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Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe

I’ve got a treat for you that’s basically the best of both worlds—a chewy, fudgy brownie base sandwiched with sweet, creamy cookie dough frosting. If you’re ready to take your dessert game up a notch, you have to try my Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe. Seriously, this combo is fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for when you want something special without too much fuss. Let me walk you through the magic.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture Combo: The brownie cookies are fudgy yet hold their shape, while the buttercream stays soft and creamy for the ultimate sandwich bite.
  • Cookie Dough Buttercream: It tastes exactly like cookie dough but safe to eat thanks to the heat-treated flour—no worries about raw flour here.
  • Easy Yet Impressive: This recipe looks fancy but is straightforward enough for bakers of any level.
  • Customizable Flavors: You can swap chocolate chips or add nuts to suit your tastes without compromising that chewy, fudgy goodness.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to achieve that decadent texture and flavor balance we all love. Plus, the combination of flours and cocoa powder gives the brownie cookies their signature fudgy texture without being too cakey.

Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream, easy brownie dessert, cookie dough frosting recipe, chewy brownie cookies, decadent cookie sandwich - 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: Key for richness and helps create a tender, chewy base in the brownie cookies and creamy buttercream.
  • Bittersweet Chocolate Chips: Melts smoothly into the batter, providing deep chocolate flavor that’s not overly sweet.
  • Granulated and Light Brown Sugar: Blond sugar moisture boosts chewiness while brown sugar adds caramel notes.
  • Eggs: Adds structure and helps bind the dough together, giving that lovely fudgy crumb.
  • Flours (All-Purpose & Bread Flour): The blend here balances tenderness and chew; bread flour adds extra protein for a nice bite.
  • Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: Sifted into the dry mix to intensify chocolate flavor and provide that rich dark color.
  • Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies puff slightly without getting cakey.
  • Brown Sugar & Confectioners Sugar in Buttercream: Give the frosting a sweet, creamy texture with just enough body to pipe perfectly.
  • All-Purpose Flour (heat treated for buttercream): Adds the cookie dough “raw” flavor while ensuring it’s safe to eat.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the chocolate and buttery flavors in both cookies and buttercream.
  • Heavy Cream: Adjusts buttercream’s consistency to silky smooth, perfect for sandwiching.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights all the rich flavors.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe as is, but nothing beats making it your own! Whether you prefer a denser brownie cookie or want to sneak in some mix-ins, the recipe is flexible and forgiving. Don’t be shy to try your own spin—you’ll enjoy the process and the delicious results.

  • Chocolate Chunk Upgrade: Whenever I’m feeling indulgent, I toss in chopped chocolate or mix bittersweet with milk chocolate for pockets of melty goo.
  • Nutty Twist: Adding toasted pecans or walnuts inside the cookie dough adds crunch and depth, especially if you love a bit of texture contrast.
  • Salted Caramel Drizzle: I sometimes drizzle caramel over the assembled sandwich and sprinkle flaky sea salt for a salty-sweet knockout.
  • Dietary Modifications: You can swap the all-purpose flour in the buttercream for a gluten-free blend (but still heat treat it) or use brown sugar substitutes if needed.

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

Step 1: Heat Treat the Flour for Safety and Taste

Before baking, I always heat treat the flour for the buttercream since it’s eaten raw. It just takes a few minutes at 300°F on a baking sheet, stirred and rotated until it hits 165°F internal. This step removes any bacteria and makes the buttercream safe while preserving that delicious cookie dough flavor.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter Gently

Set up a double boiler and melt your bittersweet chocolate and butter together over medium heat, stirring often. The key is to watch carefully so the chocolate doesn’t scorch and to remove from heat as soon as it melts to a smooth glossy mix—this gives your cookies that shiny, fudgy finish.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Sugars

After the chocolate mixture cools slightly, whisk in eggs, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-low speed until everything is combined and smooth. Then add vanilla. It’s important to not add eggs to hot chocolate or you’ll scramble them—cooling first is a must.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Chill Dough

Whisk flour, bread flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this mix to the wet ingredients and stir just until incorporated—overmixing will toughen the cookies. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to make scooping easier and to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Bake and Shape Your Cookies

Use a small cookie scoop or a kitchen scale to portion out uniform dough balls and place them on parchment-lined sheets. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be set and the tops begin to crack and puff slightly. Immediately after baking, nudge the cookie edges inward with a fork or use a cookie cutter to create neat rounds while still warm—this step really elevates the presentation!

Step 6: Whip Up the Cookie Dough Buttercream

Beat together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in sifted confectioners sugar and the heat-treated flour. Add vanilla, salt, and enough heavy cream to reach a creamy but firm consistency perfect for piping. This icing literally tastes like cookie dough without any raw egg worries.

Step 7: Assemble and Chill Your Sandwiches

Pipe a generous swirl of cookie dough buttercream on the flat side of one cooled brownie cookie, then sandwich it with another. Feel free to add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that perfect sweet-salty contrast. Pop these in the fridge if you want to firm up the filling before serving, or enjoy at room temp for gooier, melty bites.

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Pro Tips for Making Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe

  • Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the cookie dough—it helps cookies keep their shape and develop a better texture when baked.
  • Use a Kitchen Scale: Measuring dough balls by weight gives you uniformly sized cookies, which means nicer sandwiches and even baking.
  • Shape While Warm: Quickly forming the cookies into rounds when they come out of the oven creates clean edges without overbaking.
  • Heat Treat Flour Thoroughly: I learned the hard way—mixing untreated flour in frosting gave weird flavors and potential risks, so do this baking step carefully for best taste and safety.

How to Serve Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe

Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream, easy brownie dessert, cookie dough frosting recipe, chewy brownie cookies, decadent cookie sandwich - 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

My favorite touch is a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top—it cuts through the sweetness and brings out all the chocolate and buttery goodness. Sometimes I dust a tiny pinch of cocoa powder or even add mini chocolate chips around the edges for a fancier look.

Side Dishes

These sandwiches are rich, so I often serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a bit of brightness. They’re also fantastic with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk—perfect pairing, no matter what time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love arranging these sandwiches on a pretty platter with colorful edible flowers or chopped nuts around the edges. You can also stack them like mini cakes or wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine for gifting—people go crazy for that!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brownie cookie sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the buttercream firm and fresh. They stay amazing for up to 3 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

Freezing is a total lifesaver for this recipe. I flash freeze the cookies on a baking sheet for an hour, then assemble the sandwiches and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, placing them into a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

If you want a warm, melty cookie experience, remove the sandwiches from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. If you prefer warm, briefly microwave a single sandwich for 10-15 seconds—but watch carefully so the buttercream doesn’t melt too much and run.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour in this recipe?

    Absolutely! Bread flour helps give the brownie cookies a bit more chew and structure due to its higher protein content, but if you don’t have it on hand, just use all-purpose flour for both flours. You may get a slightly softer texture, but they’ll still be delicious.

  2. How do I heat treat flour safely at home?

    Spread the flour in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F, stirring every 2 minutes and rotating the pan, until the flour’s internal temperature reaches 165°F. This usually takes 5 to 8 minutes. Then let it cool completely before using.

  3. Can I make the cookie dough buttercream without heat treated flour?

    Technically yes, but it’s not recommended because raw flour can harbor bacteria. Heat treating flour is quick and easy, plus it gives the buttercream that authentic safe-to-eat cookie dough flavor you’re aiming for.

  4. How long do the brownie cookie sandwiches last?

    Stored tightly covered in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. If you freeze them, they keep wonderfully for up to 2 months.

  5. Can I make the brownie cookies and buttercream ahead of time separately?

    Absolutely. The cookies can be baked a day or two in advance and stored airtight. The buttercream can also be made ahead and chilled, just give it a quick whip before assembling your sandwiches for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those desserts that impresses every single time, whether for a casual family snack or a celebration dessert. It’s cozy, indulgent, and downright addictive—all the good things I want from a homemade treat. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do. Trust me, once you’ve made them, you’ll find all sorts of reasons to whip up another batch.

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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 17 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 20 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in decadent Brownie Cookie Sandwiches filled with rich Cookie Dough Buttercream. These treats feature fudgy brownie cookies paired with a silky, safe-to-eat buttercream made from heat-treated flour and brown sugar, perfect for dessert or a special snack.


Ingredients

Units Scale

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, or substitute with more all-purpose flour)
  • 1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder, sifted (25 g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

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
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Heat Treat Flour: Spread the required flour on a clean baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 5-8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes and rotating the pan, until the flour reaches 165°F. Allow to cool completely before use in buttercream.
  2. Prepare Chocolate Mixture: Melt butter and chocolate over a double boiler, stirring often until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly in a stand mixer bowl fitted with the whisk attachment.
  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: To the cooled chocolate mixture, add eggs, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium-low speed until combined, then add vanilla and stir to combine.
  5. Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet chocolate mixture and mix just until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Heat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Form Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or kitchen scale, portion cookie dough balls weighing about 0.08 ounces each. Place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
  9. Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are set and centers begin to puff and crack. Do not overbake.
  10. Shape Cookies: While warm, use a fork or round cookie cutter to push edges inward or swirl around the cookie to create uniform rounds. Cool on baking sheets for 8-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Make Buttercream: In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Whisk confectioners sugar and heat-treated flour together, add to butter mixture 1/2 cup at a time on low speed. Increase speed to medium and beat for one minute after all added. Mix in vanilla and salt.
  12. Add Cream: Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until buttercream is smooth, fluffy, and holds shape for piping.
  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: Chill assembled sandwiches if needed for the buttercream to set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Heat treat flour to eliminate any harmful bacteria before using it in uncooked buttercream.
  • Store cookies in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days.
  • Cookies can be frozen: freeze individually on a baking sheet until firm, then wrap sandwiches tightly and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
  • Use a kitchen scale for precise cookie portioning to ensure uniform size and bake time.
  • Do not overbake cookies; remove as soon as edges are set and centers begin to crack.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich (2 cookies with buttercream)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

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