Double-Chocolate Holiday Cookie Dough Brownie Gems (A Decadent Bite-Sized Celebration Treat)

Double-Chocolate Holiday Cookie Dough Brownie Gems are the kind of festive indulgence that instantly steals the spotlight. These little two-bite treasures pair fudgy brownie bases with a creamy, chocolate-studded cookie dough topping—no one ever guesses how simple they are to prepare. When I first tested the recipe, I tried using oat milk in the cookie dough portion, and it blended seamlessly without affecting the texture, so feel free to make thoughtful substitutions. These gems deliver rich chocolate intensity without feeling overly heavy, making them ideal for gatherings, dessert platters, or gifting. Their bite-sized format also ensures built-in portion control, although it’s admittedly difficult to stop at one. Whether you’re embracing holiday baking or simply craving a layered chocolate treat, these gems offer a spectacular payoff for minimal effort. Below, you’ll find a complete breakdown to help you master each step and customise the recipe confidently.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These brownie gems combine two classic favourites in one elegant bite: dense chocolate brownies and velvety edible cookie dough. They are easy to batch-bake, easy to transport, and adored by both kids and adults.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Creates richness in both the brownies and cookie dough, yielding a smooth, glossy texture and deep flavour.

Granulated sugar
Sweetens the brownie layer while helping achieve a tender, fudgy crumb.

Brown sugar
Adds moisture and caramel notes to the cookie dough layer, giving it a soft, creamy finish.

All-purpose flour (heat-treated for the cookie dough layer)
Provides structure; heat-treating ensures it’s safe to enjoy in no-bake preparations.

Eggs
Bind the brownie batter and help create a dense, luxurious texture.

Cocoa powder
Offers concentrated chocolate flavour in the brownie base.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Add pockets of melty chocolate throughout both layers.

Vanilla extract
Brings aromatic warmth to the cookie dough and balances chocolate intensity.

Salt
Elevates all flavours and prevents the sweetness from becoming one-dimensional.

Milk or cream
Loosens the cookie dough mixture to a spreadable consistency.

Directions

Begin by preparing the brownie base. Melt the butter gently and whisk it together with granulated sugar until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until the batter becomes thick and glossy. Fold in a handful of chocolate chips, then portion the batter into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are set but the centres remain slightly soft. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin before removing.

While the brownies cool, prepare the cookie dough topping. Cream together softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually mix in the heat-treated flour. Stir in chocolate chips, adding a splash of milk or cream only as needed to reach a soft, spreadable consistency. Once the brownie gems have cooled, spoon or pipe a small mound of cookie dough onto each one. Chill the assembled gems for at least 20 minutes to help the topping set before serving.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

Makes about 24 brownie gems
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Assembly time: 10 minutes
Total time: approximately 45 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store the assembled gems in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. These treats do not require reheating—chilled or room-temperature serving works beautifully.

Variations and Customizations

Peppermint Chocolate Gems
Fold crushed peppermint candies into the cookie dough layer for a refreshing holiday twist.

Salted Caramel Drizzle
Top each gem with a thin ribbon of caramel and a pinch of flaky salt for a sweet-salty finish.

Triple Chocolate Version
Add white chocolate chips to the cookie dough for added contrast and richness.

Nutty Crunch Addition
Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter for texture.

Mocha Brownie Gems
Add a teaspoon of instant espresso to the brownie batter to intensify the chocolate flavour.

Gluten-Free Adaptation
Use a reputable gluten-free flour blend; brownies and edible cookie dough adapt well to these substitutions.

Festive Sprinkle Topping
Press holiday sprinkles into the cookie dough layer for a decorative seasonal finish.

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Swirl a small spoonful of peanut butter into each brownie cavity before baking.

Coconut Chocolate Gems
Add shredded coconut to the cookie dough for an added layer of chewiness.

White Chocolate Cookie Dough
Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate in the topping to create a sweeter, softer contrast.

FAQs

Do I need to heat-treat the flour?

Yes, for the cookie dough layer it is essential to ensure safe consumption.

Can I bake these in a regular muffin tin?

Yes, but the portions will be larger and may require an extra minute or two of baking.

Can I make the brownie layer ahead of time?

Absolutely; bake and cool them, then store covered until ready to add the cookie dough.

How do I prevent the brownie bases from sticking?

Grease the muffin tin thoroughly or use mini muffin liners.

Can I substitute dairy-free butter?

Yes, dairy-free butter works well in both layers.

Are the cookie dough tops safe to eat raw?

Yes, because they contain no eggs and use heat-treated flour.

Can I freeze fully assembled gems?

Yes, they freeze well and thaw cleanly without losing structure.

Why are my brownies dry?

They were likely overbaked; remove them when the centres are still slightly soft.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Certainly; this creates a more intense, less sweet profile.

Can I add food colouring to the cookie dough?

Yes, gel colours work best for achieving festive tones.

Conclusion

Double-Chocolate Holiday Cookie Dough Brownie Gems offer a luxurious fusion of fudgy brownie depth and silky cookie dough sweetness. Their compact size makes them ideal for entertaining, gifting, or enjoying alongside coffee during the holiday season. With endless customisation options and straightforward preparation, they are a dependable and impressive addition to any dessert spread.

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