Sam’s Club Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe

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Sam’s Club Cookie Dough Brownies are the perfect balance of chewy, gooey, and irresistibly sweet. But what if I told you that you could recreate these bakery-fresh brownies right in the comfort of your kitchen?

How to make Sam’s Club Cookie Dough Brownies

Sam’s Club Cookie Dough Brownies are ready-to-eat dessert bars sold in the bakery section at Sam’s Club. They combine rich, fudgy brownie batter with soft chocolate chip cookie dough, baked together into thick, chewy squares.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra gooeyness)

For the Edible Cookie Dough Layer:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, heat-treated (see below)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Brownie Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat the eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Sift in the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, and salt). Fold gently with a spatula until the mixture is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Optional: Fold in the chocolate chips for an extra gooey texture.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
7. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the cookie dough layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Edible Cookie Dough Layer

1. While the brownie cools, heat-treat the flour for the cookie dough layer. Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to kill any harmful bacteria. Let it cool before using.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk (or heavy cream) until well combined and smooth.
4. Gradually add the heat-treated flour and salt, mixing until the mixture is well combined.
5. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Step 3: Assemble

1. Once the brownie layer has completely cooled, evenly spread the cookie dough layer on top.
2. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface.
3. Place the pan in the fridge and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the cookie dough has firmed up.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Once the dessert is set, remove it from the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut your brownies into even squares or rectangles. For clean edges, wipe the knife with a warm, damp cloth between each cut.
3. Serve and enjoy your homemade Sam’s Club Cookie Dough Brownies with a tall glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Tips for Success

• Heat-Treat the Flour: This step is crucial for ensuring your cookie dough is safe to eat since raw flour can contain harmful bacteria.
• Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense or tough brownies. Stir until just combined for a moist texture.
• Chill the Layers: Allow each layer (brownies and cookie dough) to cool and chill fully before cutting to get neat, bakery-style slices.
• Experiment with Add-Ons: For a fun twist, add chopped nuts, white chocolate, or caramel drizzle to the brownie batter or cookie dough layer.
• Storage: These brownies keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

What to serve with

Sam’s Club Cookie Dough Brownies are rich, indulgent, and incredibly sweet, making them a showstopper on their own. However, pairing them with complementary sides, drinks, or toppings can elevate the tasting experience and balance their richness.

1. Toppings to Enhance Flavor

Add some flair to your brownies by offering a selection of toppings that can elevate the sweet treat. Here are some options:

• Fresh Berries: Top with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to add a burst of freshness and acidity.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, airy whipped cream cuts through the richness, adding a creamy contrast.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some semi-sweet or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the brownies. For extra texture, use white chocolate or caramel as well.
• Sprinkles or Shaved Chocolate: A sprinkle of colorful sprinkles or some dark chocolate shavings can add both texture and visual appeal.
• Chopped Nuts: Garnish with toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a nutty crunch that balances the sweetness.
• Ice Cream: Serve brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla, salted caramel, or coffee ice cream. The melting ice cream over the brownies is a heavenly combination.

2. Perfect Drinks to Pair

Pairing brownies with beverages can elevate the flavor profile while providing contrast or complementing their richness. Some excellent options include:

For Adults and Kids:

• Milk: A classic pairing—cold, creamy milk perfectly balances the sweetness and richness of the brownies. Opt for whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk, depending on your dietary preferences.
• Hot Chocolate: For true chocolate lovers, a mug of creamy hot chocolate creates the ultimate decadent pairing. Add a dollop of whipped cream or marshmallows for extra indulgence.
• Coffee: Rich brownies pair beautifully with coffee, especially espresso-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. The slight bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the brownie.
• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: On warmer days, serve the brownie with chilled coffee to contrast the dense, gooey dessert.

For Adults:

• Red Wine: Offer a dry wine like a rich Cabernet Sauvignon or a sweeter Port to complement the cocoa notes in the brownies without overpowering them.
• Stout Beer: A dark, chocolatey stout beer pairs beautifully with the richness of the brownie. The malty sweetness adds depth to the dessert.
• Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua: Perfect for a dessert cocktail pairing, these creamy liqueurs complement the cookie dough’s vanilla flavor and the brownie’s chocolate base.

For a Non-Alcoholic Option:

• Fruit-Infused Water: Serve water infused with lemon, strawberries, or cucumber to provide a refreshing palate cleanser for guests.
• Herbal Tea: Light and subtle teas, like mint or chamomile, help cut through the density of the brownies.

3. Accompaniments for a Dessert Spread

Sam’s Club Cookie Dough Brownies can easily shine as part of a dessert buffet or as a centerpiece on a platter. Here’s what you can serve alongside them:

• Fresh Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of fruits, such as melon, grapes, pineapple, and berries, can provide a fresh contrast to the brownies.
• Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecakes balance the chocolate-heavy dessert table with a creamy, tangy option.
• Cookies: Add a selection of thin, crisp cookies (e.g., butter cookies or oatmeal cookies), which complement the soft brownie texture.
• Mini Cupcakes: If you’re hosting a party, pair the brownies with vanilla or cream cheese frosting mini cupcakes for variety.
• Pretzels or Salty Snacks: Salty items like pretzels, popcorn, or kettle chips can balance the sweetness of the brownies while adding a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sam’s Club Cookie Dough Brownies are known for their rich chocolate brownie base paired with creamy, indulgent cookie dough. If you are recreating or modifying this recipe, you might want to use ingredient substitutes due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply preferences.

1. All-purpose flour

Substitutes:

• Almond flour: Use in a 1:1 ratio but expect a slightly nuttier flavor, great for gluten-free baking.
• Coconut flour: Use 1/4 cup for every 1 cup of flour. You may need to increase the liquid slightly.
• Gluten-free baking mix: Works perfectly for those with gluten sensitivities. Use the ratio provided on the package.

2. Butter (or oil)

Substitutes:

• Coconut oil: Use in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for butter or other oils. It adds a subtle coconut flavor.
• Applesauce: Replace half the butter/oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat while retaining moisture.
• Vegetable shortening: Use as a direct substitute for butter if you’re looking for a neutral flavor.

3. Granulated Sugar

Substitutes:

• Coconut sugar: Use it in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for granulated sugar. It adds a caramel-like undertone to the brownies.
• Maple syrup: Substitute 3/4 cup maple syrup for 1 cup sugar, and reduce other liquid ingredients slightly.
• Stevia or monk fruit sweetener: Ideal for sugar-free diets. Adjust amounts depending on the sweetener type; often a much smaller amount is needed.

4. Eggs

Substitutes:

• Flaxseed egg: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Unsweetened yogurt: Replace 1 egg with 1/4 cup plain yogurt for added moisture.
• Applesauce (unsweetened): 1/4 cup per egg works great for binding in brownies.

Final Thoughts

By pairing Sam’s Club Cookie Dough Brownies with these creative sides, drinks, and toppings, you can turn a simple dessert into a show-stopping experience.

More Cookie Recipes:

• Moonbeam Ice Cream Cookie Recipe