Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe
Imagine biting into a soft, rich brownie cookie only to discover a luscious layer of cookie dough buttercream nestled inside. It’s the kind of indulgence that turns an ordinary day into something worth celebrating. With the perfect balance of chewy cookie texture and smooth, buttery filling, these sandwich treats are like dessert magic. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to spoil yourself, this is one treat that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Decadent Cookie Sandwiches
There’s something undeniably satisfying about dessert mashups, and this one delivers big. Brownie cookies meet dreamy buttercream for a bite that’s soft, fudgy, creamy, and unforgettable.
A Sweet Spin with a Hint of Nostalgia
These treats bring together two iconic favorites—brownies and cookie dough—in a new and irresistible way. While brownie cookies have been a bakery staple for years, pairing them with cookie dough buttercream adds a nostalgic twist that reminds you of sneaking spoonfuls of dough as a kid. Think of it as your favorite flavors all grown up, but still playful at heart.
The Sweet Perks You’ll Appreciate
You’re going to want to make these again and again—and here’s why:
Versatile: These sandwich cookies work for birthdays, potlucks, lunchboxes, or just because.
Budget-Friendly: All pantry staples here. No fancy ingredients, just pure comfort food.
Quick and Easy: No chilling needed. Just mix, bake, cool, and fill.
Customizable: You can change up the chips, fillings, or even go gluten-free if needed.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a cookie sandwich. These disappear fast at any party.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the cookies and prep the buttercream in advance. Assemble when you’re ready.
Great for Leftovers: Store extras in the fridge for a ready-to-go sweet snack.
Secrets From the Kitchen: How to Nail These Like a Pro
Here’s the inside scoop to make sure these turn out bakery-quality every single time:
- Room Temp Butter: Softened butter blends better, so let it sit out before starting.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep cookies tender.
- Even Sizes: Use a cookie scoop so your cookies match up perfectly when sandwiched.
- Cool Completely: Warm cookies will melt the buttercream, so give them time to chill first.
- Pipe the Filling: For a neat finish, use a piping bag to add the buttercream.
Gear Up: Tools That’ll Help You Bake Like a Pro
You don’t need fancy equipment, but a few basics will make the process smoother:
Mixing Bowls: For combining the wet and dry ingredients separately.
Electric Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless.
Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie size for sandwiching.
Baking Sheet: A flat, sturdy sheet helps cookies bake evenly.
Parchment Paper: Keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy bottoms.
Piping Bag or Spoon: To neatly fill your sandwiches.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Create These Treats
Everything works in harmony here—from rich cocoa to smooth vanilla. Let’s break it down:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ¼ cups — the structure base for the cookies.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: ½ cup — gives the cookies their deep chocolate flavor.
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon — provides just the right lift and chew.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon — enhances all the sweet and chocolatey flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened) — used in both the cookies and the buttercream.
- Brown Sugar: ¾ cup — brings depth and moisture to the cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup — adds structure and sweetness.
- Eggs: 2 large — binds the dough and gives richness.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons — adds warmth to both cookie and buttercream layers.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: 1 cup — scattered in the cookies for texture and melty goodness.
- Powdered Sugar: 2 ½ cups — gives the buttercream its fluffy body.
- Milk: 2 tablespoons — loosens the buttercream for spreadability.
Ingredient Swaps That Work Like Magic
If you’re missing something or want to change things up, no worries—these swaps work great:
All-Purpose Flour: Gluten-free flour blend.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother finish.
Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Use cane sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit blend.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Chopped chocolate chunks or white chocolate chips.
Milk: Try almond, oat, or coconut milk.
Star of the Show: Let’s Talk Key Ingredients
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This gives your cookies that rich, deep chocolatey flavor without being overly sweet. It’s what sets them apart from your average cookie.
Mini Chocolate Chips: These tiny bites melt into every pocket of the cookie, giving you bursts of chocolate in every chew.

Let’s Bake Together: Step-by-Step with Love
Alright, time to make magic happen. Here’s how it all comes together:
-
Preheat Your Equipment:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. -
Combine Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beat again. Mix in dry ingredients just until combined, then fold in chocolate chips. -
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Use a cookie scoop to portion dough onto your lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. -
Assemble the Dish:
Bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes until just set. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool fully. -
Cook to Perfection:
While cookies cool, make the buttercream. Beat softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and milk. Beat until light and fluffy. -
Finishing Touches:
Pair cookies by size. Pipe or spread buttercream onto the flat side of one, then sandwich with another. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy immediately or chill for 15 minutes if you want a firmer buttercream texture.
Texture Meets Flavor: What Makes These Special
Bite into one of these and you’ll first feel the slight crunch of the cookie edges, followed by a soft, brownie-like chew in the center. Then comes the smooth, creamy buttercream with a nostalgic cookie dough flavor that melts in your mouth. It’s a beautiful contrast of fudgy, creamy, and sweet with just a touch of saltiness to balance it all out.
Pro Tips and Tricks for Best Results
You’ve got this! Here’s a few extra tips to make your experience smoother:
- Use a cookie scoop for even baking and perfect sandwich halves.
- Let cookies cool completely before filling to avoid buttercream melt.
- Want prettier cookies? Roll the dough balls gently before baking.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Even the best bakers have off days. Here’s how to keep things on track:
- Overbaking: Cookies continue to cook on the tray after the oven. Pull them out when centers still look slightly soft.
- Butter too cold or too melted: Room temp is key for proper texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon it into your cup and level it off. Packing adds too much.
Let’s Talk Nutrition
Servings: 12 cookie sandwiches
Calories per serving: 370
Note: These are approximate values.
How Much Time You’ll Need
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Make It Ahead and Keep It Fresh
You can make both the cookies and the buttercream a day or two ahead of time. Just store the cookies in an airtight container and keep the buttercream in the fridge. When ready to serve, bring the buttercream to room temp, fill, and enjoy. Leftover sandwiches can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for longer.
Serving Ideas You’ll Love
Serve these with a glass of cold milk or scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a party, stack them high on a tiered tray with a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re also perfect as a surprise lunchbox treat or holiday dessert platter addition.
Leftovers? Turn Them Into Something New
Chop them into chunks and mix into homemade ice cream. Crumble over yogurt parfaits. Or reheat in the microwave for a warm, melty treat that feels brand new.
Bonus Tips to Elevate Every Bite
- Chill the assembled sandwiches for 10–15 minutes before serving for a firmer bite.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to the cookie dough to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Dust with a little cocoa or powdered sugar for a bakery-style look.
Make It a Showstopper
Want your cookie sandwiches to steal the show? Pair them with parchment wrappers and twine for gifting. Display on a white platter with fresh berries for contrast. Use a piping bag with a star tip for that perfect buttercream swirl inside.
Variations to Try
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add peanut butter chips to the dough and a spoonful of peanut butter to the buttercream.
- Mint Chocolate: Swap vanilla extract for mint extract in both components.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel over the filling and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Espresso Lover: Mix a little instant coffee into both the cookie and buttercream.
- Holiday Vibes: Add crushed candy canes or red and green sprinkles to the edges.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use store-bought frosting instead of homemade buttercream?
Yes, though homemade gives the best flavor and texture, a good-quality store-bought version can work in a pinch.
Q2: Do I have to chill the dough?
No chilling required. This dough is designed to be baked right away.
Q3: Can I freeze these?
Absolutely. Freeze assembled sandwiches in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag.
Q4: How long do they stay fresh?
About 4 to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Q5: Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Just substitute with a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q6: What if I don’t have mini chips?
Use chopped chocolate or regular-sized chips instead.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it doubles beautifully for a larger crowd.
Q8: Are these safe for kids?
Definitely! No raw egg in the filling, and everything’s fully baked.
Q9: Can I make these smaller?
Of course. Just scoop smaller dough portions and reduce bake time slightly.
Q10: What’s the best way to store the buttercream?
In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
Trust me, you’re going to love this. These brownie cookie sandwiches are soft, indulgent, and full of the kind of flavor that makes people ask for seconds. Whether it’s a holiday tray or just your Tuesday pick-me-up, they bring joy in every bite. Now go preheat that oven and get baking—because you deserve something sweet today.
Print
Brownie Cookie Sandwiches with Cookie Dough Buttercream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fudgy brownie cookies filled with a dreamy cookie dough buttercream. These handheld treats are perfect for parties, gift boxes, or an indulgent snack anytime.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (divided)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat ½ cup of the butter with brown and granulated sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat again until combined.
- Mix dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes.
- Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- To make buttercream, beat remaining ½ cup butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk. Beat until fluffy.
- Once cookies are fully cooled, match by size and pipe or spread buttercream on one cookie. Top with a second cookie to create sandwiches.
Notes
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
- Let cookies cool completely before assembling to prevent melting.
- Chill the assembled cookies for a firmer filling texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: brownie cookies, cookie sandwich, buttercream filling, chocolate dessert, cookie dough frosting
