with fresh berries in summer.

A plate of chocolate cake with chocolate chips and yellow candies. Pin it
A plate of chocolate cake with chocolate chips and yellow candies. | tastelikemagic.com

This hot fudge cake embodies everything great about home baking - simple ingredients transforming into something magical. Whether served as a comforting treat or an impressive dessert, it’s guaranteed to delight with its rich chocolate flavor and self-saucing wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need to chill the monster cookie dough?
Chilling the cookie dough for at least 40 minutes is essential because it firms up the dough (which is quite soft due to the peanut butter), making it easier to handle and place on top of the partially baked brownies. Chilled dough also spreads less during baking, helping maintain distinct layers.
→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy if you prefer some extra texture in your monster cookie layer. The recipe will still work well, though the cookie layer will have small peanut pieces throughout.
→ Why do I need to prebake the brownie layer?
The prebaking step is crucial because brownies and cookies have different baking times. Prebaking the brownie layer for 15 minutes gives it a head start, ensuring that both layers finish baking at the same time. Without this step, you'd risk having undercooked brownies or overcooked cookies.
→ Why must these brownies cool completely before cutting?
Complete cooling is important for several reasons: it allows the chocolate flavor to develop fully (warm brownies taste less chocolatey), gives the brownies time to set properly, and ensures clean cuts. The brownies continue to cook slightly as they cool, so cutting too early could result in a gooey center.
→ Can I freeze these Monster Cookie Fudgy Brownies?
Yes, these brownies freeze extremely well. Cut them into squares once completely cooled, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Monster Cookie Fudgy Brownies

These Monster Cookie Fudgy Brownies combine a rich chocolate brownie base with colorful monster cookie dough on top for the ultimate dessert bar that satisfies all your cravings.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Sweets & Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 brownie bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Brownies

01 1⅓ cups white granulated sugar
02 2 large eggs
03 1 egg yolk
04 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 ⅓ cup oil (canola or vegetable)
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 ½ cup all-purpose flour
08 ¾ cup unsweetened dutch process cocoa powder
09 1 tablespoon cornstarch
10 ¼ teaspoon salt
11 ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
12 ½ cup milk chocolate chips

→ For the Monster Cookie Dough

13 ½ cup all-purpose flour
14 1 teaspoon cornstarch
15 ½ teaspoon baking soda
16 ⅛ teaspoon baking powder
17 ¼ teaspoon salt
18 ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
19 ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
20 ⅛ cup white granulated sugar
21 ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
22 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
23 1 large egg, room temperature
24 ½ cup quick oats
25 ½ cup mini chocolate chips
26 ½ cup mini M&M's

Instructions

Step 01

Start with the cookie dough since it needs to chill before using. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter with both brown and white sugars until light and fluffy, about 1 minute on medium speed. Add the creamy peanut butter and mix for another minute until well incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until just combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 02

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be somewhat wet due to the peanut butter, which is exactly what you want. Fold in the quick oats, mini M&M's, and mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you don't have the mini versions, regular sized candies and chips will work fine too. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 40 minutes to firm up the dough while you prepare the brownie layer.

Step 03

When the cookie dough is almost done chilling, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by spraying it with non-stick baking spray, then line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to serve as handles for easy removal later. The parchment prevents the brownies from sticking and makes cleanup much simpler.

Step 04

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set this aside. In a larger bowl using a mixer with a whisk attachment, combine the sugar, whole eggs, and egg yolk. Beat on high speed for a full 5 minutes - this is crucial for creating the right texture! The mixture should become very light, pale, and fluffy. While the eggs are beating, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. After the 5 minutes, add the melted butter, oil, and vanilla to the egg mixture and mix on low speed just until combined.

Step 05

Remove the bowl from the mixer and add all of the dry ingredients at once. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together, being careful not to deflate the air you've incorporated into the eggs. This folding process takes a few minutes, but be patient - it's worth it for fudgy brownies! Once the dry ingredients are almost fully incorporated, add both types of chocolate chips and fold them in until evenly distributed. Pour this thick, rich batter into your prepared pan, using the spatula to spread it evenly into the corners.

Step 06

Place the brownie batter in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This pre-baking step is important because brownies need more baking time than cookies, and we don't want to overcook the cookie layer while waiting for the brownies to set. After 15 minutes, the top of the brownies should be just slightly set, which creates the perfect base for the cookie dough.

Step 07

Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator. Take small handfuls of the chilled dough, flatten them into disc shapes between your palms, and arrange them over the partially baked brownie layer. Continue this process, placing the flattened pieces next to each other, until you've used all the dough and the entire brownie surface is covered. If you want extra color and texture on top, sprinkle additional mini M&M's and chocolate chips over the cookie dough layer before returning it to the oven.

Step 08

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. Then, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent the cookie layer from over-browning, and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes. The brownies are done when both layers are set and there's no jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Remove from the oven and place on a wire cooling rack. Allow the brownies to cool completely to room temperature before cutting - this is crucial for the best flavor and texture!

Notes

  1. These decadent bars combine the best of two worlds: fudgy, rich brownies on the bottom and chewy monster cookies loaded with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M's on top.
  2. For the best flavor, allow these brownies to cool completely before cutting - the chocolate flavor intensifies as they cool.
  3. To get clean, perfect cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices. For extra neat edges, refrigerate the brownies for 30 minutes before cutting.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9×9-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Electric mixer with whisk attachment
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat/gluten
  • Contains dairy (butter, chocolate)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains peanuts (peanut butter)
  • May contain soy (check chocolate chip ingredients)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 325
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 5 g