So, you’re craving something sweet but can’t decide between cookies or brownies? I feel you. That’s basically the story of my life—standing in the kitchen, holding a bag of chocolate chips, and wondering why dessert choices have to be so cruel. Enter the Domino’s Marbled Cookie Brownie, aka the ultimate “have your cake and eat it too” situation… except replace “cake” with “cookie-brownie hybrid sent from dessert heaven.”
Why This Recipe is Awesome
This dessert has all the chewy, fudgy richness of a brownie plus the buttery, melty magic of a chocolate chip cookie—baked together in one pan like they were destined to be. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. No complicated steps, no fussy decorations—just gooey, marbled perfection that looks like you put in way more effort than you actually did. Oh, and it makes your kitchen smell like a bakery, which is the closest most of us will get to being professional pastry chefs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the brownie layer:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on box—usually eggs, oil, and water)
- A pinch of instant coffee powder (optional, but makes the chocolate flavor richer)
For the cookie layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan. Don’t skip this unless you enjoy chiseling baked goods out of metal.
- Make the brownie batter according to the box instructions. If you’re feeling fancy, add that pinch of instant coffee—it deepens the flavor without tasting like coffee.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt for the cookie dough. In a separate larger bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough on top of the brownie batter, spacing them out so they bake into that gorgeous marbled effect. No need to swirl; the oven will handle the magic.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (gooey crumbs are fine—this isn’t dry toast).
- Cool in the pan before cutting, unless you enjoy molten chocolate burns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Dry brownies are a tragedy. Pull them out when they’re still slightly gooey.
- Skipping the pan lining: Unless you want to spend your evening scraping dessert fossils off your bakeware.
- Adding too much cookie dough: It’ll overpower the brownie, and then it’s just… a cookie with brownie regrets.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks if you like it richer.
- Use peanut butter chips for a Reese’s-like twist.
- Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free brownie mix and flour blend for the cookie dough.
- Not into box mixes? Feel free to make your brownie batter from scratch—you overachiever, you.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Absolutely. Just plop it on top and bake. This is a judgment-free zone.
Do I have to use instant coffee?
Nope—it’s optional. But it’s a sneaky chef trick for boosting chocolate flavor.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and microwave for that fresh-baked feel.
Will this taste exactly like Domino’s?
Pretty darn close—unless Domino’s has a secret chocolate vault we don’t know about.
Can I make this in a smaller pan?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time (and be prepared for extra thickness).
Do I really have to wait for it to cool before cutting?
Technically, no… but your squares will look more like a chocolate landslide than neat bars.
Final Thoughts
This Domino’s Marbled Cookie Brownie is the definition of dessert diplomacy—bringing together two classics into one ridiculously good treat. It’s easy, it’s indulgent, and it’s dangerously addictive. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “Who ate the last piece?”