Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Whisk and rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Ice cream or cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoon size)
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, we’ll tackle the brownie base. I like to get this started because it needs to cool completely. Prepare your brownie mix according to the package directions for a “fudgy” style. I line my 9×13 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides—this is a lifesaver for lifting the cooled brownie slab out later. Pour the batter in and bake as directed. The key here is to slightly underbake it by just a minute or two. You want it set but still very moist in the center, as it will bake again inside the cookie dough. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack. I made the mistake of rushing this once, and warm brownie chunks melted my cookie dough into a puddle—a delicious, but un-shapable, mess.
While the brownie cools, make the chocolate chip cookie dough. In my stand mixer, I cream the softened butter with both sugars for a full 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step incorporates air and is the foundation for a chewy cookie. Then, I beat in the egg and vanilla until just combined. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. I add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches, mixing on low speed until no dry streaks remain. Finally, I fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula. The dough will be thick and glorious.
Now, for the fun assembly! Once the brownie is completely cool, I use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab onto a cutting board. With a sharp knife, I cut it into small, rough cubes—about ½ to ¾ inch in size. Don’t worry about perfection here. Then, I take my cookie scoop, portion out a ball of cookie dough, and flatten it slightly in my palm. I place a brownie cube in the center and gently wrap and seal the cookie dough around it, rolling it lightly between my palms to form a smooth ball. The sensation of the cool, fudgy brownie encased in the soft dough is so satisfying.(See the next page below to continue…)