These chocolate chip cookie dough brownies are so real! They are perfect for the days when you can't decide between brownie or cookie!

The weekend was supposed to find us watching Alex ski joring in Minturn outside of Vail. Due to mysterious reasons the event was canceled and we didn't get to see Alex on skis, being towed by a galloping horse, all the while going over small jumps and collecting large rings on his arms. Another event is scheduled next weekend in Leadville which we won't be able to attend. I will have to find someone else that can feed this horse carrots and apples and stroke his nose, and tell him to gallop carefully and straight while pulling my crazy son behind him.
In any case, we decided to still drive to Vail and see Alex Odie San Odenator or whatever name he is currently going by, because, we, well, we miss him. So Sunday afternoon found us packing Freddie in the car along with coffee mocha cookies and cookie dough filled fudge brownies and other alcohol related goodies, and driving to see Alex. As you must know by now there is never a dull moment when Alex Odie San Odenator is around. And this weekend did not disappoint.
After seeing his current accommodations which are quite unique and located in the center of Vail Village with parking and laundry, don't you know, the parental units gave their stamp of approval. Alex Odie San Odenator scored again.
That is if little Freddie didn't get him kicked out by barking when we went out for three hours for dinner. Apparently, the landlord doesn't approve of cute little dogs even if they only stay for three hours.
And it is apparent that said landlord does not approve of much except intimidation. He can contact my attorney as text messages to my son with four letter words in them don't solve anything. And besides anyone that knows anything, knows that using four letter words is a sign of someone that doesn't have a very good vocabulary. Or much class. But we won't go there.
Well, Sunday night found us dining at Matsuhisa that Alex Odie San Odenator works at. Only last night he wasn't working. He was dining in fine style accompanied by his loving parents. And what a treat we three had.
After handing over a fine mix of fudge brownies and coffee mocha cookies we were led to the sushi bar in this enormous restaurant. The sushi bar is small and quiet and fun and we were able to visit with the sushi chefs as they worked. It was also one way to the kitchen where numerous friends of Alex Odie San Odenator emerged and popped by to say how good these treats were. And also to say how great Alex Odie San Odenator is. Besides basking in the glow of the awesome food coming our way I was certainly basking in the glow of having such an awesome son. And it wasn't even Mother's Day! (Motto: Always bring cookies!)
I can't wait to tell you about the amazing delicacies we ate at Matsuhisa, but that will have to wait until tomorrow.
My guess is you'll want the recipe for these fudge brownies. If you are the cakey type, you won't. I baked these brownies in a 15x10 pan on parchment paper in order to be able to cut the brownies in half and stack them after filling. These can also be baked in a 13x9 pan which will give you a thicker, more substantial brownie. One need not fill these. One could just eat the filling without the brownies. (You know who you are, don't you?) Or the brownies without the filling. Any way you choose you can't go wrong.
The brownies on their own are quite amazing. Chilling them after cooling produces a great fudge texture. So if you can hold off, definitely go for the chill. Of course, you could also fill them with the butterscotch from the preceding recipe. The possibilities are endless. I made them like this because Alex Odie San Odenator loves cookie dough and brownies. Being the kind person that I am, I try to accommodate.
Being the unkind person that he is-meaning the above mentioned landlord- well, Alex Odie San Odenator is under strict orders to not share. Especially with those who use four letter words about very cute little dogs.
Tune in tomorrow for more about Matsuhisa and our incredible meal. And also get the recipe for some insanely simple coffee mocha cookies. Paul Prudhomme approved-no less! Yes, we are moving into Cajun week!
So, on a need to know basis-who would you not give cookies, to? This is between you and me, OK?

Recipe

Cookie Dough Brownies
- Prep Time: 45 Minutes*
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 Minutes
- Yield: 1 13 x 9 pan or 1 15 x 10 pan 1x
- Category: Cookies/Bars
- Method: Bake
Description
These fudgy brownies are made even better with the addition of cookie dough filling. Rich and so, so good!
Ingredients
Brownies:
2 oz unsweetened chocolate
1 c dark chocolate chips
1 stick butter
4 large eggs at room temperature
½ t salt
1 ½ c sugar
1 t vanilla
1 c flour
Cookie Dough Filling:
Ingredients:
1 stick butter, soft and at room temperature
1 c brown sugar
1 T vanilla
1 t salt
½ c powdered sugar
½ c chocolate chips
Instructions
Brownies:
Preheat oven to 350. Line a 15x10 pan with parchment paper. You could also grease with butter and dust with flour but it is easier to cut the brownies if you can lift them out of the pan.
Melt chocolate and butter over low heat while stirring to avoid scorching. Let cool in pan to room temperature.
Beat in eggs and salt until yolk is incorporated. If you want a lighter, brownie, beat this mixture until light and fluffy, but I like a dense, chewy, fudgy brownie!
Stir sugar and vanilla into the cooled chocolate mixture. Then add flour and fold until gently combined.
Spread batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake about 20 minutes. If you stick a toothpick in it will come out with batter on it. Just make sure that the batter is well set before pulling from oven. The top should be shiny and puffy.
Let cool on counter and then refrigerate over night.
Cookie Dough Filling:
Mix butter and brown sugar until sugar and butter are one. Add vanilla and salt. Stir in.
Now slowly stir in powdered sugar and chips until well combined. This should be spreadable and not too thick. Do not eat out of bowl with fingers or there will not be enough for the brownies!
Assembly:
Take pan of brownies from fridge. (You didn't rush this, did you?) Remove from pan by lifting parchment and placing on counter. Now slice in half down the center of the pan width wise. You should have two sides about 7x10. Spread filling on one half. Top with other half up, shiny side up. Press down a bit and slice into small bars. This is rich, people!
Notes
*Does not include chilling time
More fun food to try:
Shrimp and Grits
Crispy Chipotle Shrimp and Corn
Barbecued Shrimp Cajun Style
Spinach Salad with Za'atar, Dates and Almonds
Green Onion Garlic Chive Skillet Bread
King Cake
Cajun Potatoes
White Fish with Mushrooms and Browned Butter
Cathy Trochelman says
These look AMAZING!!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Fudge Brownies with Cookie Dough Filling? Yeah, basically the best... ever! YUM!
Anne Regalado says
You're an AWESOME Mom , Abbe 😀 Nothing beats homemade treats ! No wonder your son's friends are so happy upon receiving your goodies . Those mile-high chocolate fudge brownies look SINFUL ! I'll take 3 slices , pretty please lol
Bam's Kitchen says
Great story and this brownie looks so decadent I don't think I could just stop at one. I have never of this sport before ski jouring. Thanks for the nice post.
Anna and Liz Recipes says
Another great recipe Abbe! And, we love your stories!
Juliana says
Yes, you are right...cannot get better than this...love all the layers...I just need to get hold of one piece 😉
Hope you are enjoying your week Abbe 😀
Biz says
Oh my goodness - those brownies??? INSULIN WORTHY!! I puffy heart any kind of brownie. Glad you got to see your son - I see my daughter next weekend - can't wait!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I know you can't have chocolate, Laura, but the dough without the chips is decadent on its own!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Yes you have and they all look so good! I love salt in brownies and cookies.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Well Abbe you did it again. These look and sound amazing. You have one lucky son! I love what you do for him and enjoy your stories. My son married a wonderful beautiful girl and we just adore her - and she doesn't bake so there is no competition. I still get to mother my son with some home baked goods and she doesn't care! Unless he gets too fat - haha. Your family sounds wonderful.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Awwww, Tricia! Our kids are pretty damn good and good to us! So nice you have a great relationship with your daughter in law. I hope to have that one day, too. Wish we were neighbors, Tricia. iIdo declare we'd have a lot of fun!
Laura Dembowski says
OMG! These look so thick and decadent. Who would want to dive in for a bite?
Liz Berg says
Oooh, I am SO printing off this recipe and making it! They would definitely be a hit with my family. Glad you got to see Alex...LOL at his ever changing last name 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Sounds like you Liz. Hope you enjoy it! Odie is his nickname. San, I believe is a sign of respect in Japanese, which they use at the restaurant and I have no idea where he came up with Odenator!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
You are correct -- it doesn't get much better than this! Wow! These brownies look amazing.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Love the brownies! And the filling I could just eat with a spoon, but that seemed to dangerous so I forced myself to put it between the brownies! Thanks Amy!
Angie Schneider says
Indeed...it doesn't get any better. These look decadent and divine, Abbe.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Angie! They were a great combo!
Sharon D says
Abbe, I hereby crown you Queen of Yummy Food because you make the yummiest 'everything' ❤
Abbe Odenwalder says
Sharon, you are way to nice to me!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
How decadent! Busy week end, great story.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Good word Cheri! They are and thanks!
Barb says
Sounds like a most entertaining weekend but then it sounds like that is always the case when you're with AOSO! Cookies sound divine. BRING ME SOME! Pretty please?
Abbe Odenwalder says
AOSO? I love it! He has them all. Too dangerous to keep here!
vanillasugarblog says
I've been on such a wonderful brownie kick lately. My one bowl brownies are just a vehicle for all my sweet & salty cravings! LOL
Kitchen Riffs says
I've heard about that organization thing and keep meaning to try it. But I always lie down and take a nap, and then the feeling passes. Fun post! And great looking brownies. Mrs K R has been fudge crazed lately, but I should probably tell her about the brownie and cookie dough concept. Really enjoyable read -- thanks.
Abbe Odenwalder says
After eating one of these brownies you may be ready for a nap. They are very rich. Just like fudge, don't you know? Thanks, Mr. KR!
Holly @ abakershouse.com says
Oh my goodness. I do not know if I should be more in awe of the amazing brownies or the fact that you've taught me a new sport exists-- ski joring! I read more about it and still can't believe it's real!! It looks like something The Onion would dream up. Wow!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Pretty funny, huh Holly? When he told me he was taking up a new sport I almost rolled out of my seat in disbelief!
yummychunklet says
Wow. That's a double dose of awesome in these treats!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Yummy! But not as awesome as Alex Odie San Odenator!