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Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe

If you’re craving something that combines the fudgy goodness of brownies with the chewy delight of cookies, look no further—this Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe is about to be your new obsession. Imagine biting into a soft, chocolatey cookie sandwich bursting with a luscious, safe-to-eat cookie dough buttercream. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to impress everyone with this fan-freaking-tastic treat. Let’s dive right in!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture Blend: Combining all-purpose and bread flours gives the cookie that ideal soft-yet-chewy bite that mimics a brownie’s richness.
  • Safe Cookie Dough Buttercream: Heat treating the flour and using no raw eggs makes the frosting both delicious and safe to enjoy.
  • Fun Assembly Step: Swirling or shaping the warm cookies makes them uniformly round, giving a polished look to your cookie sandwiches.
  • Balanced Sweetness: The bittersweet chocolate in the cookie dough paired with the brown sugar buttercream creates a rich flavor that isn’t overpoweringly sweet.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that luscious, fudgy cookie with a tender crumb and a dreamy, creamy buttercream that’s packed with the nostalgic flavor of cookie dough. A few tips when picking ingredients will help your brownies and buttercream turn out perfect every time.

Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream, indulgent brownie cookie sandwiches, chewy brownie and cookie desserts, homemade brownie cookie treats, easy cookie dough frosting - Flat lay of a small pile of unsalted butter sticks with one partially unwrapped, a heap of bittersweet chocolate chips, two white ceramic bowls—one filled with light brown sugar crystals and one with granulated sugar, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a bunch of pure white all-purpose flour slightly spilled beside a bowl, another heap of bread flour, a small white bowl holding smooth Dutch process cocoa powder, a white bowl containing fine confectioners sugar, a fresh vanilla bean pod, a few sprigs of flaky sea salt crystals on a white ceramic dish, and a small white bowl with heavy cream, all arranged symmetrically in realistic proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Unsalted Butter: Room temperature for buttercream and melted for cookies; unsalted gives you full control over seasoning.
  • Bittersweet Chocolate Chips: Adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor without too much sweetness—feel free to chop a bar for a more rustic melt.
  • Granulated & Brown Sugar: Brown sugar lends moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar helps with structure and crisp edges.
  • Eggs: Room temperature eggs emulsify better in your batter, leading to a smoother texture.
  • Flours (All-Purpose & Bread): Bread flour’s higher protein content boosts chewiness, balancing out the softness from all-purpose flour.
  • Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: Provides a mellow, rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
  • Baking Powder & Soda: These leaveners give your cookies a gentle lift and control spreading.
  • Vanilla Extract: Essential for warming up those chocolate notes and tying flavors together.
  • Confectioners Sugar: Gives the buttercream a smooth texture without grittiness.
  • Heavy Cream: Adjusts the buttercream to that perfect pipeable but still fluffy consistency.
  • All-Purpose Flour for Buttercream: Heat treated to ensure safety, it’s the secret ingredient that gives the buttercream that delightful cookie dough texture.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe is that it’s so adaptable. You can tweak the chocolate intensity, swap nuts in, or flavor the buttercream differently to suit your mood or occasion.

  • Chocolate Variation: I once added a handful of chopped toasted walnuts to the cookie dough for a lovely crunch contrast—it was a hit at the office. You could also use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips if you want a sweeter bite.
  • Dietary Modification: For a gluten-free twist, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend but skip the bread flour or find a gluten-free bread flour alternative; just watch the texture and add a bit more cocoa if you want richness.
  • Seasonal Flair: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder into the batter for a warming twist around the holidays.
  • Buttercream Flavors: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter or a hint of sea salt to brighten the cookie dough frosting differently.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Heat Treat the Flour for Safety First

When I first tackled this recipe, I was surprised at the importance of heat treating the flour for the buttercream. It’s a simple step that makes all the difference! Spread your flour in a thin layer on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C), stirring every couple of minutes until the temperature hits 165°F (74°C). This kills any bacteria, so your edible cookie dough is totally safe to eat. Cool the flour completely before mixing it in.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate, Then Cool

Set up a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water, and gently melt your butter with bittersweet chocolate chips, stirring frequently. That buttery chocolate mixture is where the magic begins. Be patient—take it off heat once smooth and let it cool a bit before mixing with eggs; hot chocolate will cook the eggs otherwise.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

While your chocolate cools, whisk together the flours, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This helps distribute the leavening evenly and prevents clumps. Setting these aside makes the next step smooth sailing.

Step 4: Combine Sugars, Eggs, and Chocolate Mixture

Add your eggs, brown sugar, and granulated sugar to the cooled chocolate mixture. I use my stand mixer at medium-low speed here to blend everything smoothly without overworking the batter. Then a splash of vanilla and you’re almost there!

Step 5: Fold Dry Ingredients and Chill

Sprinkle the dry mix into the wet chocolate mixture and stir just until combined—overmixing can toughen your cookies, and that’s the last thing you want. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, so your cookies spread less and keep their structure.

Step 6: Shape and Bake Your Brownie Cookies

I use a small cookie scoop weighed out to roughly .07-.08 ounces for uniform cookies—that’s my little secret for even baking. Place them on parchment-lined sheets, spaced at least 2 inches apart, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. You want just-set edges and a center that puffs and cracks slightly. Resist the urge to overbake!

Step 7: Shape Warm Cookies for Tidy Rounds

Here’s a fun trick: when the cookies come out warm, gently press the edges inward using the inside arch of a fork or a round cookie cutter to get those beautiful, uniform circles perfect for sandwiches. Let them cool on the sheet for 8-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. It’s worth the wait!

Step 8: Whip Up the Cookie Dough Buttercream

Beat room-temp butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then gradually add sifted confectioners sugar mixed with your heat-treated flour a half cup at a time. Once fully combined, whip in vanilla, salt, and heavy cream tablespoon by tablespoon until you get a smooth, fluffy buttercream ready to pipe but firm enough to hold shape.

Step 9: Assemble the Sandwiches

Take one cookie, pipe a generous swirl of cookie dough buttercream onto its flat side, then gently press with a second cookie. For a perfectly grown-up finish, scatter a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top—it’s an unexpected but delightful contrast. Refrigerate for a bit if you want the filling to set, or serve at room temp for immediate indulgence.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Measuring Flour: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly to avoid dense cookies.
  • Cooling Time Is Crucial: Don’t rush cooling your cookies before assembling sandwiches or the buttercream will melt and slide.
  • Uniform Cookie Size: Using a scale or same-sized scoop really helps for consistent baking and a neat sandwich.
  • Avoid Overbaking: Watch your cookies carefully—the difference between chewy and dry is just a minute or two.

How to Serve Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe

Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream, indulgent brownie cookie sandwiches, chewy brownie and cookie desserts, homemade brownie cookie treats, easy cookie dough frosting - The image shows several chocolate sandwich cookies placed on crumpled white paper over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two dark brown, rich textured chocolate layers with a thick, smooth, cream-colored filling in the middle. The cookies are arranged in a casual, scattered way, with one white bowl filled with dark chocolate chips near the bottom center. The overall look is rich and inviting, with the contrast between the dark chocolate and light filling clearly visible photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top—it cuts through all that sweetness and highlights the rich chocolate. Sometimes, I dust them lightly with cocoa powder for a fancy look when I’m serving guests. Chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips on the filling edges can add a lovely crunch too!

Side Dishes

When serving these Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream, I like pairing with a cold glass of milk or a rich cup of coffee for adult company. A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns it into a decadent dessert plate that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special parties, I’ve arranged these sandwiches on pretty platters, adding edible flowers or colorful sprinkles on top of the buttercream before sandwiching. You can also stack them like mini cakes for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving so the buttercream gets that melt-in-your-mouth texture again.

Freezing

Freezing these sandwiches works great! I freeze unassembled cookies first on a sheet until firm, then wrap assembled sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

If you want to warm them slightly, I recommend a few seconds in the microwave—like 10-15 seconds—to soften the buttercream a bit, but be careful not to melt it completely. It’s best enjoyed just chilled or room temp.

FAQs

  1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for the cookies?

    Absolutely! Using all-purpose flour for both flours will still give delicious cookies, though the texture might be slightly less chewy. If you do swap, consider chilling the dough a bit longer to reduce spread and retain some chew.

  2. Is it necessary to heat treat the flour for the buttercream?

    Yes, it’s highly recommended since the buttercream contains raw flour. Heat treating the flour at a low temperature kills any bacteria, making the buttercream safe to eat without cooking. It’s a simple step that makes enjoying that cookie dough flavor worry-free.

  3. Can I make the cookie dough buttercream vegan?

    With some tweaks, yes! Substitute vegan butter and plant-based cream or milk for the heavy cream, and make sure to heat treat your vegan flour similarly. Keep in mind the texture might be a bit different but still tasty.

  4. How do I get the perfect cookie shape every time?

    When cookies come out of the oven warm, gently nudge the edges towards the center using a fork’s rounded arch or a cookie cutter. Doing this while they’re warm helps you shape perfect rounds before they set—a small step that elevates the look big time.

  5. Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

    Yes! You can make cookies and buttercream a day ahead and assemble just before serving for freshest result. Or assemble early and refrigerate, just bring to room temp before serving—they’re crowd-pleasers anytime.

Final Thoughts

This Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s that perfect treat that feels indulgent and nostalgic all at once. It’s fun to make, impressive to serve, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whenever I bring it out. I hope you’ll give it a try and love every bite as much as I do. Baking these just might become your new favorite way to upgrade cookies with a brownie twist!

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Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 16 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 20 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in decadent Brownie Cookie Sandwiches filled with a smooth and creamy Cookie Dough Buttercream. These rich, chocolatey cookies are soft and fudgy with a perfect crackly topping, sandwiched with a safe-to-eat, flour-heat-treated buttercream that mimics cookie dough. Perfect for dessert lovers craving a unique twist on classic brownie and cookie flavors combined.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For Brownie Cookies

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (113 g)
  • 9 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (175 g)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (100 g)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (125 g)
  • 3/4 cup bread flour, spooned and leveled (95 g)
  • 1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder, sifted (25 g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

For Cookie Dough Buttercream

  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (170 g)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (100 g)
  • 2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted (300 g)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (65 g), heat treated and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Heat Treat Flour: Spread 1/2 cup more flour than needed on a clean baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for 5-8 minutes, stirring and rotating every 2 minutes, until the flour temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and cool completely before using.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: Combine chocolate and butter in a bowl over a double boiler on medium heat. Stir frequently until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, bread flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In the stand mixer bowl with melted chocolate, add eggs, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium-low until fully combined. Add vanilla and mix briefly.
  5. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture with the wet mixture until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Chill Dough: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Portion Dough: Using a small cookie scoop or kitchen scale, portion dough balls weighing about 0.08 ounces each. Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are set and centers crack slightly but remain soft. Do not overbake.
  10. Shape Cookies: Remove cookies while warm. Use the inside arch of a fork or a round cookie cutter to nudge edges inward or swirl for uniform rounds. Cool on sheets for 8-10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  11. Make Buttercream: In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners sugar and heat-treated flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low. Increase speed to medium and beat for 1 minute.
  12. Finish Buttercream: Add vanilla and salt, mixing to combine. Add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until buttercream is smooth, fluffy, and holds shape when piped.
  13. Assemble Sandwiches: Pipe a swirl of cookie dough buttercream on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie’s flat side and gently press together. Optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
  14. Set and Serve: Refrigerate sandwiches to set if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Heat treating flour ensures the cookie dough buttercream is safe to eat raw.
  • Store cookies tightly covered in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
  • Freeze cookie sandwiches by firming cookies on a baking sheet for one hour uncovered, then wrap in plastic and freeze up to 2 months.
  • Substitute bread flour with more all-purpose flour if unavailable.
  • Use a kitchen scale for consistent cookie sizes and even baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie sandwich
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

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