Introduction:
Looking for a no-bake treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? Look no further than these No-Bake M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs! Combining the irresistible flavors of cookie dough, brownies, and M&M’s, these bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create these indulgent treats, along with tips to make them a standout hit.
Ingredients:
To create these delicious brownie bombs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the cookie dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mini M&M’s
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- For the brownie layer:
- 1 box of brownie mix (and ingredients called for on the box)
- For the chocolate coating:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Vanilla and Milk: Mix in the vanilla extract and milk until well combined.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Ensure the flour is well mixed, but avoid overmixing.
- Fold in M&M’s and Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula, fold in the mini M&M’s and mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Layer
- Bake the Brownies: Follow the instructions on the box to bake the brownies. Allow them to cool completely once baked.
- Crumble the Brownies: Once cooled, crumble the brownies into small pieces in a large bowl.
Step 3: Assemble the Brownie Bombs
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Using a small cookie scoop, form the chilled cookie dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Wrap Brownie Around Cookie Dough: Take a small amount of crumbled brownie and press it flat. Wrap it around the cookie dough ball, ensuring it is completely covered. Repeat until all cookie dough balls are wrapped.
Step 4: Coat in Chocolate
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Dip the Brownie Bombs: Using a fork, dip each brownie bomb into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the bomb on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the Brownie Bombs: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate coating is set.
Serving and Storage Tips for No-Bake M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs:
You’ve made a batch of No-Bake M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs, and now it’s time to serve and store these delectable treats. Here are some tips to help you make the most of them.
Serving Tips:
- Presentation Matters: Arrange the brownie bombs on a decorative plate or a tiered dessert stand for an attractive display. The colorful M&M’s and the glossy chocolate coating will make them visually appealing.
- Serve Chilled: These brownie bombs taste best when served chilled. The firm texture makes them easier to handle and enjoy. Remove them from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly.
- Pair with Beverages: Complement these sweet treats with a variety of beverages. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Portion Size: These treats are rich and decadent, so one or two brownie bombs per person is usually sufficient. If serving at a party, you might want to prepare extra, as they tend to be very popular!
- Add a Garnish: For a special touch, consider adding a garnish. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles can make them even more festive.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store the brownie bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, these brownie bombs freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen brownie bombs in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Keep Cool: When serving at an event or party, keep the brownie bombs cool. If they will be out for an extended period, consider placing them on a chilled platter or serving them in batches to maintain their shape and texture.
- Avoid Humidity: Humidity can affect the texture of the chocolate coating, causing it to become sticky. Store them in a cool, dry place if you need to keep them out of the refrigerator for a short period.
Variations for No-Bake M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs:
No-Bake M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are a hit, but why not experiment with some variations to keep things exciting? Here are a few creative twists on this delightful recipe to suit different tastes and occasions.
1. Peanut Butter Lover’s Brownie Bombs
- Cookie Dough: Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the cookie dough mixture for a rich, nutty flavor. Reduce the butter to 1/4 cup to balance the consistency.
- Mix-Ins: Replace the mini chocolate chips with peanut butter chips, and use peanut M&M’s instead of regular ones.
- Coating: Melt 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of peanut butter chips for the coating.
2. Mint Chocolate Brownie Bombs
- Cookie Dough: Add 1 tsp of peppermint extract to the cookie dough for a refreshing minty twist.
- Mix-Ins: Use white chocolate chips and mint M&M’s (or chopped Andes mints) instead of the mini chocolate chips and regular M&M’s.
- Coating: Use dark chocolate chips for the coating and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top before the chocolate sets.
3. S’mores Brownie Bombs
- Cookie Dough: Add 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs to the cookie dough. Reduce the flour to 3/4 cup to balance the texture.
- Mix-Ins: Use mini marshmallows and milk chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips and M&M’s.
- Coating: Use melted milk chocolate for the coating and sprinkle with additional graham cracker crumbs before the chocolate sets.
4. Salted Caramel Brownie Bombs
- Cookie Dough: Add 1/2 cup of caramel bits to the cookie dough.
- Mix-Ins: Use caramel M&M’s or chop up caramel-filled chocolates.
- Coating: Use semisweet chocolate chips for the coating and sprinkle with sea salt before the chocolate sets.
5. Red Velvet Brownie Bombs
- Cookie Dough: Add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder and 1 tsp of red food coloring to the cookie dough.
- Mix-Ins: Use white chocolate chips and red velvet M&M’s or any red-colored candy pieces.
- Coating: Use white chocolate for the coating and drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a decorative touch.
Conclusion:
No-Bake M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a fun project to do with kids or a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party, these brownie bombs are sure to impress. With their delightful combination of cookie dough, brownies, and chocolate, they’re a treat that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness!
FAQ’s About No-Bake M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs:
1. Can I use store-bought cookie dough for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use store-bought cookie dough to save time. Just make sure it is safe to eat raw, as some cookie doughs are meant to be baked only.
2. What type of brownie mix should I use?
- Any standard box of brownie mix will work for this recipe. Choose your favorite brand and follow the instructions on the box for the best results.
3. How do I ensure the brownie layer is moist and not too dry?
- Avoid overbaking the brownies to keep them moist. Follow the recommended baking time on the box and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
4. Can I substitute the M&M’s with other candies?
- Absolutely! You can use any small candies like Reese’s Pieces, chopped Snickers, or even mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
5. How do I prevent the chocolate coating from becoming too thick?
- Adding a small amount of coconut oil to the melted chocolate helps achieve a smoother, thinner coating. If the coating still seems too thick, you can add more coconut oil, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
6. How long do these brownie bombs last?
- When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the brownie bombs can last up to one week. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months.
7. Can I make these brownie bombs gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free brownie mix and substituting the all-purpose flour in the cookie dough with a gluten-free flour blend.
8. Is there a way to make these brownie bombs vegan?
- To make them vegan, use a vegan brownie mix and replace the butter in the cookie dough with a vegan butter substitute. Also, use plant-based milk and ensure that the chocolate chips and M&M’s (or other candies) are vegan-friendly.
9. What if my cookie dough is too sticky to handle?
- If the cookie dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for an additional 30 minutes. If it’s still too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
10. Can I add other flavors to the cookie dough?
- Yes, you can customize the cookie dough with different flavors. Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract, coconut extract, or even a bit of instant coffee powder for a unique twist.