Chocolate Chip Cookie Topped Brownies - My First Post

Yesterday I decided I wanted to make something delish as a treat for myself (and my family).  I'm a teacher, and it was the first day of March Break.  What better way to celebrate than with a nice ooey gooey treat.  So, my mission began.

I actually just started getting into Pinterest, and came across many treats that made my mouth water.  What follows is a version of the bit of ooey gooey deliciousness that came out on top during my search.  This recipe is modified from one I found at http://kitchensimplicity.com/layered-chocolate-chip-cookie-brownies/  I wanted to make the brownie layer a little more substantial than the above recipe called for, and I'm also a fan of milk chocolate.

If you love chocolate chip cookies, and nice gooey brownies, then this recipe is for you!  A quick and easy cookie recipe, and a brownie recipe that's ready in a snap!

Ingredients for Brownie Layer (If you don't want a thicker brownie layer than follow amounts in brackets)

• 3/8 cup butter (1/2 c)
• 5 oz dark chocolate (3 oz)
• 1 1/8 cup sugar (3/4 c)
• 2 small eggs (1 large egg)
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla (1/2 tsp)
• 3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tbsp.)
• 8 tablespoons flour (5 Tbsp)
• 1/2 cup of milk chocolate chips (or any type really) - optional
• 1/4 finely chopped walnuts (optional - I don't use nuts)

1.  I know you are "supposed" to use a double boiler for melting chocolate, but if you watch the temperature on this, and because you do the butter at the same time, I find you don't need to double boiler it....  So, put the butter and chocolate in small pot set over medium-low heat, stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth; remove from heat.
2.  Stir in sugar first, then egg and vanilla.
3.  Whisk in cocoa.
4.  Stir in flour until evenly combined.
5.  Set aside while you make the chocolate chip cookie dough.

Ingredients for Cookie Dough

• 5 tablespoons softener butter
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chocolate chips

1.  Cream together butter and both sugars.  Ensure the butter is room temperature to make it easier to cream.
2.  Add egg and vanilla.
3.  Add baking soda, baking powder, and flour (in batches).
4.  Add in chocolate chips.

Now you are ready to assembly this little piece of heaven!

1.  Pour the brownie batter into an 9x9 inch baking pan (or 8x8 if you are using the smaller ingredient amounts) that has been greased or lined with parchment paper.  Make sure you get it into the corners of the pan.
2.  Top with chunks of cookie dough.  Use your hands to make little balls and then squish them a little flat.  Make a nice layer on top of the brownie mix, trying to cover up all the brownie so that none is showing. 
3. Bake at 325ºF for 25-30 minutes, or until cookie layer is set and lightly browned.
4.  Remove from oven.  Cool.  Cut.  ENJOY! (But you MUST eat one before they cool completely!)

Once it's cooked I let it cool for a while, but I cut it (but didn't take it out of the pan) before it cooled completely so that the cookie layer was easy to cut through.

See how long you manage to keep these around!

They do freeze very well, so if you make extra you can cut them up before putting them in the freezer and pull 'em out when company comes.  Zap 'em in the microwave for a warm delicious treat with tea!