These Monster Cookie Dough Brownies are the ultimate dessert mashup I can’t get enough of. With a rich, fudgy boxed brownie base, a thick layer of peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough (packed with M&M’s and chocolate chips), and a silky chocolate ganache topping, every bite hits that perfect mix of gooey, chewy, and chocolatey. It’s a no-fuss treat that tastes like a bakery-level indulgence—without the bakery effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Brownie Base:
1 box brownie mix
Ingredients listed on the box (typically oil, eggs, and water)
For the Monster Cookie Dough Layer:
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup coconut oil or butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons milk of choice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup mini M&M’s
⅓ cup chocolate chips
½ cup oat flour (or all-purpose flour, if preferred)
For the Ganache:
¾ cup chocolate chips
¼ cup milk of choice
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box. Then I spread it in a greased 9x9-inch baking pan and bake according to the package instructions. After baking, I let the brownies cool completely.
While the brownies cool, I make the monster cookie dough. In a large bowl, I mix the melted coconut oil (or butter), peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Then I stir in the rolled oats, oat flour, M&M’s, and chocolate chips until everything is well combined. I gently press the cookie dough over the cooled brownie base.
For the ganache, I melt ¾ cup chocolate chips with ¼ cup milk in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and creamy.
I pour the ganache over the cookie dough layer, spreading it evenly. Then I refrigerate the pan for at least 1–2 hours until the layers are fully set.
Once chilled and firm, I slice the brownies into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 16 squares
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours (including chill time)
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes swap the M&M’s for chopped Reese’s Pieces or mini peanut butter cups for even more peanut butter flavor.
For a gluten-free version, I use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour.
I like to make a darker version by using dark chocolate chips and reducing the sugar slightly in the cookie dough.
For a nut-free option, I use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and skip the M&M’s if needed.
Storage/Reheating
I store these brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. I let them thaw at room temperature or give them a few seconds in the microwave if I want that warm, gooey texture again.
FAQs
What type of brownie mix should I use?
I usually use a fudgy-style boxed brownie mix for the richest base, but any standard 18–20 oz box will work. Just follow the package directions for best results.
Can I eat the cookie dough layer raw?
Yes! This cookie dough is egg-free and uses heat-treated oat flour or all-purpose flour, making it safe to eat without baking.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often make them a day in advance so they have time to chill and set up nicely before slicing. They actually taste even better the next day.
What can I use instead of oat flour?
I swap in all-purpose flour if I don’t have oat flour on hand. Almond flour works too, but it gives a slightly different texture.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, I double everything and use a 9x13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the bake time for the brownies and allow a bit more chill time in the fridge.
Conclusion
Monster Cookie Dough Brownies are one of my go-to desserts when I want something indulgent, fun, and crowd-pleasing. That chewy, chocolatey cookie dough on top of rich brownies, all finished with silky ganache—every layer brings something special. Whether I'm baking for a party or just treating myself, this recipe always hits the sweet spot.
Recipe:
Monster Cookie Dough Brownies
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 16 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Monster Cookie Dough Brownies are a rich, indulgent dessert featuring a fudgy boxed brownie base, a no-bake monster cookie dough layer with peanut butter, oats, M&M's, and chocolate chips, and a silky chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat, they're easy to make and totally irresistible.
Ingredients
1 box brownie mix
Ingredients listed on the brownie box (typically oil, eggs, and water)
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup coconut oil or butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons milk of choice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup mini M&M’s
⅓ cup chocolate chips
½ cup oat flour (or all-purpose flour)
¾ cup chocolate chips (for ganache)
¼ cup milk of choice (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare brownie batter as directed on the box.
- Spread brownie batter in a greased 9x9-inch baking pan and bake according to package instructions. Let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, mix melted coconut oil (or butter), peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in rolled oats, oat flour, mini M&M’s, and chocolate chips until well combined.
- Gently press the monster cookie dough evenly over the cooled brownie base.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ¾ cup chocolate chips with ¼ cup milk in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Pour ganache over the cookie dough layer and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 1–2 hours until fully set.
- Once firm, slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour for a gluten-free version.
Substitute sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Brownies taste even better the next day after chilling.
Double the recipe for a 9x13-inch pan; adjust baking and chilling time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake + Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
