If you’re a fan of brownies, cookies, and caramel, why settle for just one? This Chocolate Caramel Cookie Browniecombines three favorite desserts into one rich, gooey, and indulgent treat!
- The base layer is a dense, fudgy brownie that melts in your mouth.
- The middle layer is made of smooth, salted caramel, giving it a chewy, gooey texture.
- The top layer is a soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie dough, adding a buttery crunch with every bite.
This dessert is perfect for parties, potlucks, bake sales, or even a cozy night at home. Whether you enjoy it warm with ice cream or as a midday snack, this triple-layered treat is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ready to create the most irresistible homemade dessert? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Three Desserts in One – No need to choose between brownies, cookies, or caramel. This recipe has them all!
✔ Rich & Indulgent – Every bite is fudgy, chewy, and buttery with gooey caramel.
✔ Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients you already have at home.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for birthdays, holidays, bake sales, or just because!
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays fresh for days and can be frozen for later.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup soft caramels (unwrapped)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the Cookie Layer:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Prepare the Brownie Layer:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until no lumps remain.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
2. Make the Caramel Layer:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine soft caramels and heavy cream.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted.
- Stir in sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor.
- Pour the warm caramel over the brownie layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Prepare the Cookie Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips to distribute them evenly.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the caramel layer, spreading gently with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cookie top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Cut into squares and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel.
Expert Tips for the Best Brownies
✔ Don’t Overbake! – The brownies continue cooking as they cool, keeping them fudgy inside.
✔ Chill Before Slicing – For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the brownies for 30 minutes before slicing.
✔ Homemade Caramel Alternative – If you prefer, make a quick homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought caramels.
✔ Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder – This enhances the rich chocolate flavor.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
What to Serve with Chocolate Caramel Cookie Brownies
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The warm brownie + cold ice cream combo is unbeatable!
- Whipped Cream – Adds a light, fluffy contrast to the rich layers.
- Espresso or Coffee – A bold cup of coffee pairs perfectly with chocolate desserts.
- Salted Nuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch.
How to Store Chocolate Caramel Cookie Brownies
Room Temperature:
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent melting.
Refrigerator:
- If you prefer a firmer texture, store brownies in the fridge.
- Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- They will stay fresh for up to 7 days.
Freezing Instructions:
- Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw: Let brownies sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey texture.
Reheating Tips:
- For warm, melty brownies: Microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- For a freshly baked texture: Heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
These Chocolate Caramel Cookie Brownies store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or satisfying late-night cravings!
Diet Information
These Chocolate Caramel Cookie Brownies are rich, indulgent, and perfect for dessert lovers, but here’s how they fit into different dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian-Friendly – This recipe contains no meat or gelatin, making it suitable for a vegetarian diet.
- Not Gluten-Free – Made with all-purpose flour, but you can substitute it with gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for a GF version.
- Not Dairy-Free – Contains butter, heavy cream, and chocolate chips. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Not Vegan – Includes eggs, butter, and dairy, but can be modified using flax eggs and plant-based substitutes.
- Nut-Free – This recipe does not contain nuts, but always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination if serving to those with allergies.
Want a healthier version? Swap refined sugar for coconut sugar, use dark chocolate, and choose whole wheat or almond flour for a more nutritious twist!
FAQs
What is the difference between brownie and cookie batter?
Brownie batter is generally more liquid and has a higher fat-to-flour ratio, making it fudgy or cakey depending on the recipe. It often includes melted butter or oil, eggs, sugar, and a mix of cocoa powder or melted chocolate. Cookie dough, on the other hand, is thicker and contains more flour, allowing it to hold its shape when baked. It also often includes leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder to create a chewy or crispy texture.
Is it better to use cocoa powder or melted chocolate in brownies?
Both cocoa powder and melted chocolate can be used in brownies, but they create different textures and flavors. Cocoa powder gives a more intense chocolate flavor with a slightly drier texture, while melted chocolate adds richness and a fudgier consistency due to its fat content. Some recipes combine both to balance deep flavor and moist texture. If you prefer a dense, fudgy brownie, melted chocolate is often the better choice.
What are the Brownie Caramel Cookies for Girl Scouts?
Brownie Caramel Cookies, also known as Adventurefuls, are a type of Girl Scout cookie introduced in 2022. They are brownie-inspired cookies with a caramel-flavored center, a hint of sea salt, and a chocolate drizzle on top. They have a chewy texture similar to brownies but in a bite-sized cookie form, making them a popular choice for those who love both brownies and cookies.
What are the ingredients in vanilla caramel brownies?
Vanilla caramel brownies typically include basic brownie ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, with the addition of caramel and sometimes white or milk chocolate chips. The caramel can be swirled into the batter before baking or used as a topping. Some recipes also incorporate sea salt for a salted caramel effect, enhancing the sweetness and flavor contrast.
More Delicious Baked Treats to Try
If you love these Chocolate Caramel Cookie Brownies, here are some more mouthwatering baked desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Pumpkin Banana Bread – A moist, spiced banana bread with pumpkin puree for a warm, fall-inspired flavor.
- Best Southern-Style Cornbread – Light, buttery, and slightly sweet, this classic cornbread is a must for any meal.
- Churro Cheesecake – A creamy cheesecake with a cinnamon-sugar crust that tastes just like a churro!
- Cake Bars That Will Make Your Taste Buds Dance – Decadent, chewy cake bars packed with flavor and texture in every bite.
Try them all and let me know which one is your favorite!
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Caramel Cookie Brownies are three desserts in one, making them the ultimate indulgence! Try them today and let me know in the comments how you liked them! 🍪🍫✨
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Chocolate Caramel Cookie Brownie Recipe
This Chocolate Caramel Cookie Brownie is the ultimate dessert mashup! It combines rich, fudgy brownies with gooey caramel and soft chocolate chip cookies, creating a decadent treat with layers of textures and flavors. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or an indulgent dessert, these brownies are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. The sweet and salty caramel adds a delightful twist, making every bite irresistible.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup (240g) caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Cookie Layer
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.Make the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until fully combined. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.Prepare the Caramel Layer
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the caramel candies and heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted caramel over the brownie batter, spreading it gently. Sprinkle with sea salt if using.Make the Cookie Dough
In another bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold in the chocolate chips.Assemble the Layers
Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough on top of the caramel layer. Gently spread it out, but don’t worry about covering every inch—some caramel should peek through.Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cookie layer is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool completely before slicing into squares. This helps the layers set for cleaner cuts. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel!
Notes
- For extra gooey brownies, slightly underbake them and let them set as they cool.
- Use homemade caramel sauce if you prefer a richer, deeper flavor instead of store-bought caramels.
- Chilling before cutting makes slicing easier and helps the layers hold together.
- Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a fudgier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg